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HONG KONG
Last updated: 20th October 2021
Hong Kong's coffee community is ever-expanding and its rise in independent ventures is only the beginning. We explore some of the newest gems and old-time goodies across Hong Kong to appreciate a good cuppa any day, any time.
The all-white minimal interiors at Preface lend an extra smart and futuristic look as soon as you enter. With stacks of academic and lifestyle magazines, expert tech-savvy baristas catering for your coffee taste profile and dedicated charging points for unlimited gadgets, the venue is far more than just a café. In fact, coffee (and occasionally wine in their Central outlet) just happens to be something they brew aside from knowledge and curious minds, while coding and programming is what they are born for. You are more than welcome to connect with other like minded individuals at one of its regular workshops next time you drop by. — Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Preface, The Loop, G & UG, 33 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2421 0010
If you’re populating your wishlist with the best bakes in Hong Kong, Loft & Scones should be your next go-to. While it's still in its soft-opening, their offerings are exceedingly satisfying – classic scones with a balance of crunch and moist (with homemade fig jam and clotted cream), selections of roll cakes and lemon sponges topped with layers of icing – to name a few. Along with the promising specialty coffee adorned with creative latte art, indulge in a cosy tea break in the loft. — Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Loft & Scone, G/F, 6 Gilman's Bazaar, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6127 5295
Nestled within the luxury grand dame that is the Peninsula, The Peninsula Boutique & Café opened its doors in late May, occupying the basement level and taking a more pared-back approach to coffee and tea appreciation. Decked in opulent emerald green, the intimate space is a modern scene from its upper-level sister lounge, which offers afternoon tea the traditional way. This new spot represents the desserts with more contemporary, experimental recipes, with highlights that include the mini earl grey egg custard mooncake and a 3D-printed dark chocolate lotus in celebration of the upcoming mid-autumn festival. Come and experience the new afternoon set, which includes four savoury and sweet treats, as well as their signature scones, exquisitely prepared by expert chefs and pâtissiers. Pair the set with the legendary Peninsula blend tea or in-house barista-crafted coffees for a full experience, or grab a gift for your dearest from the boutique. — Yoyo Ho, Contributor
The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe, The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Named after the literary legend of tea-making, Basao Tea brewed the tradition of tea into a modern café experience, blending the calming aroma and rich flavours into their offerings. The interior is neatly designed to be calm and cosy, yet Instagrammable with its earthy tones and greeneries. While avocado toast might be your go-to at cafés, this one is unassumingly distinct – adorned with a tea-poached egg with a hint of sweetness. The roll cakes are also phenomenal. Both the Dahongpao and Oolong tea flavours have a perfect balance between the moist sponge cake, lavishly filled tea-infused cream, and mochi cubes – best to opt for the latter if you are more inclined to sweet over roasted notes. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Basao Tea, 16 Pak Sha Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2338 8172
Celebrating its 25th year anniversary, Fuel Espresso is one of the very few espresso bars in Hong Kong and it caters for business professionals in need of top-quality coffee. Originating from a tiny espresso cart from Wellington, New Zealand in 1996, they have since expanded but continue to solely focus on serving the finest espresso. Bringing the essence of Italian coffee to Asia, they curate two signature blends into a wide selection of traditional espresso-based drinks – you can find a white coffee in every perfect ratio here. Their Caffè Latte Minimo is definitely a rare highlight, where it's hardly found in regular cafés. You are always welcome to grab a morning coffee or have a business meeting in their prime locations like ICC, Pacific Place or The Landmark. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Fuel Espresso, multiple locations across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Enclosed in the industrial grey walls along the slope of Mee Lun Street, Sheung Wan, Elixir is a minimalistic neighbourhood café for casual hang-outs in town. They are fond of surprises – regularly offering seasonal pastries and drinks in collaboration with local vendors, or exhibiting talented artists' emerging works – leaving you no excuses not to visit. Highlights include their Osmanthus infused cold brew tonic and assorted scones – available with complimentary CBD drops. — Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Elixir, 9 Mee Lun Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 6083 0915
Tucked away in JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Between Coffee blends in seamlessly with its artful surroundings, with a chic outdoor terrace. The coffee joint recently teamed up with Net-a-Porter for the launch of the Net Goes Green conscious food set, echoing the NET SUSTAIN attributes that they proudly advocate. Unveiling the Net-a-Porter’s signature black box, the plant-based Katsu Sando is served in dark charcoal sliced bread with locally grown sweet potato and kale with togarashi mayo. Complementing the sandwich are two Tofu Cream Cheese Vegan Tarts adorned with white chocolate drizzled. Grab your set with their black-and-white Sesame Mountain - coconut milk latte topped with black sesame paste, available from now till September 26, 2021. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Between, 2/F, JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2877 8711
Unveiling their second outlet in Happy Valley, Coffeelin brings a Milanese flair to the Hong Kong specialty coffee scene sourcing their single-origin beans from roasting master, Torrefazione Griso Roastery. To push the concept further, they are turning this new outlet into a coffee bar, introducing coffee-infused cocktails and flavourful whisky for a complete Italian escape. Diligently designed by JJ. Acuña, you will find yourself marvelling at the stylish palazzo aesthetic with dark green tiles and antique mirrors, bringing you back to your holiday Milanese neighbourhood coffee shop. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Coffeelin, G/F, 8 Cheong Ming Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
The most recent venture of Knockbox in Wan Chai is set to transform the café landscape, offering higher accessibility and more diversified senses in coffee tasting. Proudly presenting their expertise in sourcing, roasting and brewing, they intend to foster real connections with customers with their centred bar whilst carefully preparing your chosen hand drip. Apart from their classic fish and chips, new menus are developed regularly in collaboration with infamous chefs or products to curate the indulgent dishes, like our favourite Beyond Beef pasta with feta cheese, pictured above. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Knockbox Café, 3 Burrows Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Sheung Wan, Clean is a newly opened part coffee bar part laundry shop on a mission to demystify the concept of sustainability. The menu is simple but sufficient, focusing on ethically sourced, premium coffee beans and healthy refreshments. Unlike every other café out there, Clean uses plant-based milk as the default option, whereas dairy milk is only available upon request and at an additional charge.
Slow down and kick back while your clothes wash and tumble, with a specially curated single-origin hand drip, or a house blend drink like the popular iced Sesame Latte. – Jasmin Woolf, Contributor
Clean, G/F, 100 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
While Revol's black and minimalist interior might catch your eye at first glance, they bring a touch of colour and diversity in their vibrant food and beverage options. Two single-origin blends, nutty or fruity, and innovative dishes, namely the smoked salmon beetroot chill pasta, are perfect for your busy mornings or a relaxed tea ceremonial afternoon. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Revol, G/F, Shop No. 2, 208 Johnston, 206-212 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
As a newcomer to the artsy Sheung Wan district, Mixo is grasping the attention of its ever-changing offerings. Not only do they specialise in coffee, offering four single-origin blends and other refreshing beverages, they are also offering Yakitori Omakase tasting menus by night. Pay a visit to this Tai Ping Shan Street for a unique day-to-night experience. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Mixo, G/F, 26 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Although Classified features several outposts across Hong Kong, we often revert back to its Sheung Wan outpost, a neighbourhood café that invites returning coffee lovers. It's recently revamped a new set of menus, blending time-honoured dishes with South-East Asian flairs. All-day offerings like tofu florentine with peanut butter chocolate smoothies to the crispy chicken burger and the indulgent beef pho are ideal for catering to all types of palettes. – Yoyo Ho, Contributor
Classified, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong