New Cafes and Afternoon Teas to try in Hong Kong, Sept. 2022

The hot sweaty summers of yesterday come to an end with the arrival of September as students march back to school and businesses hurriedly make up for the mid-year slumps. Together, we silently mark a de facto ‘new year’ without any of the celebration to soften the blow.

In our attempt to transition from poolside cocktails and junk boat parties, a moment of pause in the day goes a long way. Luckily, Hong Kong is brimming with new boutique cafes and coffee spots at every corner to do just that. From Kennedy Town to North Point, here are some of our choice picks for new cafes, coffee shops, and afternoon teas to take ourselves out of the September fog.

The Hawk & Aster Grand Café

The Hawk & Aster Grand Café is a reliable choice for anyone in need of a quick pick me up. Decorated with multi-palleted emerald jade tiles lining the walls, rounded south-east Asian inspired seating, and provocative art, this Pacific Place all-day French brasserie offers a dynamic dinner to café experience depending on the time of day.

Its Instagrammable interior sets the stage for its equally photogenic and mouth-watering menu items. Treat yourself to a warm bowl of Boston Lobster Bisque (HK$165), or choose from their eclectic range of sandwiches and burgers; including their Fish Sandwich for HK$180 and Pastrami Submarine for HK$185. Hawk & Aster’s coffee is powered by Elephant Grounds, so feel free to sip on your favourite staple coffees or try their French Vanilla and Salted Caramel for HK$55.

The Hawk & Aster Grand Café: Unit 008, Level LG1, Pacific Place, 88, Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Being Good Café

Being Good Café is a quaint hole-in-the-wall shop made for slow days and people watching. With simple exposed woodgrain décor and cream-coloured concrete walls, this café emanates a welcome rustic atmosphere that sets it apart from neighbouring stores. Pet-owners and their furry companions are more than welcome to stop and sip during their daily walks, leaving smiles on the faces of other customers as they gush over all the cute dogs ‘being good’.

While the dogs enjoy a small break, customers can choose from a selection of Handmade Liege Waffles, from the sweet Caramel Banana Waffle (HK$58) to savoury waffles like the Seaweed & Beef Waffle (HK$88). If their menu items don’t speak enough about their innovative approach to catering, try their diverse drink specials including the Blue Lemon Soda (HK$35), Coconut Sorbet Latte (HK$55), or a refreshing Ice Cream with Coke (HK$40).

Being Good Café: Shop 7, G/F, Fu Lee Loy Shopping Centre, 9-27 King Wah Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Milligram Coffee

Milligram Coffee is a Japanese inspired nook in the heart of Central made especially for those who find relaxation in neutral tones, minimalist black timber furniture, simple shaped décor, and indoor flora. Inspired by traditional teahouses in Japan, you can opt to sit seiza-style, meaning to sit on the floor, or on high stools and chairs to enjoy authentic matcha infused drinks and light eats.

You can choose from traditionally prepared Drip Matcha Latte (HK$55), or a summer favourite Yuzu Tonic (HK$60) to go with novelty and traditional Japanese snacks. These snacks include DragonQuest-esque slime desserts that are transparent all the way through, or traditional dango desserts. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, Milligram Coffee also offers fusion dishes like Miso Carbonara for HK$108 and Bento Boxes for HK$158.

Milligram Coffee: Wing Fai Building, Shop A, G/F, 174-178 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong

Creo by Brentwood

Creo by Brentwood is a new addition to Kennedy Town’s venerated café scene. The coffee shop takes its name from the Latin word ‘create’ to signify the intentionality and care behind their roasted coffee, pastries, and creative space. Creo also collaborates with local artists to furnish their space, with large colourful murals depicting the charming water theme of Kennedy Town, speaking to the connectivity and harmony of old and new in the area.

Creo takes a lot of care in artisanal products and sourcing high-quality ingredients, with exclusive specials such as Kombucha, Genmaicha, and Hojicha lattes making an appearance on their menu. As a pet friendly store, Creo is proactively looking for partners to serve up pet-friendly treats along with their coffee menu. Our favourite picks are the White Piccolo ($HK35), Summer Berries Smoothie (HK$68), and the classic House Blend Mocha (HK$48).

Creo by Brentwood: 40 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Little Cove Espresso

Once a local hot-spot for coffee lovers in Sai Kung, Little Cove Espresso has finally opened its second location in Kennedy Town for Hong Kong islanders. Located in a spot that gets lots of sunlight, the new location plays with bright, cream-toned, beachy aesthetics – proving yet again, that simple is best.

For those who are familiar with the Little Cove Espresso menu, this would just be a more convenient way to enjoy your favourite coffee at a more accessible location. But to newcomers, we recommend you check out the healthful Tumeric Latte (HK$38), or the extravagant Little Cove Affogato (HK$68) topped with pistachio and biscotti.

Little Cove Espresso: G/F, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Island Shangri-La

Perhaps the most decadent (and expensive) option on our list is the Island Shangri-La’s ‘A Fruity Summer Sensation’. The summer sun is in full force with the hotel’s tart fruit desserts and gentle tea sets curated by executive chef Uwe Opocensky and pastry chef Julie Gourmelon, aimed at injecting that summer feeling right into your veins.

This special set include savoury eats like fig, honey mascarpone bagels, soft tacos with mango salsa and chicken, smoked salmon and cucumber, as well as delectable sweets like mango sago, pomelo cake, and apricot and pistachio rolls. The whole afternoon tea-set is available for HK$718 and will continue until Sept. 30.

Island Shangri-La: Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong

The Envoy

Less is more, says the Envoy, with its simplistic seven-choice menu, staple coffee options, and unique selection of teas. Many of the Envoy’s cocktails feature tea in their signature cocktails, so it is no wonder that the Envoy offers an exceptional range of teas during teatime. Tea flavours such as strawberry kiwi, Viennese earl grey, and Paris, pair wonderfully with their tried-and-true tea set items.

Divided between sweet and savoury, the Envoy recreates comfort food at an elevated level with the Wagyu Cheese Burger, Spiced Sesame Tuna Wonton with Caviar, and Spicy Sambal Popcorn Shrimp. Pastries like the Malaysian Coconut Macron and the Pandan Chiffon Roll strike a delightful balance between natural and artificial sweetness.

The Envoy: 3/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Hejm

Hejm has launched a new afternoon tea set for the adventurous foodie set on embarking on a Nordic tea time experience. Get stuck in with their Signature Smørrebrød: open-face sandwiches filled with fresh prawns and slow-roasted pork belly, to complement caffeine-free teas such as Citrus fireweed and Red Clover, hand-plucked straight from Northern Europe.

Glut on Norwegian waffles and cinnamon rolls to satisfy your sweet tooth, and in true Nordic fashion –make your tea boozy with an additional HK$60 per specialty cocktail. This unique tea set is available for HK$488 for two.

Hejm: 161 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong