Cupping Room Coffee Roasters is opening its first outlet in Singapore at Ngee Ann City.

One of the most established independent coffee shops in Hong Kong, Cupping Room Coffee Roasters is opened by the champion of the Hong Kong Barista Championship 2013.

Cupping Room Coffee Roasters Singapore is located on level two of Ngee Ann City, taking over the unit directly opposite Van Cleef & Arpels. The hoarding is already up and they will be officially opening to the public on 10 Oct 2020.

Photo Credit: Cupping Room Singapore

From first look, the interior of the Singapore outlet is very different from Cupping Room Hong Kong.

Photo Credit: Cupping Room Singapore

The space is conceptualised and designed by Brewin Design Office and it is inspired by the layers of coffee and milk mixing; nude tones weave between solid brown shades and are held together by concrete and stone elements.

The arrival of Cupping Room Coffee Roaster in Singapore is definitely great news for coffee lovers.

Cupping Room Singapore
391 Orchard Road
Level 2 Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872

Read: 34 best coffee shops in Singapore that you have to visit at least once.

Besides being the dim sum and roast goose capital of the world, Hong Kong is a city that boasts a dynamic and thriving coffee scene. Coffee shops have been sprouting all over the country at an alarming rate but they go well beyond just places that sell coffee.

From quirky aesthetics, hip spaces to some playful, never-before-seen creations, the coffee culture in Hong Kong has dramatically reshaped itself since the early days of Starbucks.

If you are a coffee fanatic like us who travel around the world in search of the best brews, or simply someone hankering for a morning cuppa before you begin your day proper here is our list of 18 coffee shops in Hong Kong’s Central & Sheung Wan district.

% ARABICA COFFEE

Located on the first level of the bustling IFC mall, % Arabica Coffee—famous coffee shop from Kyoto—stands as a beacon of comforting brews and the perfect pick-me-up for those who work around the area. We absolutely love their coffee coupled with their incredibly picturesque store layout.

Shop 1050, 1 Harbour View Street,
IFC Mall
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2809 2913
Daily: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central

Photo Credit: Amber Coffee Brewery

AMBER COFFEE BREWERY

A recent addition to the massive coffee shop-laden district of Sheung Wan, Amber brings to the table an array of eccentric coffee creations from pineapple-infused cold brews to the humble latte.

Their cups are hand-painted which make takeaways orders a must to put on the ‘gram’. For those in search of a nightcap or two, Amber also turns into a wine bar in the evening.

Des Voeux Road Central, 140-142
G/F No.142 Full View Building
Tel: +65 +852 3106 0872
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Central

BARISTA JAM

If you frequent Sheung Wan, chances are, you would have stumbled upon Barista Jam at least once. The fact that it has a centralised location, good coffee, knowledgeable staff, affordable prices and a cosy setting is why we find ourselves making several returns to this stylish coffee shop.

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

BREW BROS COFFEE

For a feel and a taste of Melbourne-style coffee, this humble coffee shop in Sheung Wan offers just that. Made from coffee beans delivered directly from Melbourne’s Market Lane Coffee, you can order anything from a flat white to their signature 21-hour cold brew. Be prepared to wait though, because Brew Bros Coffee is pretty small.

33 Hillier Street,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2572 0238
Daily: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

CAFÉ 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, which means you get to enjoy an array of lovely baked goods along with a cup of coffee.

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

COCO ESPRESSO

Since its early beginnings in Sheung Wan, Coco Espresso now has 5 outlets scattered across the island. Here is where you can savour the robust flavours of a solid latte made only using freshly roasted beans or a refreshing cold brew on a hot day.

13-15 Jervois Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

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
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Central

Photo Credit: Corner Kitchen Cafe

CORNER KITCHEN CAFE

Located right across the street from the greenery of Hollywood Road Park, the bright and airy Corner Kitchen is all about great coffee and delectable home-baked treats. It may not be the most niche coffee roaster in town nor the hippest, but you can expect Corner Kitchen to deliver solid, consistent coffee every time.

226 Hollywood Road,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 8008
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

CUPPING ROOM

Recognised as one of the most established independent coffee shops in Hong Kong, Cupping Room is opened by the champion of the 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.

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

ELEPHANT GROUNDS

A quaint and small cafe that can be easily missed due to its location, Elephant Grounds sits within the WOAW! concept store.

If you’re a fan of all things mysterious, then perhaps you may find charm in its somewhat secretive location. It has both casual seats around the coffee bar and outdoor benches as well.

11 Gough Street
Tel: +852 2253 1313
Mon to Sat: 11am – 8.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan/Hong Kong

HALFWAY COFFEE

Famous for serving coffee in vintage oriental porcelain cups, Halfway Coffee is a dinky joint tucked away along a row of antique shops. They serve all the classic coffee options from lattes to flat whites and a wide selection of teas as well.

12 Tung Street,
Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong
Tel: +65 +852 9511 7197
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

HAZEL & HERSHEY COFFEE ROASTERS

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 precision and care.

Other than getting your caffeine fix, you can also purchase coffee beans and coffee-making equipment.

Shop 3, 69 Peel
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3106 0760
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Central

KAFFEINE

Nestled along Jervois Street, where a number of indie cafés sit, Kaffeine specialises in quality coffee made from freshly roasted beans. But perhaps what helps this little coffee shop stand out from its competitors is its excellent fresh food.

108 Jervois Street,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +65 +852 2639 5100
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

Photo Credit: Lof10

LOF 10

A minimalist coffee shop nestled on the slope of U Lam Terrace, Lof 10 is a pretty laid back venue that boasts a range of flavoured coffee beverages including their rose latte. You will definitely not miss the attention grabbing logo that is shaped like an old Hong Kong neon light.

While they may not be the most affordable coffee shop option in town, their drinks sure match up to the cost.

1 U Lam Terrace,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2540 2210
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

NOC COFFEE CO.

Boasting industrial minimalism as their store concept, NOC Coffee Co. is one place where you can sip on a coffee in style. Spacious, cool and perfect for photos, we can see why NOC Coffee Co. is a hit among the younger crowd.

34 Graham Street,
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2606 6188
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Central

SIMPLY LIFE (THE LANDMARK)

Perhaps one of our favourite spots in Hong Kong for an afternoon chill, simplylife is a good cafe to unwind, relax and enjoy a myriad of tantalising nosh while you’re at it.

With a bakery that produces an amazing range of bread, pastries and cakes, everything is of premium quality, and no additives are added. For lunch and dinner, the kitchen also dishes out fresh salads, pasta, burgers and other savoury main courses.

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

URBAN BAKERY WORKS

Sexy. Artsy. Fuss-free. Comfort. Altogether, URBAN Bakery Works presents itself as a 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, that come in a variety of fancy flavours from almond, Belgian chocolate, cheddar cheese, to brulee—all of which are available every day.

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

Photo Credit: Why 50

WHY 50 

Conveniently located in the heart of Sheung Wan, it is hard not to nip in for a quick cuppa or a hearty sandwich. Why 50’s coffee selection is unique and speaks volumes of their passion for experimentation.

Some dishes that come highly recommended include their Lavender Latte as well as the delicious Cubano—perfect for starting the day right.

27 Hillier Street,
Fu Fai Commercial Centre
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 6532 4161
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

Read: 17 Best Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong you must visit.

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

All coffee lovers must have heard of the famous Omotesando Koffee in Tokyo. What was meant to be a pop-up store at a tiny, traditional Japanese house in Omotesando’s residential area ended up lasting for an extended period of five whopping years.

Name of its novelty spread far and wide – even tourists were making special trips to check out Omotesando Koffee.

Sadly, Tokyo’s famous Omotesando Koffee’s has shut its doors approximately half a year ago. But that is not the end of the beloved coffee brand. There are now a few outlets across Japan and the hipster coffee shop has too recently opened its very first international outpost in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Hong Kongers you guys have no idea how jealous we are!

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Fans of 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. Consistency remains top-notch as founder Eiichi Kunimoto has relocated to Hong Kong for this overseas outpost too.

Source: Asia Tatler

However, the ambience of the Hong Kong-based coffee shop is clearly a world apart from the original store. Instead of being housed in an age-old traditional Japanese home, Hong Kong’s Omotesando Koffee is located within a shopping complex alongside other lifestyle and F&B brands.

Nonetheless, good coffee makes up for it all. We look forward to visiting Omotesando Koffee when we next visit Hong Kong!

Omotesando Koffee
G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: ?852 2601 3323
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

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.

So you have heard about the things you should know before opening a café. Let’s jump over to the other side of the fence and see how the world is.

With cafés opening every other day in Singapore, it is seemingly becoming a popular option for youngsters and students to work in one. Some aspire to be trained baristas, some simply love to serve. They do seem like they are always having fun – hearty laughs and chatting in between tasks.

But is it really so? There are things that happen behind the scenes, things that regular customers would not otherwise observe or realize, and they are not always the prettiest things to share.

While working in a café has its fair share of fun, let’s discover 5 Things You Never Knew About Working In A Café:

#1 CUSTOMERS HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE OR BREAK OUR DAY

I remember on my first day of work, my boss gave me a heads up by warning me that there would come a point in time where some customers would make me lose faith in humanity (“but continue to smile and have fun,” he continued).

While I think that this is too heavy a statement, I must say that it definitely holds a certain amount of truth in it. Having worked in a café for several months now, I have experienced first-hand how much an impact customers can leave behind, simply by their attitudes and responses towards us. Customers who are overly demanding, impatient and rude will ruin our day without a doubt, and this takes its effect on our service as much as we try to keep things professional.

