Whether you need a jolt in the morning or a hit to get over the afternoon slump, chances are good that you get a daily coffee. Luckily, Hong Kong, and the Western District in particularly, is home to some truly dynamic coffee shops who elevate the humble bean to a fine drink. Next time you need a fix, check out these coffee shops in Sheung Wan.

The Cupping Room

An oldie but a goodie, The Cupping Room offers seriously good coffee and hearty breakfast plates. Their flat whites and cappuccinos are solid, but you’re also here for the food. Cooked to order, brekkie specials include eggs benedict with smoked salmon — the thick-cut honey malt toast is a nice touch — and the classic avo on toast, as well as freshly-baked pastries. There are several locations — the Sheung Wan store is a favorite — but all serve the brand’s speciality coffee, all freshly ground right here in Hong Kong. It’s got our vote for one of the best coffee shops in Sheung Wan.

LG/F, 299 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, cuppingroom.hk

Brew Bros

You’ll want to get here early to nab a table at Brew Bros. This hole-in-the-wall neighborhood joint is tiny — but its offerings are disproportionately mighty. Coffee beans are delivered directly from Market Lane Coffee in Melbourne (so you know it’s good), and used as a base in everything from the appropriately Antipodean flat white to a signature cold brew. Fresh pastries and full breakfasts are also on the menu. The avocado on toast is a very Melbournian dish to tuck into.

Shop F2, LG/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, 2572-0238, facebook.com/brewbroscoffee

Why50

An artsy little spot located on a side street off Queen’s Road Central, Why50 sports plenty of edgy-looking graffiti. Coffees are made with locally-roasted beans, and there’s a huge selection to choose from, so go crazy on the finnicky customized orders. If you’ve got the munchies, you can indulge without guilt. Healthy food — with a strong lean towards veganism — is the focus here, with yoghurt bombs, tomato mixes (a combo of fresh tomato, avocado, and green veggies), and Squash Delight (a blend of butternut squash, zucchini and eggplant).

Shop E, G/F, Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, facebook.com/Why50hk

18 Grams

There are a few storefronts for this little espresso joint, but all of them — including the Sheung Wan branch — believe in locally-roasted beans. The brand is also managed by a world-class barista, so you know you’re in good hands. You can have your coffee any way you choose, since the shop offers pour over, syphon, Aeropress, cold brew, Clever Cup, Chemex and French press. Pair your caffeine fix with a little snack from the simple, ever-changing menu.

77 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, 2327-5557, 18grams.com

Teakha

Okay technically, Teakha doesn’t serve coffee. But the menu does have a wide range of exotic teas — think cold-brew red jade with bergamot peel, and Keemun rose milk tea — a matcha soy latte, and a Hojicha au lait, so you can still get a caffeine fix (side note: tea actually has more caffeine than coffee!). The kitchen here whips up freshly baked goodies like banana caramel chiffon cake, and turns out heartier dishes like huevos rancheros toast.

Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, 2858-9185, teakha.com

Classified

This may be edging into Central territory, but we’re claiming this Classified location for Sheung Wan. Mainly because the terrace out here is perfect for enjoying a coffee alfresco and pretending you’re at an outdoor cafe somewhere in Europe. This is a real day-to-night spot offering everything from gourmet coffee and breakfast eats (there’s a seriously hefty menu) to boutique wines, dinner dishes, and event specialty cheese.

108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2525-3454, classifiedfood.com/eng

Barista Jam

This cozy coffee shop specializes in making coffee in every possible way. You’ll find Japanese siphons, French presses, hand grinders,and even Moka pots here. Get your caffeine fix — made with small batch beans, of course — and if you’re peckish, take a gander at the menu of breakfast and lunch offerings. For all these reasons, Barista Jam makes the cut for a top coffee shop in Sheung Wan.

Shop 1, G/F, 97 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, 2854-2211, facebook.com/baristajamhk

CoCo Espresso

Coffee is a serious passion for the folks behind Coco Espresso, and it shows in the attention each caffeinated drink is given. No wonder it’s a hidden-gem of a coffee shop in Sheung Wan. The whole ethos of this joint is that they only use the highest-quality beans from the world’s finest coffee-growing regions. The chic, modern Sheung Wan location is the original, and it also sells grub to go if you don’t have time for a sit-down brekkie.

13-15 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, cocobarista.com/eng

More from our neighborhood guide series.