Hong Kong has always been known for its diverse dining scene and exciting nightlife with countless bars offering tasty tipples to quench your thirst, but more recently, the city has also emerged as one of Asia’s most beloved speciality coffee capitals.
With local roasters and plenty of unique homegrown concepts continuously bringing quality coffees and good food to refresh our dining experience, the local café scene is indeed thriving and showing no signs of slowing down.
Ahead, find our picks for the best new Hong Kong cafes and brunch spots where you can unwind, get your java fix and enjoy a great meal, either solo or with loved ones.
Miss our last month’s roundup? You can read it here.
Zenwich
Featuring a beautiful avocado green façade and stylish interiors, Zenwich in Tin Hau offers the perfect setting for relaxing afternoon escapes from the city. As well as giving all the backdrops you need for your ‘gram, the café also features a wide array of food and drink offerings delighting both palate and soul.
Guests will be treated menu of tempting sandwiches loaded with flavourful fillings such as eggs, crab meat, avocado, and truffle. For beverages, there are classic black and white coffees, refreshing smoothies and hot teas to complement your meal.
Zenwich, Shop E, G/F, 14A Gordon Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong, +852 9888 8225; instagram.com/zenwich.cafe
Garden at Mei Ho Café
Tucked away inside the Mei Ho House, one of Hong Kong’s oldest housing estates which has now been renovated into a youth hostel and museum, the decor of this newly opened cafe is a must-visit for Instagram addicts.
With its black and white tiled floors and old-fashioned booth seating, stepping inside the café feels like a journey back in time—and the modern retro atmosphere will have you wanting to stay for a long afternoon break. The outdoor seating area is ideal for sampling their great coffees or noshing on their signature waffles, pasta and desserts.
Garden at Mei Ho Café, G/F, YHA Mei House Youth Hostel, Block 41, Shek Kip Mei Estate, 70 Berwick Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong; instagram.com/garden.at.meiho
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Milligram Coffee
The latest addition to Central’s already teeming caffeine scene, Milligram Coffee is a tranquil oasis to slow down and enjoy a relaxing afternoon break. Beautifully designed with concrete walls, wooden tables and plenty of greenery to restore your zen, the Japanese-style café lets you savour homemade dishes and coffees in a soul-soothing ambience.
Their all-day breakfast served in a bento box, miso carbonara and Japanese raindrop cake are must-tries.
Milligram Coffee, Shop A, G/F, 174-178 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong; instagram.com/milligramcoffeehk
Matchali
After many successful pop-up events across the city, Matchali has officially launched its first flagship store in Wan Chai. Airy and welcoming, the café is tastefully designed with lush greenery and an outdoor space that invites fresh air and ample sunlight into the space, where guests can enjoy an impressive menu of over 30 varieties of matcha drinks from caffeinated options to classic lattes and teas, alongside delectable light bites including sourdough toasts and salads.
Feeling peckish? Choose from a variety of soft-serve matcha ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Matchali, G/F, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; instagram.com/matchali_hk
Life¿
Although its Central location has shut down, Life¿ is still alive and kicking at Sai Ying Pun, delighting guests with the same delicious coffees and even more impressive food in a cosy setting. The café's new outlet might be small in size, but it gives enough room for lingering and enjoying their signature pastries including majicha roll and earl grey scones.
Featuring a soothing colour palette of white with minimalist furniture dominating the space, every corner of this café is perfect for the ‘gram, too.
Life¿, G/F, 25 First Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong; instagram.com/lifeisaquestionmark
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In Depth
Another Central newcomer to put on your radar, In Depth is a multi-concept café that serves up quality coffees during the day, cocktails and shisha into the night. Go for the espresso tonic or house special matcha dirty and pair your drink with their scrumptious pastries including apple tart and tea-infused tiramisu. Make sure you also check out their special menu of cocktails and enjoy shisha as you relax at the airy terrace.
In Depth, 3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9106 7440; instagram.com/indepth.hk
Read more: 9 Hong Kong Cafes That Turn Into Bars at Night
Creo by Brentwood
Despite its remote location in Kowloon Bay, Creo by Brentwood is still worth a quick day trip for its cosy vibes and great selection of food. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, in part thanks to the wooden interior and furniture made by local timber recycling project, HK Timberbank, where guests can soak in the relaxing ambience while getting their java fix and sampling the signature sourdough bread.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the café also offers Instagrammable desserts including corn cheesecake and strawberry jelly cake.
Creo by Brentwood, Shop C2, 1/F, Capital Tower, 38 Wai Yip Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong; instagram.com/creobybrentwood
Yoi Coffee & Bakery
Crafted with premium beans from Melbourne’s Dukes Coffee Roasters, all the caffeinated drinks served at Yoi Coffee & Bakery are a result of passion and meticulous attention—which are best enjoyed with their signature pulled pork burger, avocado toasts and homemade desserts.
While you're there, be sure to take a moment to sip your drink on the bench in front of the photogenic pastel yellow shopfront and enjoy some people-watching.
Yoi Coffee & Bakery, G/F, 20 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong, instagram.com/yoicoffeebakery
Zendo Cafe
Located on the ground floor of the newly opened art gallery, Haus of Contemporary in Central, Zendo Café is a fusion of art, aesthetics and coffee. The wooden interiors follow the minimalist theme of the building and are carried through into the carefully curated drink menu, with a small but decent selection of beverages on offer.
Get yourself a cup of classic latte, cappuccino, or filter coffee before heading upstairs to enjoy the exhibition and appreciating modern artworks. Don’t like coffee? Their equally popular drinks including hot yuzu oolong tea and lemonade are sure to please.
Zendo Café, 9 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong; instagram.com/zendocafe
Read more: The Best Brunches in Hong Kong: The Ultimate Guide to Free-Flow Menus in 2022
Nika Coffee
This relaxed corner café in Central is prized for obvious reasons: its chic décor, airy outdoor seating area and delicious food on rotation. Order a couple of mains, such as pasta and gua baos to share so you get to try a bit of everything, then round off your experience with some well-executed siphon coffees. Don’t forget to wash that all down with the house special dessert, crispy red bean toast.
Nika Coffee, Shop B, G/F, 17 Wa In Fong Street, Central, Hong Kong; instagram.com/nikacoffeehk
Nutshell
This newly opened gem in Cheung Chau might help to bring you some much-needed respite if you’re looking to escape the urban bustle. Exuding Japanese-style minimalism from the wooden interiors to the delicate tableware, Nutshell is not only an Instagrammer’s dream, but also a great weekend hangout to indulge in brunch plates and refreshing drinks.
As well as offering a hearty menu of egg toasts and pasta, there's also a wide selection of freshly brewed coffees and teas to cool you off on those lazy summer afternoons.
Nutshell, Shop 156, Sun Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong; instagram.com/thenutshell_island
Read more: Island Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Cheung Chau
Blend & Grind
The newest branch of Blend & Grind is now open in Kennedy Town with a dog-friendly outdoor space, welcoming guests to take delight in quality food and drinks whilst enjoying the restaurant’s cosy vibes. On their extensive drinks menu, expect all the usuals—from classic coffees to lattes and teas—plus some seasonal options like watermelon matcha and apple hojicha cold brew. You’ll find the same quality and excellence in its food offerings, with healthy bowls, artisan sourdough toasts and salads on offer.
If brunch isn't your thing, pay a visit at night instead where you can enjoy small plates and expertly crafted cocktails for some after-work respite.
Blend & Grind, G/F, 20 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; instagram.com/blendgrindhk
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