Clinking glasses filled with milk tea, savory noodles, and a nostalgic atmosphere. The franchise restaurant Sing Choi Kee, which originated in the New York neighborhoods Flushing and West Nyack, had made its way to Malden. The new restaurant opened on January 30th of 2026.
Sing Choi Kee is a cha chaan teng, or a “tea restaurant” but also refers to a Hong Kong style cafe; a common cafe style in many places in China where the atmosphere and decorations are a retro or an eclectic theme, taking customers back into the past. Not only are the decorations part of the style but also the food, which has European but mainly British influence due to the colonization of China in the past. Cha chaan tengs were developed around the 1950s-60s as an affordable, accessible version of British-style cafes for local residents.
Upon its opening, it has already erupted in popularity among Malden citizens as the restaurant is filled with new and returning customers everyday. As you step into the restaurant, it is busy, bright and filled with bold colors, creating its fast paced environment, where each staff member is making sure that customers are enjoying their time.
Senior Moon To believes that the restaurant is a great addition to Malden, as it especially resonates with the many Chinese residents, adding that “it’s not like anything we have here…it’s a bright and refreshing place that is also convenient and right next to the high school.”
Although it is not a dish, To’s favorite item on the menu is the Hong Kong milk tea, saying that “it had a bold aroma and it wasn’t overpowered by milk, it was a very smooth drink.” She would recommend it for those who “aren’t big fans of boba milk tea or other boba chains” because of the “sweetness or milky flavor, since it’s super concentrated with the tea flavor.” She continued to add that the food is “hearty and versatile in itself, and it reminds me of home in Hong Kong!”
To mentioned that the interior of Sing Choi Kee reminds her of another cafe in Quincy called Bayao; “the interior is very similar in the way that it’s bright, and in your face, something that is interesting and it’s not dull at all.” Being heavily involved in social media and finding joy in taking photos, “having food that is fun but also appealing to the eye is something that I really like,” To exclaimed.
Junior Ryan Huang had heard about its opening from classmates and encouraged him to try some of the items and felt “glad they opened in Malden Center.” Following up by mentioning it “gives fresh new tastes and treats for the community.” Huang’s favorite item on the menu was the sliced beef over rice with zao po vinegar soup, commenting how “it can really warm you up on a cold day,” and he recommends getting it.
After a busy day filled with tests, junior Henry Xue saw that Sing Choi Kee was open and decided to try it out. “I think it’s good to see more places like Sing Choi Kee opening up, because it gives our community more options and supports our diverse group.” He highlighted the uniqueness of the restaurant as he hasn’t “seen most of the dishes they serve offered anywhere else nearby.”
His favorite item on the menu is the ice cream pineapple bun because “of the hot and cold sensation you get after each bite,” and would advise ordering it.
Likewise, Huang also thought that the restaurant’s uniqueness of the cuisine, food combinations, and flavors “found in its menu makes it stand out compared to other restaurants.” He also enjoyed the ice cream pineapple bun and found it to be “ a surprisingly good combination!”
Malden Catholic sophomore Emily Pham found out about Sing Choi Kee as her friend had recommended it to her. “I think it’s great that we have many small businesses opening in Malden, especially Asian cuisine.” Pham’s favorite item on the menu was the black pepper noodles and adds that the restaurant is “very friendly and welcoming towards teenagers.”
Junior Rosalyn Ruan found out about the place while walking by Malden Center and got excited because she “had previously tried the same restaurant back in New York” so she was “really hopeful about it.” Ruan stated that the restaurant’s environment is “very nice, it’s clean and pretty quick, I feel like it’s also an easy place for people who are trying it for the first time.” Her favorite item on the menu is the slippery eggs on rice dish with char siu (roasted pork).
“I enjoy having a place like Sing Choi Kee in Malden; it’s kind of a new aspect on cultural food while still being reminiscent to many students at Malden High with the old school Hong Kong aesthetic and dishes,” Ruan continued. Like others, she definitely “would recommend this to other students,” adding that the “menu and the options are easy to navigate and the overall experience isn’t overwhelming.”
Interested in Sing Choi Kee? Check it out in Malden Center on 7 Pleasant Street.
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