Small gesture, lasting impression: Cha chaan teng owner’s kindness wins over Korean visitors

What began as a simple request for a souvenir turned into a touching moment at a local cha chaan teng, after the owner surprised a visiting Korean couple with an unexpected gift — though he later downplayed the gesture, according to Sing Tao Probe.

The couple, both content creators, had been dining at the Hong Kong-style café when they took a liking to its distinctive milk tea cups and asked if they could buy one. The owner explained that the cups were supplied by a dairy company and were not for sale.

Sensing their disappointment, the owner later recalled that he had unused cups of the same design in storage. He returned with a pair and offered them free of charge.

The gesture left the couple visibly moved.

 “The woman was especially emotional and was moved to tears,” the owner said. The moment was later shared online by the couple, drawing positive reactions.

In return, the couple bought almond candy from a nearby store as a token of thanks. Though the owner initially declined, he eventually accepted the gesture.

For regular customers, the moment came as little surprise. One patron, who has visited the café for four years, said it is the owner’s warmth and generosity that keep her coming back.

The owner, however, brushed off the attention. He said the gesture was not intended to boost business or attract publicity, but simply to ensure visitors leave Hong Kong with a positive impression.

“There’s no need to be overly calculative when dealing with customers,” he said.

At a time when Hong Kong’s service industry has faced criticism, the owner believes small acts of kindness can still speak volumes — and perhaps leave a lasting impression long after the meal is over.

He said most people in the city’s dining scene are still polite and welcoming, and hopes that by treating customers well, visitors will feel “this is a nice place, and Hong Kong people are friendly,” and want to come back again.