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Header image courtesy of The Hawk & Aster Grand Café
Hong Kong is bursting with coffee shops, and new openings are appearing left and right. Holding its own against neighbouring rivals South Korea and Japan when it comes to coffees and cafés, our city definitely has its own eclectic roster to boast about. After all, who doesn’t need their daily dose of caffeine or thirst-quenching drink to start the day? Join us as we round up the latest cafés and coffee shops popping up in the city.
Creo by Brentwood is one of the newest additions to Kennedy Town’s brimming range of cafés. Marking the second outpost of Creo, the coffee shop takes its name from the Latin word for “create” to represent the creations it peddles, whether it’s roasted coffee or homemade pastries. Creo even collaborates with local artists to spark a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle in its visiting guests.
When it comes to the menu, you have a selection of sandwiches, pasta, salad, and appetisers to choose from. We recommend the grilled chicken avocado salsa open sandwich ($88), the seafood crispy angel hair pasta in spicy tomato sauce ($188), and the crab rangoon dip with fried wonton chips ($98). From Creo’s selection of drinks, the house blend mocha ($48) is a sure winner. If you are not much of a coffeeholic and want something to cool you down, go for the summer berries smoothie ($58).
Creo by Brentwood, 40 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town
We Studio might have minimal seating but that’s what makes it a must-visit. Serving both coffees and pastries, nothing feels better than finding shelter at this café amidst the scorching summer heat. We Studio is only open on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays with a baker and barista ready to take your orders. Located along Tai Nan Street in Sham Shui Po, guests can enjoy the cool outdoor seating and the no-fuss menu.
We Studio’s avocado milkshake ($60) is a healthy option, but the classic Americano ($40) is a firm favourite, too. Its coffee beans are sourced from Kizuna Roastery & Co, well-known among coffeeholic in the city. Fuel up for the rest of the day by munching on the tiramisu ($78) or the baked cookies ($48).
We Studio, G/F, 208 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po
Draped in wooden décor inside and out, Being Good Café is a quaint little place to head this month. Despite its small size, the cafe is pet-friendly (as long as the pets are not inside the premises) and offers a relaxing outdoor space to boot. Its kimbap (starting at $48) will likely draw crowds soon thanks to its incredibly generous portions! For something smaller, order any of the homemade Liege waffles (starting at $58). Savour refreshing drinks such as coconut sorbet coffee ($55), blue lemon soda ($35), or even ice cream with coke ($40).
Being Good Café, Shop 7, G/F, Fu Lee Loy Shopping Centre, 9–27 King Wah Road, North Point
Little Cove Espresso’s second branch is an added boost to Kennedy Town’s coffee scene. Already drawing crowds, the Australian-style café is now closer to Hong Kong Islanders. Similar to its Sai Kung outpost, the K-Town location is bright, has plenty of sunshine, and offers a spectacular ocean view. When it comes to the menu, diners should get the beef Benedict ($145), a rendition of the pulled pork dish from Sai Kung. The smashed avocado ($98) is spot on, with a good balance of spinach and avocado on top of poached eggs.
Quench your thirst with the healthful turmeric latte (starting from $38); the Little Cove affogato ($68), which is made of vanilla ice cream, cardamom, pistachio, biscotti, and house-blend espresso; or the Mother of Dragons ($55), filled with a refreshing mix of red dragonfruit, strawberry, banana, and milk.
Little Cove Espresso, G/F, New Fortune House, 3–5 New Praya, Kennedy Town
True to its name, Intimate Coffee is the place to be if you are looking for a quiet escape away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. While it’s located in North Point, the café sits on an unassuming backstreet that could be easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re on the hunt. Serving coffee beans from around the world, its recent selections come from Hatch Coffee in Canada and locally sourced Number 9 Coffee.
Order the sourdough toast ($98) with two toppings of your choice, the Japanese scallop spaghetti with homemade pesto ($88) for rich flavours, or the lemon yoghurt cake ($60) for something refreshing. For drinks, opt for the shakerato ($55) or the lime fizz ($45).
Intimate Coffee, G/F, Block B, Tung Fat Building, 31A Kam Ping Street, North Point
As much as we love coffee, design is another important aspect when it comes to café hopping (and our Instagrammer friends would agree). For The Hawk & Aster Grand Café in Pacific Place, the distinctive ceiling is a sure head-turner. It’s perfect as a dining destination for business lunches and casual dinners as well as a chill weekend hangout spot.
Its photogenic interiors match well with the equally presentable and delicious menu. Be sure to try the range of eggs Benedicts—there are three types for breakfast and brunch. Energise yourself with the Boston lobster Benedict ($165) or the steak tartare ($145). For a sweet jolt, get the classic crème brûlée ($110). The coffee is powered by Elephant Grounds—go for the French vanilla ($55) or a Valrohana mocha ($45) to start your day!
The Hawk & Aster Grand Café, Unit 008, Level LG21, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Jianne is introverted by nature but adventurous by heart. This Hong Kong-born-and-raised Filipino, who also spent time in Japan, prides herself on being a fangirl. On days when she’s not writing or travelling, you can find her visiting art exhibitions, looking for the best new places to eat in town, or simply trying to learn another language.
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