Out of the numerous coffee shops in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, Halfway Coffee stands out for its excellent coffee served in vintage porcelain cups.

You would know that Sheung Wan is an eclectic mix of old and new and it is precisely why we love that hood so much. Every trip to Hong Kong sees us exploring the unabashedly charming Sheung Wan, and this trip brought us to Halfway Coffee.

Love a good cuppa? You’d love it more at Halfway Coffee.

So you might have seen pictures of their iconic coffee all over Instagram. Halfway Coffee isn’t your regular coffee shop with predictably good coffee; the game is up with a look that they had creatively coined and is famed for today.

Coffee in Halfway Coffee is served in vintage porcelain cups. Pretty patterns on the China complemented with intricate hand-pulled latte art; now, this is going to be one of the prettiest cups of coffee you’d ever have. Coffee-to-go are also served in paper cups with porcelain prints. They did not earn their spot on countless Instagram’s feeds for no reason.

Apart from coffee, Halfway Coffee also has a wide range of tea selections. We have to be honest that we didn’t bother with those because when you have seriously good coffee in such pretty porcelain cups, it is easy to get distracted.

Halfway Coffee
12 Tung Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 9511 7197
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

For more recommendations, read our Sheung Wan Food Guide which features the best places to dine at in the neighbourhood.

Singaporeans are evidently obsessed with Hong Kong – and the endless opening of Hong Kong gourmet brands on our sunny island is testimony to that fact. While most travellers only spend a weekend in the Pearl of the Orient, we strongly suggest you to re-visit the city this year.

From having breakfast at Honolulu Cafe, boarding a junk boat, hiking the Dragon’s Back, shopping till you drop at Citygate Outlets to partying at Lan Kwai Fong, here is a curated 4D3N Hong Kong Itinerary and 20 Tips On What To See And What To Eat.

DAY ONE IN HONG KONG

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT HONOLULU CAFE

Honolulu Coffee Shop is famous for their egg tarts. Having said that, do make it a point to visit in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts. There is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime. We also highly recommend their Pineapple Buns.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#2 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES MARKET

The Ladies Market is a popular night market that stretches across a few streets. Even if shopping is not on your to-do list, you should still take a stroll down the aisle and check out all the interesting items that have on sale.

Tung Choi Street
Mong Kok, Kowloon

#3 CHECK OUT THE FLOWER MARKET

Located on Flower Market Road, the Flower Market is actually a cluster of flower shops selling all sorts of flowers you ever dreamt of. Bouquets are readily available or if you would like, stalks of roses can also be bought at relatively cheap prices. It is Valentine’s Day every day here!

Flower Market Road
Prince Edward, Kowloon

#4 LUNCH AT KAM WAH CAFE

Kam Wah Cafe has a made a name for itself with its bo lo bao (pineapple bun). The local cha chaan teng is always crowded with locals and foodie tourists, but trust us, the pineapple buns are worth the wait.

G/F, 47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

#5 BOARD A HONG KONG JUNK BOAT

The picture of a junk boat against the picturesque skyline of Hong Kong says everything. Cruising along the sea on a Hong Kong junk boat is an unmissable experience! So gather your friends, charter a boat and sail into the sea while singing along to Moana’s soundtrack.

#6 DINNER AT RONIN

Ronin—a speakeasy style Japanese bar-cum-restaurant—is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. The dark, mysterious 20-seated bar’s primary focus is seafood and damn, it seriously is one of the best meals we ever had in our lifetimes. Of course, the divine meal comes at a costly price.

8 On Wo Lane
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 5263
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#7 BAR HOP AT SHEUNG WAN

Admittedly, the neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is immensely gentrified. However, we certainly do not mind the new addition of exciting cocktail bars! Some of our personal favourite watering holes include Aberdeen Street Social, Sohofama and NEO Cocktail Club.

DAY TWO IN HONG KONG

#8 BRUNCH AT MAXIM’S PALACE

If you are looking for a quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience with the comfort of a modern establishment, then head to Maxim’s Palace. They have retained its authenticity by serving dim sum on traditional trolleys like the good old days.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#9 HIKE DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts stunning panoramic views of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and the surrounding mountainous region. The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery minus the suffocating crowds.

#10 LUNCH AT YUM CHA

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the perfect place. The dining establishment is exceptionally popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums. It is worth mentioning that the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#11 COFFEE AT OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Fans of Japanese Omotesando Koffee can look forward to the specialty coffee bar’s high quality espresso-based beverages and baked custard cubes at Hong Kong’s outlet. Take all our money already!

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

#12 SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

Ladies, remember to increase your credit card’s spending limit prior to visiting Citygate Outlets. This shopping centre this is where you can find global brands such as Burberry, Club21 and OnPedder at slashed prices.

20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung,
Lantau, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tung Chung

#13 DINNER AT YAT LOK

Yat Lok might be notorious for their atrocious service, but it is their insanely delicious roast goose meat that kept us returning religiously each time we visit Hong Kong. It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

G/F, 34 -38 Stanley Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

#14 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

You have not experienced Hong Kong until you paint the town red at their nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong. There are countless of bars and clubs at this area and they open till an unearthly 6am. Not even kidding.

DAY THREE IN HONG KONG

#15 LUNCH AT HELLO KITTY CHINESE CUISINE

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine—the World’s First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant—has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Shop A-C, G/F, Lee Loy Mansion
332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 8202-8203
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Nearest MTR Station: Jordan

#16 SPEND THE DAY AT OCEAN PARK

Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s best attractions. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal place for families to spend an entire day at.

#17 DINNER AT ICIHRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen is a ramen chain from Japan and boy, we are glad it has opened 24/7 outlets in Hong Kong. The dining concept is unique; diners sit in individual partitioned cubicles. The broth is unbelievably tasty—we will never get sick of it.

Lockhart House Block B
440-446 Jaffe Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2152 4040
Daily: 24/7

DAY FOUR IN HONG KONG

#18 BRUNCH AT SING HEUNG YUEN

Make your way to Sing Heung Yuen—one of Hong Kong’s very last few Dai Pai Dongs—and experience the local way of life by dining at this old-school roadside food vendor. The humble Chinese alfresco eatery has been around for nearly half a century and is especially well-loved amongst locals for its signature tomato egg noodles and yummy condensed milk buns.

2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sun and PH
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#19 VISIT DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

It doesn’t matter if you are a grown adult, because there is no age limit at Disneyland. Discover the magic, immerse yourselves in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend half a day at Disneyland Hong Kong and unleash the inner child in you.

#20 DINNER AT TSUI WAH

Tsui Wah is hands down the most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong. The menu is comprehensive but you can’t go wrong with their signature Hainanese chicken rice and fishball noodles. We are amazed by how the chain has successfully managed to keep its standards consistent throughout all outlets.

15 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Daily: 24/7
Nearest Station: central

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides to find out more about the best places to visit.

As one of the reigning Asian Tigers, Hong Kong is a bustling hub frequented by people from all walks of life. The cosmopolitan city’s cuisine is no longer confined to just cha chaan tengs and dai pai dongs, but now entails an eclectic mix of artisan coffee shops, specialty dessert stores, third culture gourmet and whatnot.

Home to a myriad of local traditional teahouses and swanky fusion restaurants, visitors will find themselves helplessly captivated by Sheung Wan’s refreshing diversity. So head over to hipster neighbourhood Sheung Wan and see for yourself what the old and new generation of Hong Kong natives have to offer!

From long-standing dim sum establishment Lin Heung Tea House, award-winning yakitori restaurant Yardbird (ranked as Asia’s 45th best restaurant in 2014) to new speakeasy bar Neo Cocktail Club, here is our guide to Bars, Cafes and Restaurants in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

AGNES B CAFE LE PAIN GRILLE & FLEURISTE

Agnès B Café Le Pain Grille and Fleuriste on Gough Street is more than just a pretty face. While no designer handbags and fashion accessories are sold at this branded cafe, one should still check out Agnes B for their beautiful in-house florist—where flower species have been specially flown in from Africa—and their mouthwatering variety of French pastries, teas and coffee.

G/F, Chung San House
8 & 10 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2563 9393
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

BARISTA JAM

Specialty coffee shop Barista Jam is a paradise for all coffee connoisseurs. The hole-in-the-wall store sells not just aromatic coffees but also a collection of coffee-making equipment and coffee beans for both home and commercial purposes. Coffee aside, a selection of delicious pastas and patisseries are also available on the menu for those who are feeling peckish.

Shop D, G/F, 128 Jervois Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2854 2211
Mon: 10am – 6pm
Tue to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

BLUE BUTCHER BAR & RESTAURANT

Blue Butcher Bar & Restaurant is a meat house in Sheung Wan that sources its meat from farms that do not compromise on quality, and hang the meat in-house using age-old recipes together with modern techniques.

G/F, 108 Hollywood Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2613 9286
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

BREW BROS COFFEE

Set foot in Brew Bros Coffee and one cannot help but wonder if he/she is actually in Melbourne instead. If you find the taste of your coffee awfully familiar, that is only because coffees here have been prepared with Melburnian specialty coffee roaster Market Lane’s espresso blends.

Passionate Head Barista Hikaru Ono was previously working in Australia and Japan, hence delivering consistent premium espresso-based beverages to all caffeine addicts.

Shop F2, LG/F, 33 Hillier Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel :+852 2572 0238
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

CAFE DEADEND

As its name suggests, Cafe Deadend is literally located at the dead end of Po Hing Fong road. The relatively hidden cafe is a breakfast hotspot amongst native yuppies and expatriates alike, who relish the idea of digging into wholesome breakfast items such as wholesome sandwiches and nutritious salads. Cafe Deadend shares the venue with sister bakery Po’s Atelier so one can also savour a delectable assortment of pastries.

72 Po Hing Fong, Tai Ping Shan
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 6716 7005
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

CHA CHA WAN

Specialising in Issan cuisine, Cha Cha Wan is clearly no ordinary Thai restaurant. Food served here are of Northeastern Thai origin and one can expect a scrumptious selection of Dtom Sap Moo (HK$98) and Pla Phao Glua (HK$268), where the former is a hot and sour pork rib soup while the latter is a salted crusted whole sea bass perfect for sharing amongst friends.

206 Hollywood Road
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2549 0020
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

CRAFTY COW

As its name suggests, third-culture restaurant Crafty Cow specialise in craft beers and good steaks. The gastropub is primarily influenced by a myriad of international cuisines, hence one can expect revamped Western classics integrated with Southeast Asian flavours such as Bone Marrow with Sichuan Pepper Infused Oil and Spanish Duroc Pork with Kimchi Slaw.

G/F, 3-3A Upper Station Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2915 8988
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

ELEPHANT GROUNDS

Hidden at the back of retail store WOAW! is Elephant Grounds, a hipster looking cafe shop that is renowned for their aromatic espressos and ice-cream sandwiches. Flavours of the irresistible ice-cream sandwiches change weekly so each visit will be a refreshing surprise.

11 Gough Street
Tel: +852 2253 1313
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

GRASSROOTS PANTRY

It is hard to walk pass Grassroots Pantry without doing a double take at the cafe’s beautiful decors. Think hanging chop boards, wooden ladles and heaps of potted plants. But the key driving factor in keeping its regulars returning is its vegetarian menu that caters to those on special diets. With buddhist-friendly, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan options available, Grassroots Pantry is packed with health conscious customers daily.

108 Hollywood Road
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2873 3353
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

HALFWAY COFFEE

You might have seen pictures of their iconic coffee all over Instagram. Halfway Coffee in Sheung Wan isn’t your regular coffee shop with predictably good coffee; the game is up with a look that they had creatively coined and is famed for today.

Pretty patterns on the China complemented with intricate hand-pulled latte art; now, this is going to be one of the prettiest cups of coffee you’d ever have. Coffee-to-go are also served in paper cups with porcelain prints.

12 Tung Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 9511 7197
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

HOI AN CAFÉ

Established in 1952, Hoi An Café is a charming old-school cha chaan teng located near to the Western Market in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district. It serves classic Hong Kong baked goods, such as cocktail buns, pineapple buns, Swiss rolls and its signature coconut tarts.

G/F 17 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan
Tel: +852 2540 6340
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Fri: 7.30am – 3pm
Sat: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

KAU KEE BEEF BRISKET

The relentless queues formed outside Kau Kee Beef Brisket on a daily basis is testimony to the fact that this age-old eatery is one of Hong Kong’s very best. Patrons include a variety of regular locals and curious tourists – all of whom flock to Kau Kee to savour a piping hot bowl (HK$60 / S$10.90) of springy noodles and fork-tender beef brisket.

21 Gough Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2850 5967
Mon to Sat: 12.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#11 LIN HEUNG TEAHOUSE

Lin Heung Teahouse is a beloved household name amongst natives. It is the go-to restaurant for the quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience and we are glad that the institution has remain unfazed by Sheung Wan’s increasing gentrification. Dishes are extremely affordable when compared to the expensive lattes and we say it is definitely one of the best haunts in this neighbourhood.

162 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2544 4556
Daily: 6am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

LITTLE BAO

Little Bao is the epitome of Asian fusion done right. On first glance, the facade of Little Bao resembles a western diner but on closer look, one would notice that the gourmet eatery has successfully infused oriental flavours into revamped western classics. We thoroughly enjoyed their Mac & Cheese (HK$108) and Ice-Cream Burgers (HK$48 each).

66 Staunton Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2194 0202
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Central / Sheung Wan

MA SA RESTAURANT

Ma Sa Restaurant is famed for their Triple Sunny-side Up Eggs with Char Siew and Rice (HK$26 /S$4.70). The three wonderfully runny eggs are served atop an incredibly large portion of rice. It is recommended that you share this filling dish with someone.

It is worth mentioning that the price for such a substantial amount of food at Ma Sa Restaurant can barely get you a beverage in other white-washed establishments at Sheung Wan.

G/F, 23 Hiller Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2545 9026
Mon to Fri: 6am – 6pm
Sat to Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

NEO COCKTAIL CLUB

Neo Cocktail Club is an up-and-coming retro cocktail bar that is so camouflaged that you would not even know that you have walked past it. The bar is not just well-known for its drinks but also equally famous for its old school games. Unwind into the night with a round of foosball or a game at the vintage pinball machine.

10 Shin Hing Street,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2812 2280
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 1am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

RONIN

Ronin is a speakeasy 20-seated Japanese tapas bar with a primary focus on seafood. Dishes are on a rotational basis (depending on the availability of ingredients), which means there is always something new even for regulars. Fresh raw fishes are specially flown in from Japan and sourced from the finest local suppliers, hence diners are guaranteed only the best quality dishes. However, do note that patrons do have to be ready to pay a hefty price for a meal.

8 On Wo Lane, Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 5263
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

SANG KEE CONGEE

Sang Kee Congee is nearly half a century old and it remains unpretentious and as authentic as it can be. Finding such a local diner in the gentrified area is rare and we are glad that such eateries are still being supported by the community.

People go to Sang Kee Congee for their tasty congee and you can get a bowl of Fish Belly Congee or Pork Balls Congee at HK S$27 / S$4.90 and HK $19 / S$3.45 respectively.

G/F, 7-9 Burd Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2541 1099
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 9pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

SINMEI TEA

Quite essentially a modern tea house that serves pretty matcha desserts, Sinmei Tea might just be the it place to be now when you need some matcha fix in Hong Kong. It took us a while to locate the place, because it sits on the fifth level, within an unassuming building in Sheung Wan.

What welcomed us was a long queue of matcha lovers, and an atmospheric cafe with an interior that models after a traditional teahouse.

5/F, CS Tower, 50 Wing Lok Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3690 8238
Daily: 11.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

SOHOFAMA

Tucked at the basement of PMQ Cultural Hub is Sohofama, an organic modern Chinese restaurant that is so impressive that we say it is worth a special visit. Sohofama boasts an in-house hydroponic farm, where the culinary team actually source their herbal ingredients from there. Besides the impressive Chinese fare, one should also not miss out on their splendid cocktails—especially the Smoking Chamomile (HKD $168).

G/F, Block A, PMQ
35 Aberdeen Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2858 8238
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

TEAKHA

This tea specialist is housed in a little shophouse on a quiet alley off Tai Ping Shan Street, which is slowly becoming one of the hippest streets in Hong Kong lined with cafes, galleries, studios and lifestyle boutiques.

Teakha is a tiny cafe, and it is crowded all the time, especially on weekends. The interior of the cafe is cute and cosy, while the outdoor terrace is a charming spot to have a cup of tea and enjoy their range of luscious desserts, including the Osmanthus & Okinawa Black Sugar Chiffon and the signature Matcha cheesecake.

18 Tai Ping Shan St
Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2858 9185
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

THE MIXING BOWL

The Mixing Bowl first started out to offer both adults and children baking classes, but the brand soon evolved into a bakery, coffee shop and a cafe. The Mixing Bowl is the ideal destination to hangout with friends, catch up on work on your laptop or simply grab a cuppa to go. The roasted coffee beans are from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Maryland USA and is seriously legit.

22-26 Bonham Strand
The Pemberton
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 0001
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

YARDBIRD

Ranked as Asia’s 45th Best Restaurant in 2014 and 46th Best Restaurant in 2013, award-winning Japanese Yardbird is an extremely popular yakitori bar-cum-restaurant that will have latecomers queuing for hours. Do order a handful of chicken skewers and their signature KFC for sharing. Fun fact: KFC refers to Korean Fried Cauliflowers, not Kentucky Fried Chicken!

33 Bridges Street, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 9273
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

If you are heading to Hong Kong, read our guides:

Tsim Sha Tsui Food Guide – 17 Places To Dine At

Wan Chai Food Guide – 14 Places To Dine At

15 Best Dim Sum Restaurants In Hong Kong

11 Best Cha Chaan Teng In Hong Kong

Located in Southern Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most popular and populated districts in Hong Kong. From chic restaurants in shopping malls to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there are so many dining options to choose from.

Tsim Sha Tsui has so many restaurants, eateries and cha chaan teng that it can be quite a headache to decide on where to dine at. For a start, here is a quick guide to the restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong that you can dine at.

ATUM RESTAURANT

Brought to you by the same people behind Atum Desserant, Atum Restaurant is the group’s first full-fledged restaurant. We highly recommend their ultra photogenic high tea set. Instead of the typical cake stand, Atum Restaurant uses a flat lay to display their bite-size canapés.

18 Hanoi Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3586 1959
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 10.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

AQUA

Aqua’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows span across two levels of One Peking Building and they unveil an extraordinary view of Hong Kong’s cityscape. Reputable presses such as Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Travel have coined it as ‘Hong Kong’s Sexiest Cocktail Bar’ and ‘One of the World’s Most Exciting Restaurants & Bars’ respectively.

29/30F 1 Peking Road
Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong
Daily: 12pm – 2am, +852 3427 2288
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3427 2288

BUTAO RAMEN

Founded in 2010, Butao Ramen started with its original shop at Wo On Lane and it has since expanded six more outlets across Hong Kong.

Specialising in Japanese Hakata Ramen, Butao Ramen offers ramen in four options: the signature Butao; Black King (tonkotsu base with black garlic and squid ink): Red King (tonkotsu base with chilli powder and miso); and Green King (tonkotsu base with olive oil and fresh basil leaves).

We tried both the Red King Ramen and Butao Ramen. While the former was kick-ass spicy, we preferred the latter for its rich and full-bodied

Shop A & B, G/F, Kam Wing Commercial Bldg,
28 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Tel: +852 2316 2878
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

BUTLER BAR

Butler Bar is an exclusive 20-seater watering hole and cocktail lovers should make a special trip for their Japanese-style premium cocktails. Their Classic Gin Martini (HKS$128) and Old Fashioned (HK$128) are highly recommended; the former is a concoction of chilled Tanqueray gin and Japanese perilla liqueur, while the latter is expertly prepared with Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

5/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2724 3828
Mon to Fri: 6:30pm to 2am
Sat: 6:30pm to 1am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

CAFFEE HABITU

Cafe Habitu first started out in 2003 and today is a successful coffee chain with various outlets across Hong Kong. The cafe provides free wifi and coffees with consistent quality—which is no surprise why the brand has won itself a strong following over the past decade.

Shop L608, The ONE
100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3572 0622
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10.30am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

CHUK YUEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Talk about a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Hong Kong, and locals would probably direct you to Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant.

That old establishment has been around for decades and today, it remains a popular haunt for locals when they want an unpretentious and good meal with family and friends.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant has a menu of dim sum items and seafood. And in particular, the famous Cheese Lobster deserves a special mention. Be prepared to wait in line for a table no matter what time of the day you go; their popularity is simply undeniable.

28 Hankow Rd, Hong Kong Pacific Centre
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2722 0633
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Sun & PH: 10am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Shui

DIM SUM ICON

You must have seen pictures of Dim Sum Icon at some point in time on your Instagram explore feed. There were adorable Little Twin Stars, puking Gudetama and more. Dim Sum Icon changes their character themes every three months and it sure is a brilliant marketing strategy to keep your customers coming back for more.

L308, 3/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

ICHIRAN RAMEN

Now, what else do we need to say about Ichiran Ramen? Ask any foodie traveller what you must not miss out when visiting Japan and most of the answers will definitely include the popular chain Ichiran Ramen.

The famous eatery sells only tonkotsu ramen and after sampling endless bowls of ramen across Asia, the verdict is out – it is indeed the best rendition we ever had!

Ichiran Ramen currently has two outlets in Hong Kong—Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui.

8 Minden Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2369 4218
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

KIMBERLEY CHINESE RESTAURANT

Kimberley Chinese Restaurant is best known for its Roasted Suckling Pig (HK$1,288). What makes Kimberley’s Roasted Suckling Pig so special is that the whole pig is stuffed with glutinous rice. The skin of the suckling pig is crispy while the glutinous rice retains its moist and sticky texture.

Before you make a trip there, do note that you need to pre-order the Roasted Suckling Pig and pay a deposit one day in advance. And one more thing, the suckling pig can easily feed 10 persons, so make sure you go in a big group.

Other than the iconic Roasted Suckling Pig, the old-school restaurant also offers a range of the classic Chinese dishes—go for the Beef Ribs Stew, Stewed Pig’s Lung with Cabbage—and dim sum.

28 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2369 8212
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

M&C.DUCK

Offering a modern twist to traditional Peking and Shanghainese cuisine, M&C.Duck is not quite what you would expect of a typical Hong Kong restaurant. The familiarity of a Chinese outlet is comforting yet reveals hints of sexiness; the list of dishes is what tugs your heartstrings yet surprises with the unexpected.

Well, we would go there especially for the very good Peking duck, but there is much more to love, and we say them with a passion.

Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

N1 COFFEE & CO

N1 Coffee & Co is a stone’s throw away from Tsim Sha Tsui Station and is owned by two prominent figures in the competitive cafe industry, namely award-winning barista El Au and Cafe Corridor founder Felix Wong. The menu is simple but concise and features a list of breakfast items, salads and sandwiches ranging from HK$40 to HK$65.

34 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852 3568 4726
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

RELAX FOR AWHILE

Conveniently positioned along Kimberly Road and in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Relax For Awhile cha chaan teng’s exhaustive menu ensures that all visitors will definitely find at least one item that suits his/her fancy. And here’s the best part—everything is incredibly affordable!

G/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building
25 Kimberley Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3113 6388
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

SUSHI TOKAMI

Established in 2013, Sushi Tokami is a popular sushi restaurant in Tokyo which is known for its tuna dishes. The 18-seater restaurant earned its Michelin star status in 2014 and opened its first overseas outpost in Hong Kong in 2015.

Sushi Tokami Hong Kong—located at level 2 of Ocean Centre at Harbour City—offers three lunch menus priced at HK$800, HK$1,000 and HK$1,200. If you feel like splurging, go for the Omakase (HK$2,200) and leave everything to the chefs.

Shop 216A, Level 2, Ocean Centre
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel:  +852 2771 3938
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

STAR CAFE

Hunting for underground cha chaan teng Star Cafe might be quite a challenge, but your efforts will be paid off once you have arrived. The native Hong Kongers frequent this casual eatery for its tomato soup noodles with egg and luncheon meat. Here’s a tip on finding this hidden local gem: Enter Champagne Court B at 16 Kimberly Road, walk to the end and head down the stairs.

