Hong Kong from the perspective of a specialty coffee lover
My search for the perfect cappuccino started a few years ago when the Third Wave Coffee movement reached my dear hometown, Bucharest, Romania. Tiny hipster coffee shops started appearing at every corner. I was intrigued, so I started my research and discovered that specialty coffee is a complex trade. Its success depends on the farmer, the taster, the roasting process and the careful preparation of a skilled barista. Its characteristics are microlot fresh light roasting, single-origin coffee (Ethiopia, Colombia, etc) and diversity of brewing methods (Aeropress, V60, Chemex, etc). I learned to taste the differences, spot any preparation mistakes and so I stopped enjoying commercial coffee chains.
Now, every city I visit hides a new adventure — finding the coffee I enjoy. So, when I decided to accept a summer internship in Hong Kong, I, again, did my research. When you think about Hong Kong, you don’t particularly associate it with coffee. I was expecting the British influence to have impregnated Hong Kong with a love for tea. But oddly enough, from a shallow search, tons and tons of potential locations surfaced. Not only that, but I discovered that a lot of the World Championship finalists are actually running the shops in Central and Sheung Wan.
I took a challenge upon myself: visit a different coffee shop everyday! So, I found:
- Best Cappuccino: Coco Espresso
Their baristas are recognized worldwide and for a good reason! From the moment I walked in, until the moment I tasted my coffee everything was perfect. And the Cappuccino (HK$ 35) was simply addictive.
2. Best Pour-over: Cupping Room
With locations in Wan Chai, Central and Sheung Wan, Cupping Room Coffee Roasters has been inspiring other since 2011.
3. Best menu: Hungry Elephant cafe
If you’re looking for an adventure in the coffee world this is definitely the place to go! Some of their unique menu items include: 12H Glacier Drip (HK$ 68), 72H Cold Brew (HK$ 68), “Specialty Coffee” Tasting Set (HK$ 98), Espresso Tasting Set (HK$ 48) and Milk Tasting Set (HK$ 48).
4. Best Ice Latte: Preface
They’re brand new location in Tin Hau is the perfect refuge from the hot and humid Hong Kong summer days. The location doubles as a learning hub, transforming on certain evenings by hosting workshops on topics such as Artificial Intelligence (every Tuesday 7.30–8.30PM) or Coding for children.
5. Most innovative: Athletic Juice and Espresso Bar
I thought the “Avolatte” was just a myth until I visited Athletic Juice and Espresso Bar. The crafted half-avocado served on a bed of avocado paste contained a perfectly prepared latte.
6. Favorite design: Kaffeine
It might be the minimalist design or the relaxing music, but you cannot walk into Kaffeine and not fall in love with the place.
