Soft, smooth, creamy are often adjectives used to describe these bright yellow wobbly egg custard sitting atop their crisp buttery cookie crusts lined on a thin aluminum foil.

At a glance they seem like ordinary egg tarts; the usual ones you can get from any bakery for a quick snack be it for breakfast, tea or just to sink the itching teeth in.

However, the contrast is apparent as the teeth sinks into the warm crumbly surface followed by the crunchy bite layering the end. 
The egg custard gives way to reveal a silky and velvety core; hinting at a meticulously baked and well-controlled temperature to produce a texture as such, one that melts upon contact with the tongue and entices the taste buds luring them deeper into another bite to fulfill that fantasy.
It is simply irresistible and before one knows it, you are onto the next bite and another.

It is something an egg tart aficionado would be able to relate to, and perhaps seek, in their ever continuous journey for that perfect match of what rates or rather, tops their increasing standards (or appetites).

It is exceptionally hard to find that desired texture to meet that meticulous taste; that is again something only the egg tart enthusiasts or those on the hunt of the perfect egg tart would understand.

The crust is perhaps the most controversial of time; with groups torn between the light flaky and puffy crust versus the moderately baked cookie bite crust to complement the delicate egg custard.

These fall into the latter category; that had most of their fans swoon over, and even the Governor himself (Chris Patten) was full of praise for this well-baked crunchy crust, naming this "the best egg tart" he had ever tasted.

That was more than enough to convince the crowd as the fans grow rapidly in numbers, with the increase in patrons; queueing even, to get their hands on these lovely sunny tarts.
It was not long before the egg tarts and the bakery catapulted to stardom.

If you were to mention Egg tarts in Hong Kong, you will definitely be pointed in the direction of this place; Tai Cheong Bakery(泰昌餅家). 



This modest bakery started in 1954, in the heart of Hong Kong island; the beating pulse of the financial and commercial hub located in the district of Central.

The first outlet in Lyndhurst Terrace, remains in the hearts of their fan base to this day, which is fondly the first to escape their lips when the name Tai Cheong is mentioned, though today, there are more than 20 outlets to date to expand their famed signature tarts all over the island, Kowloon and the New Territories combined.

There are four outlets on Hong Kong island in total; yet the first and original outlet is still the most patronized, brimming with the enthusiastic tart lovers waiting for the trays to exit the hot ovens daily; a clear sign of their evergreen popularity.

It is highly recommended to have these renowned egg tarts when they are fresh right out of the oven; if possible, for the best experience of the taste, just like how most pastries are anyway.





That smoking heat just does wonders to the texture of the tart; as it melts right where it is supposed to and ultimately the heart, be it for psychological or physical reasons.

You do not have to admit it is the best egg tart like the Governor, but you will not regret enjoying tasting it first when it is hot.



I am not an egg tart connoisseur though my other half is, and even he enjoys the egg tarts though I could merely hear through his mumbles whether it is truly the best he has tasted, but it definitely gained a nod of approval from his preferences.

I am not responsible for promoting this nor if the tarts failed your expectations, but it may be worth a try to quell that curiosity at the very least, won't you say?

Of course, if all fails, there are other options, it is a bakery after all.
I enjoyed their Angel Sponge cake though.

Try these tarts at your own risk, and should you look for one to pin your responsibility on, you might want to try the Governor?





Information:
Tai Cheong Bakery
For list of outlets, please refer to official website here.

Address (Original outlet and the one I went to):
Shop C, G/F, Lyndhurst BLDG 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Opening Hours: 7.30am-9.00pm
(Hours vary for the outlets, please refer to the respective outlets)