A Chinese café and kitchen has opened in an off-the-beaten-track location in Reading town centre.
The Me Kong café and kitchen occupies a unit in St Lawrence House in Abbey Square, which can be found on foot either by walking through the Abbey Gate or from Kings Road.
The concept of Me Kong has been described by Bobo, from its marketing team.
They said: “In Hong Kong, the Cha Chaan Teng is more than a café — it’s a meeting point of everyday life. From early mornings to late evenings, people of all ages gather around small tables, sharing meals, conversations, and moments in between. It’s loud, fast, and full of warmth.
“No matter who you are, there’s always a seat for you — a feeling that resonates strongly with Reading, a town known for its welcoming atmosphere and close-knit neighbourhoods where daily life is shaped by familiar faces and shared routines. With its riverside spaces and neighbourhoods that naturally bring people together, Reading offers the same sense of everyday connection.”
This culture was shaped by Hong Kong’s deep historical connection with the UK. Over time, British influences blended naturally with Cantonese traditions, creating a food culture that is uniquely Hong Kong.
In a Cha Chaan Teng, East and West sit side by side — milk tea inspired by British tea culture, Western-style dishes adapted with local flavours, and classic Chinese cooking techniques all coexisting effortlessly.
That sense of cultural balance feels especially at home in Reading, a town celebrated for its diversity, creativity, and ability to bring different communities together with ease.
It has a menu offering which includes stir fry, buns, rice, soup and clay pots.
Bobo explained: “At Me Kong, we want to bring this Cha Chaan Teng spirit to the UK, and Reading felt like the natural place to do so. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about creating a space where people come together.
“In Hong Kong, these cafés have always been places where students, workers, families, and friends share the same space, regardless of background — a reflection of the everyday togetherness found across Reading’s lively streets, independent businesses, and welcoming local neighbourhoods.
“Food plays a powerful role in connecting people, and claypot rice is a dish that naturally invites sharing.
“Slowly cooked in a clay pot, the rice absorbs rich flavours while forming a crispy, fragrant base. When the lid is lifted and steam fills the air, it becomes a moment everyone at the table can enjoy together — simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying, much like the shared experiences that bring people together across Reading’s cafés, markets, and community spaces.
“By bringing Cha Chaan Teng culture to Reading, Me Kong aims to offer more than a meal. We hope to create a welcoming place where people gather, stories are shared, and cultures connect — reflecting Hong Kong’s unique blend of East and West, now experienced here in the UK, and rooted in a town that values openness, warmth, and a strong sense of community.”
Me Kong is closed on Mondays, open during the week from 11am to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm, Saturdays 11am to 9pm and Sundays 11am to 6pm.
