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Home > Dining > Food > Cafe watch: Where to get your cup of coffee this November 2021
Cafe watch: Where to get your cup of coffee this November 2021

An updated list on where to get your coffee fix.

We’re with you. Catching up with cafe openings in Hong Kong is no easy feat; a never-ending stream of new-and-newer spots constantly popping up. Take a break from your usual cafe haunt and savour a cuppa from someplace new. Make a day out of it. Cross over to the Kowloon side. Go on an adventure. Should you need a little inspiration, this list will keep you in the loop. Check back for updates!

November

First Stage Cafe

Just from its tucked away location in Tuen Mun, you already know First Stage Cafe is one designed for a slow afternoon escapes from the city. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and outdoor seating, even a railway track for train-spotting throughout the day. Go for a something different rather than your usual as you settle into the perfect sun spot: Monday Blue, a light fizzy soda and the delectable selection of light baked treats –– Earl Grey chiffon topped with figs.

First Stage Cafe, Shop G07, Eight Regency, 8 Leung Tak Street, Tuen Mun, New Territories

Goof

Cafes in Hong Kong is more than simple cup of coffee; a good thing considering it has brought to us beautiful venues like Goof in Jordan, a minimalistic nook spotted only by the anthropomorphised ‘G’ initial logo in bubble font (see it laying comfortably on its side it in the green icon above!). While they take their coffee seriously, it doesn’t mean its no fun –– macchiato topped with honeycomb crumbs or hot chocolate topped with a giant marshmallows. The food here is also a favourite, especially the garlic honey panini, the lollipop tiramisu croffle on a stick and lemon curd pound cake.

Goof, G/F, Man King Building, 32 Man Wui Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tera

You might mistake Tera for yet another cafe on Temple Street, but they do more than just another Americano here. There’s serve soft and fluffy soufflé pancakes that are exactly like the ones you’ll find at authentic Japanese spots and a range of French-inspired desserts –– parfaits; Madeleines –– that match the minimalistic, elegant interiors. A perfect spot to while away a lazy Saturday afternoon. We’ll definitely make the trip over for the yuzu matcha soufflé pancake (served limited daily!), or the yuzu Madeleines, baked fresh every morning.

Tera, 273 Temple Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Half & Half

The concept of Half & Half is clear in its name: a menu shared between hot chocolate and coffee brews. According to this Sai Ying Pun spot, the philosophies behind a good cup of chocolate or coffee are very similar makes. In its brew, the beans and how each are meticulously roasted to bring out distinct blends and flavours. As you savour your personalised cuppa, especially in these cooler climes, dive into a sweet pastry menu prepared by Heijau Pastisserie. The rotation usually changes seasonally, for the autumn season though, enjoy an orange and pumpkin dacquoise, garnished with a cinnamon pecans.

Half & Half, 20 Pok Fu Lam Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

COFF

If the cakes, cookies and delicious baked croissants are just as important as your cup of coffee, pay a visit to Star Street’s newest COFF, who dutifully understands. It gets its name from the two things it does best: Coffee and Croffle, the infamous croissant waffle that has taken over almost all cafe menus in Hong Kong. And then a third, which ties both treats into one delicious bite: home-made ice cream in four different flavours, Earl Grey, Mascarpone Cheese, Mixed Berries and Hazelnut Chocolate. It’ll be a delicious afternoon whatever you get –– an affogato, or ice cream croffle, and of course, don’t forget the coffee.

Coff, Shop K, G/F, 2E Starstreet, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 9663 1350

October

Nobis Cafe

Three simple things make up Nobis Cafe: Fresh dessert, artisanal coffee and music. A shot of whiskey too, if that’s more your choice of afternoon drink. While specialist pour-overs are main orders here, its the homemade creation, a sweet lotus Biscoff affogato, that patrons make their visit for. Also the pastries, prepared by Frenchie Toquée. We say go for the vanilla choux stuffed to the edge of its flaky, crumbly crust or the rich chocolate tigré. Their bottled earl grey milk tea is also a favourite; so take one to go on a sunny day.

Nobis, G/F, Nam Fung Mansion, 10G Boundary Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Pelotin Cafe

Pelotin is not just a cafe, it’s also an outdoor supply stores for camping trips and cycling essentials. Keeping on track with the cycling theme, Pelotin, defined as the main group of riders during a road race, is fitted with apt emblems within its interior: cycling saddles as stools, an outdoor bike rack, action posters of a mid-cliff climb and not to mention the wall-mounted bike on the walls. Even the logo itself is reminiscent of a bike track. No sign of the titular stationary bike, though. But if its not helmets, rucksacks and professional suits you’re after, go for the Western-style menu ––caviar, foie gras and avocado pancake, fresh-baked apple crumble, handmade pasta and all day breakfast –– and, of course, well-brewed coffee. The earl grey chocolate or dirty coconut are delicious options.

Pelotin Coffee, Shop G14, G/F, Regency Bay, 23 Hoi Wong Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong

Everyday Coffee

If there’s one thing that Everyday Coffee guarantees, is that you’re going to be paying a visit to this convenient Sheung Wan spot every single day of the week. Striking black and yellow interiors aside, the pet-friendly cafe serves up light bites, matcha roll or keto lemon tart depending on the day, along with a conventional coffee menu –– classic americanos, cold brews and mochas. There are some house-made specials dotted on the menus too, should you be craving for something a little different: Valrhona chocolate 65%, matcha latte and a cryptically unique ‘1+1=3’. Time to make the journey to find out.

Everyday Coffee, Shop 2, G/F, 308 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Chart Coffee

Navigating the Central Market can be exhausting. So when you do need to catch a break, stop and pause at the new Chart Coffee, a grab-and-go counter stocked with all the tasty essentials. A cup of beautifully brewed coffee with artisanal blends. An icy speciality beverage –– the hojicha latte is said to be delicious. Scrummy baked goods like waffles or canelés. Chart Coffee also finishes the cups with adorable latte art (pictured above is a bunny and koala) by expert latte artist Wilson Chung. Perfect for pictures if you manage to find a spot of open surface.

Chart Coffee, Shop 218, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Yukkuri

Yukkuri might not be shiny and brand new, but the bookings at this Kowloon City cafe are elusive and while they have a couple spots open for October, it’s worth a quick mention. Crossing fingers you manage to wrangle a slot! Self-proclaimed as a Japanese dougya, Japanese for “second-hand curio chop”, the interiors are decorated with an eclectic selection of collectables and knick knacks scattered among the cosy, dark-wood space. It’s also a food lab, which in addition of expert cups of coffee, are photogenic cakes and tarts that fit perfectly into the space of curiosities. A towering chestnut lemon tart and platter of bite-size cakes: lychee rose, yuzu miso and tofu cream puffs.

Reservations for Yukkuri can be made here.

Yukkuri, G/F 424 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong

September

Flash

If it’s not a cup of Flash Coffee’s caffeine that’ll jolt you awake in an instant, then it’s probably the coffee-chain’s bright, signature swipe of highlighter yellow or the ‘F’ initial logo that resembles a lightening bolt mid-strike. The Singapore-based, “tech-enabled” chain makes its first foray into Hong Kong with intentions to “digitalise today’s offline coffee industry” via a ‘grab-and-go’ model that is entirely online and app-based. It’s what gave Flash its springboard to popularity, now with over 100 locations across Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia since founding in January 2020. But don’t expect niche blends and curated brews here, Flash’s menu, while made with 100% Arabica, slow-roasted beans, operates on fun flavour combinations, including a Nutella cold brew and a Hong Kong limited, Hong Kong-style Milk Butter toast latte, made with a swirl of creamy peanut butter.

