Capital Cafe
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food and beverage |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Swadiq Khan |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong, Macau |
Key people | Swadiq Khan, Eddie Pang, Edmond Leung |
| Products | Milk tea, red bean ice, French toast, instant noodles, scrambled eggs, Principal's Toast |
Capital Cafe, also identified as Wah Sing Bing Sutt and Chrisly Cafe in Macau, represents a classic Hong Kong-style eatery that specializes in Western-inspired beverages and light fare, including milk tea, red bean ice, French toast, and instant noodles. Its concept draws heavily from the bing sutt tradition that originated in the 1950s.
History
Established in 2010 in Wan Chai by Swadiq Khan, a former staff member of Capital Artists Music Limited, Capital Cafe honors the legendary record label from the 1970s and 1980s. The brand subsequently grew with outlets opening in Shau Kei Wan (2011), Mong Kok (2012), and its inaugural international branch launched in Macau (2014).
Swadiq Khan co-manages the venture alongside Hong Kong singers Eddie Pang and Edmond Leung, utilizing their entertainment backgrounds to generate considerable media exposure. In 2011, Khan collaborated with investors from mainland China to establish two locations in Guangzhou; however, he withdrew in 2012 following disagreements concerning food standards and staff welfare.
Characteristics
Capital Café is particularly celebrated for its scrambled eggs prepared using 3.6 Hokkaido milk combined with butter, which contributes to its unique taste profile. Another hallmark dish is the "Principal's Toast," a toasted bread topped with cheese and black truffle, named after singer Alan Tam, known by the moniker "Principal."
The scrambled eggs have been likened to those served at the Australia Dairy Company, as several experienced chefs formerly worked there.
The café’s décor evokes the atmosphere of 1970s Hong Kong, featuring ceiling fans, tiled flooring, and wooden furnishings. Founded by an ex-employee of Capital Artists Music Limited, it showcases posters of renowned Hong Kong celebrities alongside vintage records and memorabilia from concerts. Frequent visits by pop icons have resulted in a blackboard where these celebrities autograph their names.
Recent news
In July 2014, Swadiq Khan acquired YFCMD, a club competing in the Hong Kong First Division Football League, with Capital Café’s logo prominently displayed on the team’s training gear.
By October 2014, Capital Café collaborated with Levi's Hong Kong for the Live in Levi's campaign. The Wan Chai location was converted into a temporary store adorned with denim-themed decorations, while staff uniforms were updated to reflect Levi's apparel. Additionally, the café introduced Levi's Toast—a tomato and cheese creation inspired by Levi’s signature colors—connecting the brand with Capital Café’s popular menu items.