(SPOT.ph) Only a couple of hours away by plane, Hong Kong makes for a great weekend getaway if you’re looking for an adventure that’s neither too close nor too far from Manila. And because we know a good vacation gets even better with amazingly chill hangouts, we couldn’t resist scouting for some of the coolest cafés in HK—perfect for travelers who perpetually need a caffeine fix to keep them going.
18 Grams Specialty Coffee
18 Grams was one of the first Hong Kong coffee shops to bring specialty coffee to the city. What’s great about them is they know their coffee—so much so that every branch has its own unique house blend crafted according to area and the residents’ taste. Don’t miss their house favorites, like their classic take on the Flat White and Piccolo Latte. But if you’re looking to beat the heat, you might want to reach for their Iced Cappuccino instead.
See a list of 18 Grams branches in Hong Kong.
Elephant Grounds
It doesn’t hurt that Elephant Grounds can sate any coffee craving while making your IG feed look good. This coffee place has their own trendy, minimalist vibe going on, and there’s just something about their wooden interiors that give the café a fresh feeling. Their coffee brings together locally sourced ingredients and imported coffee beans, so any caffeine lover will find familiar flavors here. We heard their double-shot Smoke Milk Affogato is a crowd favorite, and we’d totally pair it with one of their best-selling ice cream sandwiches!
See a list of Elephant Grounds branches in Hong Kong.
Craft Coffee Roaster
Considering that it's located in the heart of Hong Kong's busiest areas, Craft Coffee Roaster really knows how to take you away from all the hurry and scurry of the shopping malls that surround it. The joint may look unassuming from the outside, but we’re not kidding when we say their coffee is sublime—they’ve got certified baristas who really know their stuff! Most of their drinks, like the timeless Latte, are made with precision and care so pick your poison with ease (don’t miss their Banana Cheesecake!).
Craft Coffee Roaster is at 29 Tai Kok Tsui Road, Hong Kong.
ZAI FE
ZAI FE seems to put modern and retro together in a way that’s unpretentious and equally cool. The coffee bar is perfect for lovers of good espresso. Fun fact: Did you know “zai fe” is Cantonese for “strong black coffee”? Their beverages are made fresh and all-natural so you can be sure everything in your cup, whether hot or cold, is the real thing. They have an impressive selection of mochas made with Belgian chocolate. Plus, all their take-out cups are biodegradable, so you can enjoy your coffee the eco-friendly way.
ZAI FE is at L/G Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Hazel & Hershey Coffee Roasters
With their bright, seafoam- and chocolate-tinged exteriors, it’d be hard to miss Hazel & Hershey. The café is an absolutely fun stop if you love your coffee. And even if you’re not dropping by for a caffeine boost, their extensive array of coffee-related items for sale makes for an unusual window-shopping experience (or, you know, you could bring something home with you as a souvenir). But if you change your mind and do decide to get coffee, try their take on the Matcha Latte—they have the perfect mix that keeps the real earthy flavor of matcha without tasting too sweet. For those who like their coffee bold, you’ll find that their Black Coffee is all shades of right: Rich, nutty, and brimming with flavor.
Hazel & Hershey Coffee Roasters is at Shop 3, 69 Peel Street, Central District, Hong Kong.
% Arabica
With branches in nearly every corner of the world (including Manila!), add to your bucket list a visit to % Arabica in Hong Kong. You’ll love this coffee stop for their sleek interiors that are eye-catching in their simplicity. Meanwhile, it seems that anything you order here is sure to hit all the right notes, like their no-frills Espresso Macchiato, but if you’re looking for something new, why don’t you DIY your own coffee? % Arabica offers a Barista Experience class that teaches you step by step the tricks of the trade—so you can have your coffee just the way you want it.
See a list % Arabica branches in Hong Kong.
The Cupping Room
It’s hard to make a list of must-visit cafés in Hong Kong without including The Cupping Room. With award-winning baristas at the helm, their caffeinated beverages—they specialize in espresso and single-origin pour-over coffee—are an experience in themselves. We hear their fresh brews are so perfectly balanced that you can’t get anything as good anywhere else in town. But if you’re making the trip, it’s also worth remembering that the coffee shop whips up delectable brunch dishes, too.
The Cupping Room Coffee Roasters is at Shop 8, Silver Jubilee Mansion, 62-72 Po Hong Fong, Hong Kong.
The Coffee Academics
Judging from the name itself, The Coffee Academics makes it their goal to educate you about what good coffee really is. That, and their certified teaching center for aspiring baristas eager to learn the trade! And if you’re all about exploring barista-made blends, then this café is for you because third-wave coffee is the star of the show. Be sure not to miss this gem when you’re hitting up HK—we swear people all over the world (and social media) are raving about it. They also have specialty tea if coffee isn’t up your alley!
See a list of The Coffee Academics branches in Hong Kong.
Winstons Coffee
With their laid-back, retro-theater vibe—and an ever-changing cheeky sign—Winstons Coffee is a sight to behold. The joint whips up freshly baked pastries and goodies and it’ll be hard to choose just one. It also doesn’t hurt that their coffee menu is just as striking, covering all the basics and even more. Yes, we’re definitely talking about their signature Espresso Martini, which is perfect for anyone who wants a little spike in their caffeine every now and then.
Winstons Coffee has branches at Shop 4, 213 Queens Road West, Hong Kong, and; Shop 8, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Hong Kong.
Why 50
For the artistic soul, Why 50 may just be your next favorite HK café. There are murals reminiscent of street art all around the coffee shop, giving it that casual atmosphere perfect for someone looking for a place to just chill. A little trivia for you: Why 50’s coffee beans are roasted by a “coffee scientist” and are made with the industry-famous legendary Slayer machine, known for raising the bar of the humble craft espresso. You shouldn't miss their Slayer Coffee; or if that sounds too adventurous, go the tried-and-tested path with the classic Flat White.
Why 50 is at Shop E, G/F Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
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