Flash Coffee, Shop 5, G/F, Golden Centre, 188 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Duet Cups

Like so many cafe hybrids concepts ideated of late, Duet Cups at Hung Hom operates, first, as a dedicated single origin espresso coffee bar, and then, a contemporary hair salon. Aside from a honest cup of coffee, brewed with specialty beans that are sourced differently every week, the cafe side of Duet Cups also serves up a delicious array of comfort eats: crispy croffle served with a whisky ice cream, a Nyonya Prawn Laksa twist made with Fettuccine and open-face sourdough sandwiches. So, any time your go-to barber is asking for a longer wait time before your trim, best do it at Duet Cups and enjoy a delicious cuppa while you’re at it.

Duet Cups, Shop 28, Pebbles World, 120 Baker Street, Whampoa, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tuned

Not only will you expect to find a beautifully brewed cup of coffee housed within the dainty interiors of Tuned, but the cafe is also behind some photogenic desserts that pairs perfectly with their house brews. The Sea Shell Waffle is one, served with caramelised banana and custard ice cream. Another would be the Montblanc, layered in a teacup with ice cream and sponge cake under creamy chestnut ribbons. Or the earl grey pudding, soaked in a bed of caramel sauce and topped with a slice of fig. Go beyond your usual cup and sample the cafe’s specially made Fruiticano, while you’re here –– a house-blended espresso topped with sweet pineapple slushie, a slice of dried pineapple and a rosemary sprig.

Tuned Coffee, Shop B, Hung Tak Building, 163 -163A Sai Yee Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Chokohood

This entry is a little bit of a cheat. Chokohood, lovingly named after the nostalgic hot chocolate days from childhood, doesn’t focus on the true form of coffee. Rather it shifts its lens to a specialised menu of drinking chocolate. A rich, indulgent cup on its own, sometimes infused with tea, carbonated with a refreshing fizz. Or spiked with a shot of espresso –– thus finding its place upon this list. There’s also a tasty selection of home-baked treats, all made with the cafe’s selection of specially sourced single organ cacao. If you’re asking for our order, it’ll be a cup of the hot Ecuador 72% chocolate with a nibble of the fresh-baked Madeline.

Chokohood, Shop 92(E), G/F, 90-96 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Ppalli Ppalli

Bookmark this one for the the next time you find yourself in the centre of Sham Shui Po’s Coffeeshop District. Except, Ppalli Ppalli, a Korean expression for “Hurry Hurry”, is not your typical photogenic stark white, artistic interiors made with Instagram in mind. Instead, Ppalli Ppalli plays to a theme. More specifically, a cyber spaceship that’s set to let the “Good Times Roll”. Fitted with sleek chromatic panels, neon-lit accents and a light-up wall installation, the cafe resembles more of like the waiting area of Disney’s Space Mountain (a good thing!) than a casual eatery serving a Korean-Italian menu designed by Marco Livoti of Holy Cannoli. Rest assured, though, the food is delicious –– wagyu cheek sourdough with house Kimchi butter, Yukhoe Toast beef tartare, ‘8282’ kimchi pancake and sweet Samsaek Perdu, a classic pains au lait with seasonal fruit and chocolate mousse –– and beverages, refreshing –– strong cups of coffee and a proud Korean craft beer selection.

Ppalli Ppalli, 230 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2982 8219

August

Kremaro Coffee

You won’t miss Kremaro Coffee; it’s designed as an aluminium train carriage wedged between local brick-and-mortars on Cannon Street, indicated by a bright green sign post. The takeaway spot serves up a range of caffeinated favourites for all morning cravings, but its their speciality drinks worth talking about: Cascara soda, a fizzy beverage made with the skin and pulp of coffee berries; a decadent Hoji-matcha latte; and arguably the most tempting of all, a rich hot chocolate, served with toasted marshmallows and crushed almonds to your liking. Should you long for a treat to dunk into your cuppa, Kremaro also serves a chunky ‘cold cookie’ stuffed with cream cheese.

Kremaro Coffee, 2 Cannon Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Clean

There have been a string coffee shop-hybrids of late; ones that double as shisha bars come evening, others as all-day hair salons. In an unexpected stride that turns out to actually be quite ingenious, Clean, a new pastel cafe on Queen’s Road West, is a cafe-laundromat anchored on messages of being clean — naturally — and sustainable. Apart from a conscious choice on the retro-inspired machines and laundry detergent used, every brew on the cafe side of the menu is made with ethically sourced Rainforest Alliance Certified or Direct Trade coffee beans and only plant-based milk. Dairy milk, in a switch-a-roo move, is only available at an additional charge.

Clean, 100 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Soul

To those whose existence is entirely dependent on coffee, Soul is the place to reawaken your caffeinated spirit. Amongst the range of fail-safe favourites, in particular the summer favourite coffee tonic, it is one Crispy Mocha that gives this spot its ‘must-visit’ mark. It’s your typical oat milk mocha — stirred in with rich, house-blended chocolate — served within a not-so-typical ‘Cuppee Cone’, a crispy wafter shell moulded as a typical takeaway cup. The intended way of enjoying? A sip of the cafe’s velvety brew with a snap off the crunchy edge.

Soul, UG/F, The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Natura

With a swift revamp in menu and décor, Natura is set to unveil its second debut — this time in the theme of summer. Dubbed ‘Cen-Tree Rings’, the rehaul is created in collaboration with eco-social enterprise HK Timberbank in hopes to raise awareness of tree conservation in Hong Kong. Tablewares and the artistically hung installations are remade with local historical trees, while the floral bouquets are arranged in imitation of various trees — the “Islands in the Sky” above the coffee bar nods to the Chinese banyan tree, while another is an ode to the summer Cassia Javanica tree. As for the flexitarian plates, expect a range of limited-edition vegan cakes and pastries by local patisserie Koke Lab and a highlight on Japanese seasonal produce with inspired plates — the unagi and egg waffle along with the seared akami-tuna sourdough are tasty samplers.

Natura, Shop 1&2, G/F, 8 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2816 1601

Pedestrian Coffee

The thing about Pedestrian Coffee is that it’s simply just — a cafe serving exquisite brews made for pedestrians on-the-go. There’s no hour-long waits for a table and snazzy photo spots — although the monochromatic black-and-white palette of the industrial-esque design is unintentionally striking — but instead prefers hasty duck-ins for a fresh cuppa. Or bagels and cookies from Brikery Bread and Twinkle Cookies. It’s a cafe designed for ease; for whenever anyone is in need of a mind-jolting pick-me-up.

Pedestrian Coffee, Solo Avenue, 6-10 Sun Wui Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

July

Latter

Latter, in all its chic, French-inspired ambience, is a pretty, pastel-yellow love-letter to quaint Parisian cafes in busy arrondissements. A cup of latte shouldn’t be missed whenever you visit, being a literal part of the cafes name, but neither are the special pastries: the crème brûlée basque burnt cheesecake is one, and the salted caramel butter scone, is another. And the mango sticky rice chiffon; a perfect accompaniment to icy brews. An afternoon, and then one more, will be well spent each and every time.

Latter, G/F, Shop E, Kam Sing Mansion, 151-161 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Hjem

There’s little that truly captures the essence of Scandi slow living like Hjem, the new Nordic-inspired cafe from Common Abode in Tai Ping Shan. The Norwegian word for ‘home’, Hjem offers a comforting solace — a moment’s peace from the busy neighbouring SoHo — with authentic Nordic serves prepared by Scandinavian chef, Jaakko Sorsa. Favourites include the Smørrebrød (open face sandwiches overflowing with tasty toppings), smoked seafood and meatballs. Of course, it goes without saying that the coffee here are stellar, too, infused with flavour profiles that are akin to brews enjoyed in Norway: honey milk golden latte or lemon & raspberry posset affogato, and transformed into tasty cocktails (re: Cinnamon Bun Espresso Martini)– come evening.

“Hjem is a way of keeping home close to me wherever I may be. I wanted to share with guests the same comfort that I felt growing up with Nordic cuisine as I trace my roots through authentic Nordic delights, with the hope that everybody can call Hjem home.”

Elin Fu, Co-Founder of Common Abode

Hjem, 161 Hollywood Road, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan Hong Kong, +852 2362 9193

Mixo

Don’t be put off by the uphill climb to Mixo; the view from the top (especially on the second floor balcony of the cafe) will be so worth it. The latest Sheung Wan spot is the perfect midday pit-stop after a stroll around nearby shops. Have a taster of the all-day brunch menu — the scrambled egg-white crab meat toast is a winner — along with a satisfying sip of the well-balanced brews from a choice of four types of beans: Colombia Natural, Mexico Anaerobic Honey Roll, Uganda Natural and Colombia Washed. Bring along furry pups; an ice-chilled espresso tonic for you and a foamy puppuccino for your cute date.

Mixo, G/F, 26 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

From Scratch

From Scratch, newly opened in Sai Ying Pun, is one of those cafe you’ll find yourself whiling happily away on lazy weekends. The luscious terrace, cosy interiors, delicious plates of Western-inspired comforts — both sweet crepes and savoury beef ragus — and, of course without of forgetting, their cups of delicious coffee. A treat from the cafe original creations for your next visit: butterscotch mochi. Homemade mini glutinous rice balls soaked in a pool of butterscotch and topped with crushed chocolate and peanuts. Delicious

From Scratch, 21 Western Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Trial Coffee

A bright jolt of tangerine orange may have caught your eye during a recent visit to Wan Chai; it’s the photogenic front of Trial Coffee, a new grab-and-go spot on Fleming Road. The concept here is simple: Brewing beautiful cuppas of caffeinated dreams. Trial Coffee will be a godsend come difficult Mondays mornings. The coffee here is their signature and, unexpectedly, so is their loyalty card: an old-world train ticket-like slip that rewards you a free cup after nine stamps — or if you pay them a visit every day of the week.

Trial Coffee, G01, Goodfit Commercial Building, 7 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

June

Trois Cafe

Chances are, if you walked by the outer avenues of Wan Chai, you’d have spotted a pretty wash of pink among the grey exteriors of auto shops. This is the latest Trios Cafe, the third location of its ever-growing portfolio. A mesmerising space of architectural curves and sharp, sleek corners dipped in sugary pastel hues, the retro-inspired cafe is the perfect spot for slow afternoons. Sip on the aromatic tea blends — ice-chilled for a respite from the summer heat — and tuck into a hearty selection of fusion comfort food. What’s currently on our orders: house-made brownies with a creamy scoop of Da Hong Piao ice cream, crispy chicken mini bao and a nice, simple latte.

Trois Cafe, G/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Knockbox Cafe

The third location of Knockbox Cafe has opened on Wan Chai’s Burrows Street. Operating to a single theme, ‘Colours of Coffee’, the cafe offers an alternative perspective to drinking that average cup of joe for amateurs and connoisseurs alike — going beyond convoluted jargon that comes in hand with special coffee blends. Instead, the average cup of joe is here is inspired by the Coffee Taster’s flavour wheel, also symbolised by the movable circular panels at the front window, to allow for a better understanding of particular flavour profiles and roasts. No longer with you be going for orders of a plain-simple americano, no. It’ll be an order like the regulars: double-fermented bourbon amarillo, please. Know what’s in your cup — your personalised coffee journey begins here.