Shop 36, Basement
16 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 2908
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

THE STEAK HOUSE WINEBAR + GRILL

Located at the basement of InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong, THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill is a 1-Michelin star in Hong Kong that specialises in charcoal grilled steaks.

Prices can be quite cut-throat, but they run on a full house almost every night.

The steakhouse offers a great selection of the finest cuts – from USDA prime beef to Australian Wagyu to Japan Hida A5 Wagyu. Well, let’s just say the options are mind-boggling – even for non-steak lovers.

LG, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2313 2323
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

TSUI WAH RESTAURANT

Yes, Tsui Wah Restaurant may be touristy, but we love it all the same.

Locals and tourists alike flock to Tsui Wah Restaurant for their signature Hainanese chicken rice, fishball noodles, and Bo Luo Yiu.

2 Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2366 8250
Daily: 7am – 2am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

YAN TOH HEEN

Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Yan Toh Heen is a 2-Michelin Starred restaurant at Intercontinental Hong Kong.

Yah Toh Heen has one of the best Peking Ducks in Hong Kong. What makes the Peking Duck here different is the condiments and sauces. It is served with six condiments that include green papaya, cucumber, red chilli, pineapple, yuzu and spring onion; as well as three different sauces – traditional sweet sauce, osmanthus plum sauce, and black garlic chilli sauce.

G/F, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 1211
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

YUM CHA

Yum Cha—situated on the third floor of Attitude Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui—is a spacious and elegant 130-seater dim sum restaurant. If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the place to go. Furthermore, they specialise in irresistibly adorable cartoon-themed dim sums that taste as good as they look.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong food & travel guides to find out the best places to go to.

The Coffee Academics has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Scotts Square. If you have been to Hong Kong, chances are that you have either seen or heard of The Coffee Academics, voted one of the best coffee shops in the world by international publications such as Vogue, CNNGo and Buzzfeed.

The Coffee Academics’ full flagship store in Singapore is slated to open early December 2015 at Scotts Square. Meanwhile, it has set up a pop-up kiosk just outside their soon-to-be-opened permanent location. And by the way, The Coffee Academics sits within the premise of the new OnPedder, which takes up the entire level 2 of Scotts Square.

Founded in 2012, The Coffee Academics is the centre for all coffee-lovers and addicts to gather, to share their passion of coffee, and of course, to savour some of the best and most premium coffee beans from around the world.

For the pop-up kiosk, they will be offering the standard selection of coffees, including iced options for all. There is a very special bundle deal that you have to snap up – get a Creme Maison cupcake (usually S$6 for a la carte) and a coffee of choice for just S$10 nett. Now, that’s a good deal for a simple coffee break!

For the kiosk, they will only be offering a blend of beans from Colombia, El Salvador and Ethiopia, which we find very aromatic with hint of nutty chocolate. Well, it is not pictured here but we were really pleased with both our Flat White and Iced Latte.

The barista has also informed us that they will most likely also be offering a single origin option once their store opens this December.

When we heard that the new store is going to be 3000 sq ft, we could only squeal, because that’s almost twice the size of its flagship outlet in Hong Kong!

The Coffee Academics Singapore will feature 7 revolutionary sensory stations which will include a Japanese tea appreciation area, a dedicated tea counter, coffee tasting sessions and more. Are you excited yet? Because we are, and we can’t wait!

This coffee kiosk will be open daily from 10am – 4pm at Scotts Square. Time to head down for a taste and count down the days until the cafe opens!

The Coffee Academics Kiosk
Lvl 2 Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Daily: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Hong Kong is Singaporeans’ favourite playground. And the financial city is home to many from all over the world. Bustling and ever lively, Hong Kong is one city that has so much to offer. Shopping, entertainment, careers, attractions, nature activities…

And can we say that food is a big part of the city’s DNA? There will never be a situation whereby you do not know what to eat when in Hong Kong, because every step you take and at every turn, there will be restaurants and cafes to settle down at.

Cafes in particular is a big trend in Hong Kong. No, we are not talking about the Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng, but our regular coffee houses and thematic spaces to unwind at.

Accumulated from a few trips’ worth of exploration, we share with you 23 Best Western Cafes in Hong Kong you must visit at least once in your life. Time to look at the city from a different perspective!

#1 BARISTA JAM

If you frequent Sheung Wan, chances are, you would have stumbled upon this stylish coffee house with an industrial chic design. It is the combination of these factors: centralised location, good coffee, knowledgeable staff, affordable prices and a cosy setting that make Barista Jam such a popular hangout spot for locals and expats alike.

Shop D, G/F, 126-128 Jervois Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2854 2211
Mon: 10am – 6pm
Tue to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 10pm – 6pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without eating at Cha Chaan Teng. Here’s a list of the Top 10 Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng.

#2 CAFE CORRIDOR

Café Corridor is opened by Coffee Assembly Roastery – probably one of the first few coffee roasters in Hong Kong – and is strategically located opposite Times Square at Causeway Bay. They serve food like all day breakfast (HK$65), and sandwiches (HK$45), but what regulars come back for is the excellent coffee. It is also a spot where executives frequent for coffee and to take a breather from work too.

G/F, 26A Russel Street
Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2892 2927
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 11pm
Fri: 8.30am – 12 midnight
Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

#3 CAFE DEADEND

Hidden at the dead end of Po Hing Fong Street in Sheung Wan, Café Deadend is the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. They share the premise with their sister bakery Po’s Atelier, so you can have some lovely baked goods to go along with a cup of coffee. This dead end is worth traveling for.

72 Po Hing Fong
Sheng Wan
Tel: +852 6716 7005
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#4 CAFFEE HABITU

Established in 2003, Caffe Habitu has expanded to a coffee chain with outlets all around Hong Kong. With free wifi, accessible locations, and consistently good coffee, it is no wonder Caffe Habitu has garnered a strong following over the years. For something different, try its Pu’er Tea Latte.

Shop L608, The ONE
100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3572 0622
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10.30am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#5 COMMON GROUND

A hidden gem in Soho.

It is not easy to get to Common Ground – you have to climb a million flights of stairs to reach Shing Wong Street – but once you stumbled upon the cafe, it will become your favourite hangout in Soho.

G/F, 19 Shing Wong Street, Central
Tel: +852 2818 8318
Daily (except Tue): 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Central

#6 CRAFT COFFEE ROASTER

Located in the West Kowloon district, Craft Coffee Roaster is an off-the-beaten track cafe that serves a range of coffee and a simple breakfast menu. The neighbourhood cafe may be quite inaccessible, but it is actually quite a spot to unwind at. The baristas are also lovely, and they will be more than happy to share more about their daily brews and special roasts with you.

29 Tai Kok Tsui Road
Tel: +852 2395 1888
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Olympic

If you already have an intimate bonding with Hong Kong, how many of these can you resonate with? But if you haven’t been, maybe it is time to fall in love – hard. Read our guide on 29 Reasons To Love Hong Kong.

#7 CUPPING ROOM

Recognised as one of the most established independent coffee shops in Hong Kong, Cupping Room is home to the champion of Hong Kong Barista Championship 2013. Step inside Cupping Room and let the aroma of coffee beans delight you – this Melbourne-inspired coffee shop is one place to head to for coffee purists.

Cupping Room is also listed in our guide to Hong Kong’s top independent coffee shops.

299 Queen’s Road Central
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2799 3398
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan (Exit A2)

#8 ELEPHANT GROUND

You might miss this cafe if you are not paying attention. It actually sits within WOAW! concept store. We actually thought finding the cafe is part of the fun and attributed to our love for this secret hideout. It has both casual seats around the coffee bar, and outdoor benches ala al fresco style.

Coffee is definitely good, but we had to wait for a while before we could get seats. It goes without saying: Elephant Ground is a favourite spot for the executives in the Central area.

11 Gough Street
Tel: +852 2253 1313
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan/Hong Kong

#9 FUEL ESPRESSO

There are many coffee shops in Central, but few are as popular as Fuel Espresso. With two locations at International Finance Centre (IFC) and Landmark, Fuel Espresso is a big hit among many executives as it serves reliable and brilliant brews in an intimate space. And you bet they are always packed! But, for good coffee, anything goes.

