Dim sum is a morning meal, and the cha chaan teng is the local diner

Traditional dim sum restaurants serve from early morning until early afternoon; by 9 a.m. on a weekend the big ones in Sheung Wan and Wan Chai are full of families and the trolleys are moving. Pour tea for others before yourself; tapping two fingers on the table says thank you. For a cheap meal any time, a cha chaan teng diner serves milk tea, pineapple buns, macaroni soup, and baked rice; expect to share a table at busy hours. Egg waffles and curry fish balls are the street snacks.