Knockbox Cafe, 3 Burrows Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Kactus Koffee

A low-profiled pack-and-move later, Kactus Koffee, has set up shop at Yau Mai Tei. The change of scenery, from the overflowing folds of Sham Shui Po’s cafe scene to quiet residential streets, has not — fortunately — affected the stylish Korean-esque cafe’s signature beverages and light bites. Most notably, the croissant-waffle hybrid (croffle), which makes yet another appearance, this edition made from a blended mix of Bread Elements croissants and waffle toast. What else looks superb? Home-made tiramisu and potato egg toast. The yuzu-espresso sparkling soda looks pretty great too — especially with the heat we’ve been having.

Kactus Koffee, G/F, 47 Man Ying Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Loft and Scone

Loft & Scone is still in its soft-opening stages, but as a scone-centric afternoon spot, we could not not give it a mention upon first hearing. It’s run by the talented bakers behind Instagram bakery &Scone (bijou pasties that look as good as they taste!), and as you will probably guess, scones are the name of the game here at the Central post. The scone set arrives on pretty rattan trays with dainty glass ramekins of clotted cream and home-made fig jam; forget the the cream-or-jam saga, just smear it on the crumbly base and enjoy the buttery pastry. Delicious. The Japanese-style roll cake, the one filled with pillow-soft cream in the centre, is also a tasty option to complement the classic brews. But we’ll have another portion of those delectable scones, no need to ask twice.

Loft & Scone, 6 Gilman’s Bazaar, Central, Hong Kong

Cosha

With all sorts of cafes popping up across the city, there’s probably still nothing quite like Cosha. An interesting concept that blends together a coffee shop and shisha bar concept. it’s an easy all-day option to kick-back and lounge at — coffee pick-up-up during the afternoon and a cosy hangout spot come evening. Cosha’s interiors are brushed in soothing soft-toned neutrals with a plush banquette that runs along one side of the room and sleek marbled tables. Instagram photoshoots? You bet. The menu here is reflective of the natural ambience with light serves like yoghurt fruit bowls and the breakfast-favourite avocado on toast.

Cosha, 61 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong

May

Natura

Natura is already banking on the fact that you will return. And you will. The florist-cafe hybrid operates on a seasonal menu that changes quarterly. For spring, and its very first opening, it’s a spotlight on pretty pink sakura. Come with expectations of a dreamy secret garden; the airy space is decorated in a similar matching theme, titled ‘The Droplets of Sakura’. Daubs of peach and white blossoms fill the space — cascading from the ceiling to artistic sculptural centrepieces — making it the perfect backdrop to sipping on a light, floral-infused cuppa. Break with a bite of the creamy fig tart or any treat from the guiltless flexitarian menu.

Natura, Shop 1&2, G/F, Tai Tung Building, 8 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2816 1601

Milk Bar

Not to be confused with Christina Tosi’s MilkBar in New York, although it would be amazing news if the delicious confetti cake was to pop up within our vicinity. This Korea-inspired nook is tucked away the growing cafe fold of Sham Shui Po and instantly recognisable by its pristine white walls. You’ll find your average cup of joe here, but so will the café two doors down and across the street. Here, we’d go for something a tad different, like the Blue Latte, which has been layered in beautiful ombré shades. Or the berry topped Strawberry Milk. The star of the show, though, is the Croffle. A tempting crossiant-waffle hybrid, Milk Bar recreates it in four different flavours: Crème Butter, Nutella, Purple Potato and Ham & Cheese.

Milk Bar, 79 Ap Liu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Barcode Coffee

A beautiful cup of coffee with beautiful interiors to match; a day out at Barcode Coffee is a relaxing one, reserved only for lazy mornings and long afternoons. A consummate selection of coffee — your espressos, lattes and flat whites — with a delectable menu dedicated to delicious food. Our recommendation: The Quail & Egg sandwich, made with a filling of slow-cooked quail with over-easy eggs and caramelised onions in a sherry brown butter sauce, and a cold-brew from the hand-drip selection. It’s a good time. Top tip: grab a seat outdoors for a perfect city-watching spot.

Barcode Coffee, Glenealy Tower, 1 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong

Espresso Remedy

There will be perhaps be no cafe that gets the essentiality of a good cuppa like Espresso Remedy does. It’s built into its concept. The new Sheung Wan cafe is humorously named for the initials ‘E.R.’ or otherwise Emergency Room. Here to soothe, treat and remedy any kinds of tough mornings (especially Mondays) with a nice fresh brew, it’s not only the coffee here that play doctor, but a range of tasty snacks from house-made cookies to chicken wings and fries.

Espresso Remedy, 22-24A Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Eon

Floor-to-ceiling windows. Airy interiors. Strong WIFI signal. Eon sounds like a perfect place to get your daily schedule in check. A morning coffee? Done. Quick hop-into a Zoom call? Done. An afternoon meet-up? Also done. It’s a comfortable, versatile space that you won’t want to leave even after you’ve gotten your coffee fix. The only note? There are no sockets here, so bring your electronics fully charged. Or just yourself, uncharged and in the mood for caffeinated beverage, or two.

Eon, 11 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

April

Havn ° Coffee

Your weekday grab-and-go coffee should be taken seriously. Surely, considering the long hours stuck indoors facing a blue-lit laptop screen. You need it to be. It’s a sentiment that Havn ° Coffee advocates and, thus, brought into reality with the opening of a pop-up in Taikoo Place. A sip of its deliciously brewed cuppa from its entirely plastic-free cup will quell all work grievances and tide you through the day. We’re sure of it.

Havn ° Coffee, Kiosk A, 1/F, Oxford House, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

Uncle Ben Coffee

Look for a spot of indigo blue and you’ll have found Uncle Ben Coffee, the latest spot in Causeway Bay’s web of new cafes. Run by Ben, a prolific latte artist, and his Italian greyhound pup Dor Dor, the cosy nook serves espresso based coffees brewed with in-house roasted beans. Choose from six different pour over options and don’t skip out on the latte for a glimpse of Ben’s decadent latte art. The unicorn is his speciality.

Uncle Ben Coffee, G102, 5-5A Solo Avenue, Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

No Nationality

At No Nationality, options are limitless, and they kindly ask to leave all assumptions at the door. After all, it’s the crux of the new Sai Kung cafe’s concept; bound to no single style, but rather a committed focus on serving a good mugful and tasty food. There’s American and Australian-style brunches — the French toast and brownie are deliciously option — hand-made pastas — go for the ‘nduja oreccheitte — and of course, locally sourced and roasted brews.

No Nationality, G/F, 47 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Le Jardin à Soho

You won’t miss Le Jardin à Soho, a spot of serenity in the thick of the SoHo action. Spot the soothing wash of sage green and luscious foliage that spills out onto the the pavement, and here you are: A quaint little garden in Paris without using up any air-miles. The coffee here is a beautifully brewed cup, with liqueur-infused cuppas when Happy Hour rolls around. A touch peckish? The all-day breakfast menu is a satisfying one: Piña colada pancake? Tiramisu served out of a garden pot with edible flowers? Grab a seat along the street-side bench and enjoy. It’s only an afternoon of relaxation here.

Le Jardin à Soho, G/F, 36-36B Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

Snooze Coffee

Promise you won’t doze off here at Snooze Coffee, a cosy tucked away spot in San Po Kong. Instead, you’ll be impressed by the range of locally roasted blends and a serious attitude when it comes to brewing the perfect mugful. Come early to browse the daily cake selection, the tofu cheesecake and the popular salted caramel loaf is a lovely accompaniment to the cafe’s dirty.

Snooze Coffee, G/F, Shop 899, Rhythm Garden, 242 Choi Hung Road, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

March

Grain of Salt

Hong Kong’s first dietician-run cafe, Gough Street’s Grain on Salt is conceptualised around guiding better habits, from mindful eating to keeping active and nutrition counselling. It’s a one-stop destination for those embarking on a wellness journey. Come here for holistic advice on maintaining balanced diet and health-conscious plates that still satisfy, no matter your current diet preference. Their freshly blended smoothes will make hitting your recommended five-a-day so easy.