Shop 3023, IFC, Central
Tel: +852 2295 3815
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 7pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Hong Kong

#10 HAZEL AND HERSHEY

Coffee lovers will enjoy visiting this cute little retail boutique coffee shop in Central. Whether it is caffe latte, cappuccino or piccolo, helpful and passionate baristas prepare every cup of coffee with care. Other than getting your caffeine fix, you can also purchase coffee beans, and equipments.

Shop 3, 69 Peel
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3106 0760
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Central

#11 HELLO KITTY SECRET GARDEN

An obscure hood that is mainly residential, Tai Hang sits southeast of Causeway Bay and is fast becoming a dining destination. In the recent years, the gritty neighbourhood sees many new cafes and dessert shops, and the whole Tai Hang area henceforth exudes a charm that is second to none.

The latest addition to Tai Hang is Hello Kitty Secret Garden. Other than the signature Secret Garden Burger, the cafe has desserts – such as Chocolate Tart, Banana Chocolate Ball, Blueberry Mousse Cake, and Apple Pie – available on the all-day menu. Expect long queues every day, though.

Hello Kitty Secret Garden is also listed in our guide to Hello Kitty Cafes you must visit in Asia.

19 Ormsby Street, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2808 2868
Nearest Station: Tin Hau

#12 KNOCKBOX COFFEE COMPANY

Located on the quiet Hak Po Street, several streets away from the heart of Mong Kok, Knockbox Coffee Company is a hidden gem. The décor is simple and no-frills, but what keeps regular coming back again and again is the coffee. Be sure to stop by for a cuppa after shopping in the area.

Knockbox Coffee Company is also listed in our guide to Hong Kong’s top independent coffee shops.

G/F, 21 Hak Po Street
Mong Kok, Kowloon
Daily: 10 am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Mong Kok

A pineapple bun, for those of you who have never heard of it, is a popular snack in Hong Kong and Macau. Here is our guide on the best pineapple buns in Hong Kong.

#13 MANSONS LOT

Mansons Lot is an unassuming coffee shop tucked in Swatow Street alongside other random shops. We would not come all the way here just for their coffee, but if you are in the area, do swing by for a drink.

G/F, 15 Swatow Street, Wan Chai
Tel: +852 2362 1899
Daily: 7.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#14 N1 COFFEE & CO

Opened by the guys from Barista Academy Hong Kong – co-founder EL Au is an award-winning barista, while the other founder Felix Wong also runs Cafe Corridor, Coffee Assembly – N1 Coffee & Co is just a few minutes away from Tsim Sha Tsui station and it is quiet place to sit down for a drink or to grab a quick bite.

The food menu is fairly simple, with breakfast (HK$40 – HK$65), salads (HK$55) and sandwiches (HK$45).

34 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852 3568 4726
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#15 RABBITHOLE COFFEE ROASTERY

Surrounded by espresso machines and brewing equipment, Rabbithole Coffee Roastery is a heaven for coffee lovers. Choose your brewing method – espresso or slow-brew – and decide on your coffee beans.

For those who are keen to learn more about coffee, Rabbithole also conducts hand-drip class for beginners to learn more about a good hand-drip, latte art class, and coffee tasting class.

Rabbithole Coffee Roastery is also listed in our guide to Hong Kong’s top independent coffee shops.

3 Landale Street, Wan Chai
Tel: +852 2528 0039
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#16 SIFT DESSERT BAR

From French pastries, to macarons, and cupcakes, Sift Dessert Bar is a popular spot for dessert lovers to hang out at. Sift is widely recognised as one of the best cupcake places in Hong Kong. The cupcake flavours include banana foster, carrot, vanilla, red velvet, s’mores, amd toffee apple. Each cupcake is HK$35.

If you go to its dessert bar on Graham Street, try the signature Sift Chocolate Cake (HK$60) – a luscious chocolate fudge cake with praline crunch, Valrhona Jivara 40%, and Guanaja 70% cremeux.

46 Graham Street, Soho
Tel: +852 2530 4288
Wed, Thu, & Sun: 1pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 1pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Central

#17 SIMPLYLIFE

In a busy city where people are always racing against time and missing out on the smallest things, Simplylife – a European-style bakery cafe by Maxim’s Group -  is an oasis of calmness in Hong Kong, and quite simply what life should be. We fell in love with it, more than what we thought we would. The space is one that will have you slow down, relax and breathe in the simple pleasures of life. simplylife, indeed.

Prices are exceptionally reasonable for the quality of food. The dinner menu is divided into Salad (HK$118 – HK$138), Meat (HK$118 – HK$208), Rice & Handmade Pasta (HK$98 – HK$148), and Pizza (HK$118). simplylife also has an impressive array of breads, pastries and cakes that are freshly baked every morning. The selection changes from time to time, but you will always be spoiled with choices from the 9 tarts, 8 whole cakes, 4 whole roll cakes, 6 danishes, croissants, baguettes and more.

Shop 30, L2, Festival Walk
80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Tel: +852 2777 5168
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon Tong

#18 TEAKHA TEA CAFE

Housed in a little shophouse on a quiet alley off Tai Ping Shan Street in Sheung Wan, Teakha offers the world an impressive range of organic tea like Masala Chai, Thai iced tea, Jasmine Blossoms, and Hoji au Lait, and Forest Black Tea.

The interior of the cafe is cute and cosy, while the outdoor terrace is a charming spot to have a cup of tea and enjoy their range of luscious desserts, including the Osmanthus & Okinawa Black Sugar Chiffon and the signature Matcha cheesecake.

Teakha is also listed in our guide as one of the 29 reasons to visit Hong Kong.

Shop B 18 Tai Ping Shan Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2858 9185
Tue to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#19 THE COFFEE ACADEMICS

Located in the heart of Causeway Bay is The Coffee Academics – a flagship outlet by the caffe HABITU group. It is a chic and modern venue where coffee lovers and professionals gather to share their knowledge about the beverage. Any coffee geek would love to spend a day here.

In addition to coffee, The Coffee Academics also has a selection of salads, pizzas, pastas and mains on the all-day menu.

G/F, 38 Yiu Wa Street
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2156 0313
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2pm
Sun: 12 noon – 9pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

From traditional dim sum teahouses, to the cheapest Michelin Starred dim sum restaurants, here is our guide to Hong Kong’s Top 12 Dim Sum Restaurants.

#20 URBAN BAKERY WORKS

Sexy. Artsy. Fuss-free. Comfort. URBAN Bakery Works presents itself as the it place in Hong Kong for all-day casual dining. Its concept shop at The Landmark is a stunner, and it promises nothing but a hip and fun experience. While there are many things that we love at URBAN Bakery Works, the highlight has got to be the Ball Law Cowssant. It totally blew us away. We will go so far as to say that it is a must-eat in Hong Kong.

Besides the Ball Law Cowssant, URBAN Bakery Works offers croissants (made with French A.O.C butter) in seven different flavours – like Almond, Belgian Chocolate, Cheddar Cheese, Brulee, and Salted Egg Yolk! The croissants that we’ve sampled are so well made that they are just as good, if not even better than the ones that we had in Paris.

Room 322, 3/F The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central
Tel: +852 3565 4320
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central

#21 UNAR COFFEE COMPANY

A charming coffee takeaway joint located in Tai Hang – a popular up and coming area filled with restaurants, cafes, and eateries – Unar Coffee Company is where hipsters go to for their caffeine fix.

G/F, 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang
Tel: +852 2838 5231
Sun, Tue to Thu: 1pm – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 1pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Tin Hau

#22 VIA TOKYO

Located on Leighton Road at Causeway Bay, Via Tokyo is a dessert cafe which specialises in traditional Japanese sweets. It is definitely a nice change from the usual Chinese desserts that you will find in Hong Kong. The matcha desserts are to die for indeed, but be prepared to face a queue.

