If you’re having a love-hate relationship with the Hong Kong cold just like we are right now, you are probably also looking for some new coffee shops to settle in with a warm mug of flat white or hot cocoa to nestle up against. Don’t worry, we’ve got just the tried-and-tested list (listed in alphabetical order, not preference!) for you this season!
13PEEL Coffee Bar
Newly opened by Inferno Dynamics Coffee Roastery on the coffee-centric Peel Street, you can expect some wonderful single origin and organic cuppas here. The secret garden is perfect for some afternoon catching up with friends, and for the peckish, there are sandwiches and croissants to choose from. If you’re a home brewer, you should check out the coffee beans on offer too!
G/F, 13 Peel Street, Central, 9881-7013.
Anchoret
Another new addition to the streets of Sai Ying Pun already dotted with cafes left and right, Anchoret sets itself apart with a minimal and upscale interior — as well as a a fashion boutique hidden upstairs. The two-story cafe not only has a very Instagram-friendly vibe, but coffee that goes beyond the usual roster: think coffee shaken like a cocktail and served with an ice sphere just like whisky. The homemade special desserts are not to be missed either, so I recommend a visit with a book under your arm.
G/F, 2A Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, 2145-0644.
Amber Coffee Brewery
Not many independent coffee shops in Hong Kong can make it on ground level on Des Voeux Road Central, but Amber made it this long for a reason. Its founder Dawn Chan is a two-time champion in the Hong Kong Barista Championship, and took home 4th place in the World Barista Championship. Awards aside, this small but cozy cafe is not only home to fantastic coffee (just see the Facebook reviews), but also wine in the evening — perfect for that afterwork drink.
G/F, Full View Building, No.142 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, 3106-0872.
Arabica Hong Kong
Started right here in Hong Kong, Arabica had its first shop at Discovery Bay in 2013. After four years of conquering cities like Kyoto, Kuwait and Dubai, the minimal and quality coffee shop with its own coffee farm is back in Hong Kong and already brewing a storm. Its second Hong Kong store at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier is one of the smallest coffee shops around, but also one of the busiest. Now, Islanders can taste its coveted coffee too, at ifc mall. Home brewers can also bring home a bag of Arabica’s coffee beans, roasted right here in Hong Kong.
Shop 1050, Podium Level 1, ifc mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, 2809-2913.
Fineprint
Previously the Peel Street Espresso Bar, the low key spot continues to be a popular destination both day and night for fantastic coffee and wine. Unlike most coffee shops nowadays, Fineprint looks more like a bar with a long wine list for happy hour. That said, you’d be missing out if you passed on its pastry offerings, as well as the single origin coffee made by Fineprint’s award-winning barista owner.
G/F, 38 Peel Street, Central, 5503-6880.
NOC Coffee Co. Roastery
Coffee lovers should be no stranger to NOC Coffee Co’s beautifully minimal and white store on Gough Street and the original store on Graham Street. Now, one of the longest standing local coffee boutiques has blossomed into a flagship store on Des Veux Road West. Visit for the same aromatic and creamy coffee along with a bigger food menu (shakshuka can be found here!) and more space for you to linger in.
Shop 4, G/F, Bohemian House, 321 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 3611-5300.
Roastery Lab by The Coffee Academics
The Coffee Academics’s latest outpost nestled on Peel Street is not particular big or stunning, but it does have a different function and vibe compared to its siblings. The Roastery Lab embodies a micro-roastery, and puts on display a giant roasting machine. Visitors can join speciality coffee lab tours to learn about the bean-to-cup and brewing process.
Basement, 41 Staunton street, Central. (Enter via Peel Street).
