Hong Kong bargain hunters have discovered a hidden gem at IKEA, where the Swedish furniture giant is serving up an astonishingly affordable afternoon tea menu starting at just HK$23, complete with unlimited beverage refills.
The revelation came when a local diner, posting under the handle Seahorsebb_hoho on social media platform Threads, shared photographs of the surprise menu available at select IKEA Swedish Restaurant locations. The post, titled “Is IKEA afternoon tea too cheap?”, quickly ignited a firestorm of excitement among cost-conscious food lovers across the city.
Available exclusively at IKEA’s Kowloon Bay, Sha Tin, and Tsuen Wan outlets, the afternoon tea promotion runs from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays. Remarkably, the same wallet-friendly prices apply whether customers choose to dine in or take away.
A Menu That Rivals Local Cha Chaan Tengs
The afternoon tea selection is surprisingly diverse for its price point. Diners can choose from:
- Peanut butter French toast (HK$23) – a beloved Hong Kong classic
- Grilled chicken leg with potato salad – a hearty, protein-packed option
- Blueberry and cranberry cheesecake – ideal for those seeking a lighter bite
- Two whole chicken wings with salad – perfect for poultry enthusiasts
Each set comes with unlimited refills on beverages, a perk rarely seen at this price level. For just an additional HK$1, customers can upgrade to a jumbo-sized coffee to take away, a detail that has particularly delighted caffeine seekers.
‘Keep This Afternoon Tea, I Really Like It’
The original poster shared her personal experience with genuine enthusiasm. Having been pressed for time, she took advantage of the HK$1 coffee upgrade, filling an oversized cup before dashing off. She also noted that fellow diners around her were enjoying generously portioned fried chicken legs, vowing to try them on her next visit.
“Please keep this afternoon tea menu. I really, really like it,” she wrote, capturing the sentiment of many who have stumbled upon the deal.
One commenter who had previously sampled the spread offered a glowing review, describing the French toast as “unassuming in appearance but bursting with gooey peanut butter filling” and noting the satisfying crunch of crushed peanuts. “This afternoon tea is genuinely good – cha chaan teng quality at the best price in Hong Kong,” they declared.
However, not every response was entirely positive. A self-proclaimed “sweet tooth” lamented that the French toast set only comes with one small packet each of butter and syrup, complaining, “You can’t achieve syrup freedom with just one serving.”
Other voices pushed back against the hype, arguing that HK$23 for French toast is comparable to what local tea restaurants charge. The debate has only fuelled further interest.
Family-Friendly Pricing with a Kids’ Menu
Beyond the adult offerings, IKEA also provides a HK$23 children’s meal during the same afternoon hours. The kid-friendly option includes crispy chicken fillets, mashed potatoes, and a fruit-flavoured drink with free refills, making it an attractive choice for parents looking to feed little ones without breaking the bank.
What This Means for Hong Kong’s Dining Scene
The emergence of this IKEA afternoon tea deal comes at a time when Hong Kongers are increasingly sensitive to dining costs amidst ongoing economic pressures. With cha chaan teng prices steadily climbing, the Swedish furniture retailer’s bold pricing strategy positions it as an unexpected competitor in the city’s fiercely competitive casual dining market.
Industry observers note that IKEA’s move could pressure other food outlets to revisit their own afternoon tea offerings. The combination of low entry prices, unlimited drinks, and no price difference between takeaway and dine-in sets a new benchmark for value in Hong Kong’s food scene.
For those eager to try the deal, remember: it is currently limited to just three locations during weekday afternoons only. Given the viral attention, early visits are advised before queues potentially form. Whether you are furnishing a home or simply seeking an affordable meal, IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant may have just become your new go-to spot for afternoon tea.