Shop no 1A-1B, G/F Leishun Court
106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2895 1116
Mon to Thu, & Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Fri, Sat & PH: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

#23 18 GRAMS

18 Grams started with its original espresso bar at Causeway Bay Cannon Street, which is quite possibly the smallest coffee shop in Hong Kong. It has since expanded with other outlets in Times Square, Sai Kung, Harbourcity, Mongkok, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai. We prefer the Mongkok outlet because the café is much bigger than the other outlets, and besides coffee, you can find a wider selection of food like breakfast items and sandwiches.

Shop B04, B/F, Gala Place
56 Dundas Street
Tel: +852 2770 1339
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Mongkok

Read our Hong Kong food and travel guides for more recommendations.

The Pearl of the Orient is well-known for its stunning skyline. One of the most densely populated countries, Hong Kong is also the third most important financial centre in the world. But apart from its finance portfolio, there are many other things about Hong Kong that the world loves.

Every year, Hong Kong sees increasing tourism, and this world city has a compilation of stories to fall in love with. Cultural and spiritual discoveries, old meets new architecture, food and more food; there is always something to look forward to at Hong Kong, and there is always something to keep us returning.

If you already have an intimate bonding with Hong Kong, how many of these can you resonate with? But if you haven’t been, maybe it is time to fall in love – hard.

Here are 29 Reasons To Love Hong Kong:

#1 MAKE A TRIP TO SAI KUNG

A small town that sits in New Territories, Sai Kung is an alternative to Hong Kong’s city skyline. Surrounded by villages and fishing ports, the town is every bit picturesque with blue waters and distant mountains. Notable for their seafood restaurants, Sai Kung is also a destination for seafood lovers, and the restaurants are mainly located on the seafront.

Cafes in particular is a big trend in Hong Kong. No, we are not talking about the Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng, but our regular coffee houses and thematic spaces to unwind at. Here is our guide to the Best Western Cafes in Hong Kong you must visit.

#2 EAT PINEAPPLE BUN (BO LUO BAO)

Or more commonly known as Bo Luo Bao. And there is no pineapple. It is a sweet and fluffy bun, with a crusty top that resembles a pineapple (hence its name) – akin to the crunchy texture of sugar cookies. A popular choice for breakfast, eat this with a slab of butter and your life will never be the same again.

Read our guide to Hong Kong’s best pineapple buns.

#3 DO THE DIM SUM RITUAL

Because Hong Kong is otherwise affectionately known as Dim Sum Land. So what is a trip to Hong Kong without some bite-sized delicacies? We really cannot do without our baked char siew buns, siew mai and custard buns.

Read our guide to Hong Kong’s Top 12 Dim Sum Restaurants.

#4 WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

One of the most prominent worshipping grounds in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a beautifully ornamented building with five main feng shui elements that will get every geomancy enthusiast excited.

#5 EGG TARTS – ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN EAT IN HONG KONG

Glorious daan taat, oh how we love you so! Egg custard tart with a buttery pastry shell, baked to perfection and with a flaky crust, and exudes the creamiest fragrance. Our all-time favourite is Honolulu’s rendition. Three each, please!

#6 PARTY ROCK AT LAN KWAI FONG

Party animals, party rock is at Lan Kwai Fong! Put your hands up to the sound and shake that! This is the ultimate night spot for crazy nights and we heard even TVB celebrity Bosco Wong parties here and has been spotted a few times.

#7 FIND EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED AT HARBOUR CITY

Dubbed as the best all-in-one destination in Hong Kong, Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui is a huge playground for every fashionista and gourmet. There are also entertainment options, and Marco Polo HongKong Hotel also sits within Harbour City. For the shoppers, you will most definitely be spoilt for choices with its myriad of international luxe labels, casual and sports wear, and kids’ apparels. Dining is also exhilarating with all its local and international names that will suit every budget and palate. There are also two cinemas and a ferry terminal that is home to cruise liners.

#8 MONGKOK – THE HEART OF HONG KONG

Known as the world’s most densely populated area, Mongkok is one happening part of Hong Kong. Some locals we know detest its rowdy atmosphere, but we see beauty beyond this messy hood. Nail parlours, massage houses and random boutiques are littered everywhere, and cafes and cha chaan tengs are aplenty. There is surely something to see and do, but you just have to beware of pickpockets.

#9 EXPLORE TAI HANG – THE HIPPEST NEIGHBOURHOOD IN HONG KONG

An obscure hood that is mainly residential, Tai Hang sits southeast of Causeway Bay and is fast becoming a dining destination. In the recent years, the gritty neighbourhood sees many new cafes and dessert shops, and the whole Tai Hang area henceforth exudes a charm that is second to none. Alongside car repair shops and old roadside stalls that they call dai pai dong, Tai Hang is one area not to be missed.

#10 HAVE A MEAL AT A LOCAL CHA CHAAN TENG

A Cha Chaan Teng, for the uninitiated, is a kind of local eatery in Hong Kong that serves comfort food at affordable prices. These local diners are where Hong Kongers go for their regular meals, and you can find them almost everywhere.

 Read our guide on the Top 10 Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng.

#11 GO FOR A HIKE

An alternative to the city life, locals love a good hike at the beautifully rural Hong Kong downtown. There are several itineraries to join if you need a little guidance.

#12 TEAKHA – A QUAINT TINY TEA CAFE

Offering the world an impressive range of organic tea like Masala Chai, Thai iced tea, Jasmine Blossoms, and Hoji au Lait, and Forest Black Tea, this tea specialist is housed in a little shophouse on a quiet alley off Tai Ping Shan Street. Unassuming yet full of surprises, Teakha is a hidden gem where locals and expats hang out and spend an afternoon.

#13 DISNEYLAND HONG KONG – THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Because this is the happiest place on Earth. Walt Disney was a brilliant man, and he made countless dreams come true; he made us all realize it is alright to not grow up. Discover the magic, be immersed in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend a day or two at Disneyland Hong Kong; because it is okay to bring out the kid in you.

#14 A LUXURIOUS STAY AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL HONG KONG

Intercontinental Hotel Hong Kong is easily our favourite hotel in Hong Kong. Over two-thirds of the 503 luxurious rooms and 87 suites provide a stunning view of Victoria Harbour, and all rooms come with 24-hour butler service. The hotel also offers complimentary yoga classes and Taiji for guests. Dining options within the property is aplenty, so if you are looking for a five-star experience when staying in Hong Kong, InterContinental Hong Kong is your best bet.

#15 ADMIRE THE CITY’S SKYLINE FROM THE PEAK

So this is where you get the best view of Hong Kong. With so many things to see and do, The Peak is ever popular with both locals and tourists. Dine in style at the many restaurants that serve both continental and international cuisine, enjoy a panoramic view of Hong Kong at the Sky Terrace that is 428m above sea level, but most importantly, take the Peak Tram – one of the oldest’s railway that travels at a very steep gradient.

#16 GO CRAZY FACTORY OUTLET SHOPPING AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

The husbands will hate us, but the Citygate outlets at Tung Chung will please the ladies. You can find brands like Burberry, Diane von Furstenberg, OnPedder and Club21. You might want to increase your credit limit prior to your trip.

#17 TAKE NGONG PING 360 TO LANTAU ISLAND

If you have some time to spare after shopping at Citygate outlets, take the 25 minutes cable car ride toNgong Ping 360 — one of Hong Kong’s must-visit tourist attractions on Lantau island. There, you get to see the spectacular Giant Buddha, and visit the Po Lin Monastery.

#18 IFC

Often photographed for Hong Kong’s publicity, the International Financial Centre (ifc) is the most notable tall building. The heart of Hong Kong and an integrated commercial development, ifc is the most happening office building. The sheer amount of shopping options here is enough to keep you busy for a day, and there is a cinema too.

#19 THE PRIZED VICTORIA HARBOUR

The energetic skyline is one of our favourite sights, and one that we can never get sick of no matter how many times we visit Hong Kong. It is second to none, with its skyscrapers set against distant mountains and clouds hanging low in the day, and brightly lit up at night with a rainbow of colours. Not to be missed is the nightly “Symphony of Lights” show. At 8pm every night, witness the magic of the multimedia show that is named “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records.

#20 CAUSEWAY BAY – THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING AREA IN HONG KONG

Want to boost the economy? Then head to Causeway Bay – quite possibly the ultimate shopping area in Hong Kong. It is on Hong Kong Island, and you can find shops at every inch of the street, and several major departmental stores are within walking distances from each other too. The renown Jardine’s Crescent street market is here, too!

#21 SHAM SHUI PO – EVERY GEEK’S HEAVEN

Known for being the street market for electronic devices and gadgets, Sham Shui Po is every geek’s heaven. Camera equipments are found to be relatively cheaper too.

#22 TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE AVENUE OF STARS

Walk the trail where celebrities leave their hand and foot prints – well, quite literally. It is a lovely stroll along the Victoria Harbour, and it overlooks the iconic Hong Kong skyline.

#23 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES’ MARKET

We do think this place is kind of messy and it definitely is not the most tasteful, but for first-timers, it can be quite eye-opening. It is one long stretch in the heart of Mongkok, and you can find all sorts of merchandise – accessories and footwear, paintings and lifestyle products, sex costumes and soccer jerseys (imitations), and most stalls sell counterfeit branded bags and watches.

#24 OCEAN PARK – AMUSEMENT PARK, ANIMAL THEME PARK, OCEANARIUM AND MARINE MAMMAL PARK

Located in the Southern District, Ocean Park is one of the longest standing attraction of Hong Kong. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal option for families to spend a day at.

#25 EGG WAFFLES (GAI DAN ZAI)

Just sugar and eggs, but there is something so addictive about this iconic street snack that gets everyone’s hearts. Crisp on the outside, warm and airy on the inside, Egg Waffles make a very affordable everyday snack.

#26 DA PAI DANG

Like our Singapore’s zi char, Da Pai Dang are roadside stalls and makeshift eateries at Hong Kong, and it is a diminishing trade. If you chance upon one, stop by for a quintessential Hong Kong meal. Most of them cook really well!

#27 BALL LAW COWSSANT – A HYBRID OF CROISSANT AND BO LUO BAO

If you love po luo bao, you will fall in love uncontrollably with URBAN Bakery Works’ Ball Law Cowssant! A hybrid of croissant and bo luo bao (pineapple bun) complete with a slab of French butter, the Ball Law Cowssant (Dare devil version) is nothing but sheer indulgence. URBAN Bakery Works has also just launched a new Molten Egg Yolk Custard Croissant, which is equally good, if not even better.

#28 BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN THE CITY

Best known as a city for the best shopping and dining, Hong Kong has no lack of good drinking spots, too. We dug through into the streets to score you the top five cocktail bars in Hong Kong so you can hit the ground running.

#29 THE ICONIC JUNK BOATS

Because we all need something for Instagram to conclude our trip, yes? And what can be more iconic of HongKong other than the ubiquitous Bank of China building?

For more recommendations, read our curated Hong Kong’s food and travel guides.

Sexy. Artsy. Fuss-free. Comfort. URBAN Bakery Works presents itself as the it place in Hong Kong for all-day casual dining. Its concept shop at The Landmark is a stunner, and it promises nothing but a hip and fun experience. While there are many things that we love at URBAN Bakery Works, the highlight has got to be the Ball Law Cowssant. It totally blew us away. We will go so far as to say that it is a must-eat in Hong Kong.

A hybrid of croissant and po luo bao (pineapple bun) complete with a slab of French butter, the Ball Law Cowssant (Dare devil version) is nothing but sheer indulgence. If you love po luo bao, you will fall in love uncontrollably with URBAN Bakery Works’ divine creation!

Besides the Ball Law Cowssant, URBAN Bakery Works offers croissants (made with French A.O.C butter) in seven different flavours – like almond, Belgian chocolate, cheddar cheese, and brulee. The croissants that we’ve sampled are so well made that they are just as good, if not even better than the ones that we had in Paris.

That’s not all. The chic bakery cafe also serves excellent Vittoria coffee, a variety of salad and sandwiches which are perfect for a light and casual meal, as well as an array of decadent cakes and pastries. Our favourite is the What The Fudge – a luscious chocolate fudge cake that is enveloped with what seemed like a whole factory of kitkat and M&M’s. And this is what we call super photogenic and Instagram-worthy. Non-chocolate lovers might just be besotted, too!

We like that URBAN Bakery Works never rests on its laurels and is constantly coming up with new creations. Kiss My Butterfly is its latest invention. The classic Mille-feuille is given a modern twist by using caramelised palmiers layer with season fruits and custard fillings. Just the thought of it is enough to make us salivate. We cannot wait to try it the next time we are in Hong Kong!

For the latest updates, go to www.maxims.com.hk, and like Maxim’s Group on Facebook.

URBAN bakery Works
Room 322, 3/F The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central
Tel: +852 3565 4320
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central

This feature is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.

Hong Kong is such a paradise for food lovers, and is always among the first in Asia to launch trends from across the globe. Whatever you are feeling – casual fast meals to fine dining – Hong Kong always has something to offer.

And to embrace this love for food, Maxim’s Group www.maxims.com.hk celebrates the Tastes of Life and we joined them on a journey to discovering the bests of what this F&B giant has to offer. Visitors to Hong Kong would be all too familiar with this household name, but do you know that they have an impressive of 70 brands under their belt, with 840 outlets all over Hong Kong, China and Vietnam?

Think about Cantonese cuisine and you’d think of Maxim’s; think about cakes and breads and you’d think of the familiar red signboard in every single MTR stations. Maxim’s always promises an epicurean journey to titillate every sense, and it is by no surprise that they are the top-of-mind brand when it comes to F&B in Hong Kong.

Earlier this month, we had the privilege to feast at some of the best house brands by Maxim’s, and we are already looking forward to our next trip to Hong Kong for more good food. The next time you take a holiday to the Pearl of The Orient, read this guide to Maxim’s Group restaurants like it is your bible and visit the bests of Maxim’s.

DONDONYA HONTEN

DONDONYA Honten has several branches in Hong Kong, and connoisseurs would be happy to know that a meal at its flagship store at Elements is highly recommended for they serve really premium Japanese cuisine in a really cosy space.

The Premium Wagyu Tobanyaki Gozen (HK$358) features Japanese wagyu beef with excellent marbling, and beef lovers must not miss this for the world. Another one that we enjoyed was the DONDONYA Gozen (HK$388) that comes complete with king crab legs and so much food that no one does not go into a food coma after. Our favourite, however, is the Premium Fisherman’s Rice Bowl (HK$268). It is among the best chirashi-don that we have had, and we made a pact to revisit DONDONYA on our next trip – especially for the chirashi-don.

Shop 2103-04, Level 2, Elements
1 Austin Road West Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2196 8589
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon

HONG KONG DAY

Counting sheep is easier than counting the number of cha chaan teng (Hong Kong local cafes) there are in Hong Kong. But let’s just say we have our favourites and Hong Kong Day is a recent addition to our list. We never knew, but we were happy to find out that Maxim’s Hong Kong Day has many outlets all over the city. Dishing out comforting casuals like soya sauce chicken and wanton noodles, this is one casual dining option when you need affordable and good eats.

Your wallet does not need to take a beating when you dine at Hong Kong Day. And oh, do not forget your Iced Yuan Yang, too!

#02-242 Ocean Terminal
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tel: +852 2375 3789
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

MAXIM’S PALACE

If you had told us this was a palace with food fit for the royalty, we would really buy it. Maxim’s Palace is renown for its fine dimsum, and it is an even better experience when you have Hong Kong ladies pushing plates of dim sum around in old school pushcarts and you pick your favourites from the endless selection. The posh interior with high ceiling and crystal chandeliers and a view of the Harbour complete the impeccable experience.

And it is really quite unlike any other dimsum restaurants, because the 500-seater Maxim’s Palace has over a hundred varieties of dishes that are all prepared fresh from the kitchen daily. Its series of accolades is also a testament to their consistency in delivering only the finest Canton-style cooking. Wonderful theatrics and satisfying food; it can only be Maxim’s Palace.

Just a note that they do not take in reservations, so be prepared to queue. But we promise you it would be worth the wait.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Nearest Station: Central

M&C. DUCK

One of the newest dining concepts by Maxim’s Group is M&C. Duck, which offers a refreshing take to Chinese cuisine and at very reasonable price points. First, the brand is youthful and vibrant, with a modern European-style décor. Nothing too fancifully Chinese, but nothing too unpretentious too. We’d say this is a decent option when you need to treat your date to some good Chinese cuisine.

Second, it offers its signature Barbecued Peking Duck in two options – whole (HK$288) and half (HK$150) duck. Couples and small families usually have problems when it comes to Peking Duck because there would be food wastage for sure, but rejoice, for the half duck option is perfect for sharing even in small groups. Most of the dishes are given a modern twist to surprise your taste buds, and the chefs take pride in the presentation of every dish. We do not really think Chinese food could be sexy, but we take our words back now.

Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

URBAN BAKERY WORKS

Sexy. Artsy. Fuss-free. Comfort. Altogether, URBAN Bakery Works presents itself as the it place for all-day casual dining. The concept shop at The Landmark is a stunner, and it promises nothing but a hip and fun experience.

The bakery focuses on croissants, with no less than seven different flavours – like almond, Belgian chocolate, cheddar cheese, and brulee – available every day. URBAN bakery Works’ latest creation, the Ball Law Cowssant, will blow your mind. It is a hybrid of croissant and po luo bao (pineapple bun), and complete with a slab of French butter, this is nothing but sheer indulgence. Warning: one might not be enough!

The cakes are worth a try, too. Check out the decadent options like What The Fudge and See You In Hell. Yes, the names summarise ‘em all. Go ahead and sin; we won’t tell.

Room 322, 3/F The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central
Tel: +852 3565 4320
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central

SIMPLYLIFE

Among all the different dining concepts that we went to during this trip, simplylife is our favourite place. We fell in love with it, more than what we thought we would. The space is one that have you slow down, relax and breathe in the simple pleasures of life. simplylife, indeed.

With a bakery that produces an amazing range of bread, pastries and cakes, everything is of premium quality, and no additives are added. Interaction with the chefs and servers is encouraged, and the open kitchen concept is quite a show to boast. Patrons can take a few minutes to watch the creaming of a cake, or the cutting of fresh homemade pasta. The display of fresh bakes is so seductive that breakfast has never been better; and it is impossible to order only one.

For lunch and dinner, the kitchen dishes out fresh salads, pastas, burgers and other savoury main courses.

There are 8 branches in Hong Kong, but go to the biggest restaurant at Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong. We can go on and on about why we are in love with the concept, but the best way is for you to include it in your itinerary when you are in Hong Kong.

Shop 30, L2, Festival Walk
80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Tel: +852 2777 5168
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon Tong

THE SQUARE

The crown jewel under Maxim’s Group, The Square has retained its One Michelin Star for six consecutive years, which is no mean feat given the competitiveness of the dining scene in Hong Kong. Its consistency and commitment to excellence are the key reasons for regulars’ loyalty, and the indulgent experience makes it the perfect choice when you need to throw a feast during a special occasion.

Standout dishes include the signature Steamed Lobster Dumpling, and the Golden Crispy Prawns with Strawberry Sauce, which was specially created for Gwyneth Paltrow when she was in Hong Kong in June 2014.

4/F, Exchange Square II, Central
Tel: +852 2525 1163
Daily: 9am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

MAXIM’S CAKES

Last but most certainly not the least, this is the red signboard that monopolises all MTR stations, and is more often than not our answer to breakfasts and suppers. Maxim’s Cakes is a well-loved bakery that offers fresh selections daily, from buns to cakes to biscuits. And nothing is exorbitantly costly.

This mid-autumn festival, do not forget to pick up a box of traditional baked mooncakes for your family, too! They have some real deal at the mooncake plant that we were so very honoured to have visited and will share more soon, but for now, grab that Chinese delicacy and enjoy it over your favourite Chinese tea while soaking in some moonlight.

For the latest updates, go to www.maxims.com.hk, and like Maxim’s Group on Facebook.

This feature is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.

The coffee trend in Hong Kong is starting to catch up, and there are quite a number of independently owned cafes that are hip and trendy. During my recent trip, I had the chance to visit many of them, and here’s a list of cafes and coffee places in Hong Kong that are worth checking out.

I hope that this list will be useful to you when you are visiting the city. And if you have more places to add to the list, please leave a comment and let us know.

Cafe Corridor

Cafe Corridor by Coffee Assembly Roastery is strategically located opposite Times Square in Causeway Bay. They serve food like all day breakfast (HKS$65), sandwiches (HK$45), and French toast (HK$45), but what regulars come back for is the excellent coffee. It is a spot where executives meet clients over coffee, or visitors taking a break in between shopping.

G/F, 26A Russel Street
Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2892 2927
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 11pm
Fri: 8.30am – 12 midnight
Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

C’est La B

C’est La B is opened by the folks who are behind Ms B Cakery, and it currently has three outlets at Tai Hang, Pacific Place and Harbour City. The name is inspired by the French phrase “C’est la vie (such is life)” and it is a charming and intimate cake shop which offers a delectable range of whimsical-looking desserts.

G111, G/F, Harbour City
17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3102 2838
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsim

Classified

Launched in 2006, Classified is a European-style neighbourhood cafe that focuses on homemade artisanal food, gourmet coffee, cheese and handmade bread. For such a stylish concept, we were actually surprised that the decent-tasting dishes are so pleasantly affordable. There are currently nine outlets in different neighbourhoods like Stanley, to Tai Hang and Wan Chai.

108 Hollywood Road, SOHO, Sheung Wan
Tel: +852 2525 3454
Daily: 8am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

Library Cafe

Within a corner of Lane Crawford at HarbourCity Shopping Mall is Library Cafe, a stylish coffee place (opened by the same owners behind Yardbird yakitori bar) which serves simple and well-executed comfort food like sandwiches and salad. Try the Tuna Melt (HKD78), and during tea time, they have a cake set for HKD70.

G/F, Lane Crawford
3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Mana Cafe

Another cafe that you should visit in Central is Mana. It focuses on vegan, organic, and gluten freefood. Go for the organic oven-baked flatbreads (HKD50) which are wheatmeal or gluten free. There are also hearty vegetarian main courses like Tofu Burger (HKD65), and Mezze Platter (HKD100), a box of hummus, olives, salad and flatbread.

92 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2851 1611
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Central

The Coffee Academics

The Coffee Academics is a chic and modern venue where coffee lovers and professionals gather to share their knowledge about the beverage. Any coffee geek would love to spend a day here.

G/F, 38 Yiu Wa Street
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2156 0313
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2pm
Sun: 12 noon – 9pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

Simplylife

If you are at International Finance Centre (IFC), drop by Simplylife and grab a quick bite. The bakery cafe offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizza.

Shop 1081, Level 1, ifc mall
1 Harbour View Street, Central.
Tel: +852 2234 7356
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Hong Kong

Teakha

Whenever we hear about a new café, it is more often than not a coffee speciality house. Yet, Teakha at Sheung Wan chose a different path which offers the world an impressive range of organic tea like Masala Chai, Thai iced tea, Jasmine Blossoms, and Hoji au Lait, and Forest Black Tea.

This tea specialist is housed in a little shophouse on a quiet alley off Tai Ping Shan Street, which is slowly becoming one of the hippest streets in Hong Kong lined with cafes, galleries, studios and lifestyle boutiques.

Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Road
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2858 9185
Wed to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

Via Tokyo

Located on Leighton Road at Causeway Bay, Via Tokyo is a dessert cafe which specialises in traditional Japanese sweets. It’s definitely a nice change from the usual Chinese desserts that you will find in Hong Kong.

Shop no 1A-1B, G/F Leishun Court
106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2895 1116
Mon to Thu, & Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Fri, Sat & PH: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

18 Grams

18 Grams is a espresso café with fresh, locally-roasted coffee beans. The outlet at Causeway Bay is a tiny and cosy shop with a few tables, while the new location at Mongkok, has a bigger kitchen to serve a wider selection of food like breakfast, pasta and salads.

Unit C, G/F, 15 Cannon St
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2893 8988
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

B04, 56 Dundas Street, Gala Place Basement
Mong Kok, Kowloon
Tel: +852 2770 1339
Nearest MTR: Mong Kok