Grain of Salt, 47 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2968 1083

Grotto

That beautiful, nondescript cobalt blue front is not a pretty postcard from Santorini. Rather, it’s the photogenic front of Grotto, the latest cafe addition in Quarry Bay. Like its namesake, Grotto is a treasure cove full of a delicious list of baked confectionaries and fascinating new twists on classic coffee (the dried-mango infused cold brew has surely caught our eye) within. It’s unique, it’s special and it will surprise — not unlike stumbling upon a cave filled of hidden gems. It’s a trip worth making on your next Sunday morning.

Grotto, 19 Hoi Chak Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3563 8935

Fonji

The rustic warm ambience — mid-century oak furnishings, forest green interiors — impart a nostalgic sense at Fonji Cafe, much like a sepia-toned snapshot. The Prince Edward caff is the kind of place we’d imagine you’d want to be on rainy days, curled up upon the large, plush armchairs with a good book — and good coffee. The maple latte and sweet canalé will be welcomed company — Fonji Cafe operates as an artisan bakery too. Peer in and settle down in one of the cosy nook and cranny, you’ll feel right and home. It’ll be an afternoon well spent.

Fonji, 5 Maple Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2445 5441

Revol

Like those who rely on their morning coffee to get them through the day, Revol at Wan Chai is serious about it’s brew — a concept reflected in the abstract single-lined logo that bleeds together the initial ‘R’ and a growing coffee bean. Step through the threshold to be welcomed by refined monochromatic interiors, a mirroring of Revol’s passion is exploring coffee in its purest, most unadulterated form: Black. There are currently two house blends exclusively available: a nutty blend of Guatemala and Costa Rica beans, and a fruity alternative of beans from Guji and Yirgacheffe. We’d come for a good, honest mug of espresso— at the behest of a dear friend.

Revol, G/F, Shop No. 2, 208 Johnston, 206-212 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong,

Until Coffee

At Until Coffee, tucked away in the sequestered industrial neighbourhood of San Po Kong, it’s all about slow living; relishing in a singular moment of simply enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s a blank canvas. An opportunity to sit back in peace — an atmosphere reflected by the minimalistic, all-white interiors. Here, an expert focus on taste and ingredients take the front seat. Beans are selected, both local and overseas, by in-house baristas and can be requested to specifically fit a preferred flavour profile. Sometimes a quick break in the afternoon and a warm beverage is all you really need.

Until Coffee, G/F, On Tin Centre, 1 Sheung Hei Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 6015 5409

Dio

A warm cuppa by day and crafty cocktails by night. Dio, named after who else but Dionysus, the God of Wine, is the type of cafe that play it both ways — a concept that we most certainly can get behind. Sleek black interiors offers an ambience of intrigue, perhaps also making a great backdrop for moody coffee shots on the ‘gram. We hear that the pour-over coffees here are the shining stars of the show, brewed from local beans sourced from Hong Kong-based roasters Cotton Mutton and served in wide, shallower cups to bring a brighter, less-bitter flavour profile. Head over and try it out for yourself. The prices here are reasonable and the convenience is unbeatable. We’ll be staying here from weekends to weeknights, especially with knowing a ‘coffee cocktail’ is currently in the works.

Dio, Shop A, G/F, New Central Mansion, 8 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9199 3956

Header image courtesy of Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao (@nate_dumlao)

Cafe watch: Where to get your cup of coffee this November 2021

After two years writing in luxury retail, Lorria now covers food and drink happenings in Hong Kong. When not taste-testing for the best fries in the city (shoestring, always!), find her at home obsessing over tableware and attempting a fruit garden on her tiny bay window. She is happiest by the ocean with a giant fishbowl-glass of Aperol Spritz.

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