"The photo ops at Mabu Cafe start before you even walk into the Hong Kong-style cafe in Chinatown. Cozy up for a group selfie with the Kaws-style statues outside before descending a neon-lit staircase, which feels a bit like falling down Alice’s rabbit hole. Everything here is over the top, from tables made of mahjong tiles to the teddy bear-shaped ice that comes with your milk tea. The oversized menu has a dizzying array of cha chaan teng classics, like a salted egg yolk lava-stuffed french toast topped with a heap of pork floss, baked macaroni casseroles, and souped-up instant noodles. This is carb-heavy, cheesy, saucy comfort food at its finest. Mabu Cafe doesn’t take reservations, and you’ll probably have to wait in a line, but it’s worth it for the fun, photogenic food that actually tastes good. photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte" - Carina Finn
