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EM STAR CAFE

Updated

Phone: (646) 506-8008

Address: 19 DIVISION STREET 10002

TLDR

A nostalgic Hong Kong-style diner in Chinatown known for affordable, hearty comfort food and classic breakfast sets.

Reddit Sentiment for EM STAR CAFE(based on 25 Reddit opinions)

64% Positive24% Neutral12% Negative

Tags

chinese 12hong kong style 5hong kong 5rice rolls 3congee 3milk tea 3View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

Lucas Sin Is Taking Over a Chinatown Diner
positive

Chef Lucas Sin is set to take over the beloved Chinatown cha chaan teng M Star Cafe, transforming it into his new project, Lok Kee, while preserving its traditional spirit and massive menu.

Michael Harlan Turkell • Sep 2, 2026
Read More →
Grubstreet

Details

This Chinatown institution serves as a traditional Hong Kong-style diner featuring an extensive menu of comfort classics [1]. While widely praised for its authentic breakfast offerings and hearty dishes [2], recent feedback indicates a potential decline in food quality [3]. The space is notably transitioning to a new concept while aiming to preserve its iconic character and core menu staples [1].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on authentic HK-style comfort food, with highlights like congee, cheung fun, and macaroni-and-ham soup [1], [2]. Customers find the fried cruellers and soy milk to be a satisfying combination [2], while some caution against items like the beef satay soup noodles [3].

Customer Sentiment

Patrons generally appreciate the friendly service and excellent value of this casual eatery [2], though some recent reports point toward inconsistent quality [3].

Most Mentioned Dishes

  • 01
    rice rolls
    2 mentions

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About EM STAR CAFE

An excellent entry point detailing a positive experience with the cafe's HK-style breakfast, including specific mentions of the congee, rice rolls, and soy milk.
This thread highlights the appeal of the cafe's casual comfort food over high-end alternatives, featuring reviews for baked fried rice and milk tea.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Looking For Hong Kongstyle Portuguese Chicken In

"This user advises avoiding M Star Cafe, stating that their food quality has declined significantly since the previous year."

Negative
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Hong Kongstyle Portuguese Chicken In

"This restaurant is mentioned positively alongside 88 Canteen as a place that commonly serves the requested dish."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Rice Crepesbanh Cuon In Chinatown

"This user lists M Star Cafe as one of several places in Chinatown that serve rice noodles."

Neutral
May 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Mabu Vs Kong Sikh Tong For Hk Diner Food In Nyc

"This user enjoys M STAR and specifically mentions their great rice rolls."

Positive
Jan 31, 2026View Comment →

From post: Mabu Vs Kong Sikh Tong For Hk Diner Food In Nyc

"This commenter enthusiastically recommends M STAR."

Positive
Jan 31, 2026View Comment →

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