TLDR
Authentic HK-style cafe serving nostalgic comfort classics and affordable breakfasts. A must-visit local secret for toasted milk bread sandwiches and hearty noodle bowls.
Details
A cherished hidden gem offering authentic Hong Kong-style comfort food, this spot is celebrated as a go-to for breakfast and affordable, classic dishes [1], [2]. The menu features a variety of nostalgic staples ranging from sandwiches on toasted milk bread to hearty noodle soups [3], [4]. While it has gained popularity as a secret favorite, it remains a beloved, budget-friendly destination for locals [1], [5].
Food Overview
Specializing in Hong Kong-style diner fare, the restaurant is frequently praised for its breakfast sets, milk tea, and lemon tea [1], [3], [5]. Popular savory items include the chicken chop, spam and egg sandwiches, and curry beef stew, though some customers note that specific dishes like the soy sauce chow mein do not contain meat [1], [2], [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended items include the chicken chop, spam and egg sandwich, Hong Kong milk tea, and various noodle dishes like beef rice noodle (Ho Fun) and ham macaroni [2], [3], [4], [5]."
Customer Sentiment
Patrons overwhelmingly adore this spot for its nostalgic atmosphere, delicious comfort food, and exceptional value [1], [5]. While some debate the normalization of prices compared to modern chains, the general consensus is highly positive and protective of its reputation as a local gem [1], [6].
Caveats
The restaurant is closed on Sundays due to Sabbath observance [8]. Additionally, it is a cash-only establishment [7].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About S. WAN CAFE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recommendation For Early Morming In Manhattan
"Recommended as a place for Hong Kong-style breakfast in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Best Rice Crepesbanh Cuon In Chinatown
"This user lists S Wan Cafe as one of several places in Chinatown that serve rice noodles."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"The user praised S Wan Cafe for its beef chow fun, Hong Kong milk tea and coffee combo, and incredibly low prices, describing it as a place with lots of love."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user recommended S Wan Cafe, particularly the chicken chop, and noted that it is closed on Sundays due to Sabbath observance."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"The user described S Wan Cafe as their favorite breakfast spot in NYC and a gem."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user expressed that the food from S Wan Cafe looks amazing."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"In response to a correction, the user admitted they made a mistake and that the dish pictured was indeed chicken chop, not pork chop."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"The original poster corrected themselves, admitting that the pictured dish was chicken chop, not pork chop, and thanked the commenter for the correction."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user questioned if the dish pictured was pork chop, suggesting it looked more like chicken and lacked sauce. They preferred pork chop with onion from Big Wong in Chinatown."
NegativeFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"In response to a payment query, the user confirmed that S Wan Cafe is cash only."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"The user's order at S Wan Cafe consists of curry fish balls and soy sauce noodles."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user commented that 'yuppies and hipsters' prefer to pay more for items like tacos or pizza, and suggested that $10 for a lunch item should be considered normal."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user commented that the prices at S Wan Cafe, while seemingly low, are unfortunately becoming normalized due to market trends."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user expressed gratitude for the information provided about S Wan Cafe."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user stated they would check out S Wan Cafe the next time they are in the area."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user asked if S Wan Cafe is cash only."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user highly recommends the Chinese sausage fried rice at S Wan Cafe."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user recalled S Wan Cafe (or a similar establishment under a different name) being a popular after-school snack spot in the early 2000s, and is glad the Hong Kong style fast food concept continues."
PositiveFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user asked for information about the sandwiches offered at S Wan Cafe."
NeutralFrom post: S Wan Cafes Pork Chop With Onions Over Rice For
"This user highlighted several S-tier dishes at S Wan Cafe, recommending the chicken chop with soy sauce noodles, mushroom chicken on rice, choy sum beef with rice, and curry beef stew on spaghetti."
Positive