On the other side of the coin, we truly appreciate friendly and understanding customers! When working and serving in a café for hours repeatedly, friendly customers are almost like an instant gratification and perks for us. Be it leaving notes for us on serviettes or simply thanking us before heading out, such gestures actually mean a lot to us especially on long days!

#2 WORKING IN A CAFÉ IS NOT GLAM AT ALL

Before I started my part-time job in the café, I was expecting something laid-back and bluntly put, brainless. And I am pretty sure this is what many of you think, too. But the job is really not as simple as it looks! There is so much more than simply “standing there and looking good”, as some would think.

As a service crew, you have to do the dishes and wash the coffee machine parts. Also, there will come many situations when customers put you in a spot and you are required to think quickly on your feet to meet the myriad of requests and expectations that they have.

For the girls, it is almost normal to have your manicured nails chipped so brace yourself if you are thinking of working in a café – there is definitely more than meets the eye! Oh, you should not wear your expensive clothes too lest they get stains!

#3 WE DO NOT GET TO EAT ALL THE GOOD FOOD

Part of the excitement about working in a café is the idea of being able to eat all the good food on work days – or so, I thought. Think endless truffles fries and chocolate tarts! But contrary to popular belief, working in a café doesn’t grant you the trump card of ordering from the menu for free all the time.

The truth is, you will be too swamped with serving and attending to customers most of the time that you would hardly have time to eat. In fact, as ironic as it may be, working in café has the potential to mess up your eating habits because you do not get to eat at regular timings; in extreme cases, it gets so crowded that you might not get to eat for the entire duration of your shift! Yes, it is part of the deal.

#4 A LOT OF HARD WORK AND PRACTICE IS PUT INTO THE CUP OF COFFEE THAT YOU SIP

Each cuppa served is the product of a lot of hard work, dedication and passion – there is so much more going on behind that cup of Flat White or Latte that you Instagram before drinking!

Pouring a clean latte art takes months after months of practice and sheer determination; it is definitely not as effortless as it looks. Baristas take their pours very seriously and they constantly try to improve on their techniques and invent new designs to present.

Some perfectionists will not serve the coffee until and unless they are satisfied with their pour. That is the amount of seriousness and dedication put into your cup of coffee. So please do take some time to appreciate the art instead of chugging it down immediately!

Read our guide to Singapore’s top independent coffee shops.

#5 INSTAGRAM-ED IT? WE SAW IT!

Thanks to Instagram’s geo-tag function, at the end of every shift, we would and love browsing through the tags to see how much you have enjoyed your time at our café. We also take the chance to look out for feedback that can help us to improve on our service and food. This is how we usually conclude our days.

That said, we are all constantly looking out for constructive comments that will help us to improve, so on your next visit, if you have something to say, it will mean a lot to us if you could take some time to pen your thoughts down.

About the writer:
Jane Y. is an undergrad and a cake-lover. She works part-time at one of Singapore’s cafes, and she spends her weekends serving very busy brunch crowds. An occasional coffee junkie, she also has a keen interest on her cuppa and she always makes sure her customers leave satisfied with their coffee and food.

Hong Kong’s speciality coffee scene has been growing steadily, with new indie cafes and coffee joints popping up every month. These days, it is a lot easier to find a good cup of coffee in the city. Here is a roundup of the best coffee shops in Hong Kong.

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, 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
Tue to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat to Mon: 10am – 6pm
Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

Café 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 a spot where executives come for coffee and take a break.

Café Corridor is also listed in our guide to 10 Cafes in Hong Kong.

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

Café 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.

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

Caffe 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

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 the place to head to for coffee purists.

299 Queen’s Road Central
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2799 3398
Mon, Wed to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan (Exit A2)

Fuel Espresso

There are many coffee shops in Central, but none of them is 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 good coffee in an intimate space.

Shop B47A, The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
Tel: +852 2869 9019
Nearest Station: Central

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

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.

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

Holly Brown

Holly Brown has several outlets in Hong Kong, including Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Elements, Causeway Bay, and Lan Kwai Fong. While there is nothing fanciful about the interior, it is spacious and comfortable, and a good pitstop for coffee and gelato.

G/F, 22 Stanley Street, Central
Tel: +852 2869 9008
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Central

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

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.

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

simplylife

With a bakery that produces an amazing range of bread, pastries and cakes, everything at simplylife is of premium quality, and no additives are added.

The space is one that have you slow down, relax, get a coffee and breathe in the simple pleasures of life. simplylife, indeed.

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

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 next time you are in Central, drop by its concept shop at The Landmark and get a coffee. The Ball Law Cowssant, a hybrid of croissant and po luo bao (pineapple bun), is also a must-try.

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

Unar Coffee Company

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

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 with only a few chairs available in the premise. It has since expanded with other outlets in Times Square, Sai Kung, Harbourcity and Mongkok. 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.

18 Grams is also listed in our guide to 10 Cafes in Hong Kong.

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

For more recommendations, read our curated Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides.