Old Kowloon Cafe

Serving up Hong Kong street culture

Hong Kong-style Western diners began in the 1950s from the British tea obsession during colonisation. “Lai cha” or milk tea – a concoction of Ceylon tea, milk and sugar, brewed in a specific way – is now an icon for all Hong Kong locals.

Not like the many pre-packed imitations on the shelves, Old Kowloon wished to bring this special tea to Auckland. Setting up as a small stall in a busy food court, the stall needed presence and familiarity to the Hong Kong origins. The logo is drawn from the colourful neon signs that hangs off the many high rises across the city with nostalgic graphic references to vintage diner’s menu.

Working alongside architectural firm 10×10, a slice of vintage Hong Kong was created in the middle of a food court in Auckland.