Coffee Shops and Afternoon Teas in Hong Kong to Try This May 2023

Year after year, humidity and rainy days are all that precede our annual Hong Kong summers – until the sun rears its head from the clouds and burns the sidewalks to a crisp.

While we wait for sweaty beach days and uneven tans, we can relish in the glum grey cast skies with a steaming cup of whatever your little heart desires. From Tsim Sha Tsui to Central, it’s time to get out and see what’s new in this coffee-tea-obsessed city. These are the newest coffee shops and afternoon tea deals in Hong Kong to sip and bite at in May.

Creo By Brentwood

Creo by Brentwood has opened its third location in Happy Valley, featuring signature roasts, unique interiors, and carefully curated cakes and treats for the ultimate ‘coffee break’. Each Creo interior is laden with a love for artistry, with the new location spotlighting the imaginative panache of Hong Kong artist Law Ho Kwong Bo through a vibrant graffiti-style one-wall mural.

Have a sip of the Royal Brulee (HK$48) for a fancy pick me up, which is a new take on a latte macchiato made with Earl Grey tea. While admiring the thoughtful art pieces, you can also try out exclusive branch-only offerings, such as Magic (HK$40), a double ristretto topped with flat white milk. Menu favourites like the Spicy BBQ Pork Belly Roll (HK$138) are a great stomach-liner that’ll have you fuelled for the day ahead.

Where: Creo By Brentwood, 6 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Contact details: Instagram

VIVE

Bespoke cakery VIVE has expanded into a daytime dining hot-spot in the ever-happening Gough Street in Central. The signature confectionery demands the camera eat first, with brunch specialities, big plates, and creative teas, which can add all the flair you need to your Instagram feed.

Menu options like the Uni Mentaiko (HK$228), Roasted Eggplant (HK$158), and Beef Tongue Sando (HK$178) are a must-try for savoury-toothed diners. With dessert options trailblazing innovative combinations of East and West flavours in Thai Milk Tea (HK$98), Pistachio Tiramisu (HK$98), and Banana Bread (HK$88).

For a beverage-only visit, order from their expansive coffee menu or try out some of their signature tea choices, including Uji Matcha Genmaicha (HK$68) and White Peony (HK$68).

Where: VIVE, G/F, 12 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong

Contact details: Instagram

Winstons Coffee

Everyone’s favourite pet-friendly neighbourhood café harks back to the London coffee houses of yester year, marked by their retro-black and white décor and chalkboard signage. Known for their Espresso Martinis, Winstons wants you to know that there’s much more to their menu than just that.

From pre-bottled cold brews and iced teas to in-shop caffeinated staples such as the Long Black (HK$35), Bulletproof Coffee (HK$45), Macchiato (HK$32), and Cappuccino (HK$40), you’re never out of options for a good sip.

Don’t miss out on their hot and savoury offerings, including the Avo & Bacon Sourdough Toastie (HK$78), Sausage Roll (HK$45), or their Ham Cheese Ciabatta (HK$68).

Where: Winstons Coffee, 4 King Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Contact details: +852 6178 1622 / Instagram

Kefi

Kennedy Town’s resident coffee-stop Kefi is back! This time, offering solace to those in the hustle-n-bustle of the coveted Sheung Wan neighbourhood. With a gorgeous European-styled railing quartering off the busied streets of Sheung Wan, Kefi beckons guests to sit down and ‘eat right’ in their little paradise.

The small location offers healthy food and low-carb options for those watching their diet, or for those who want to be more conscientious about their carbon footprint. Favourites include the Homemade Kimchi Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp (HK$138) or the Roasted Mushroom Sourdough Toast (HK$98), with macro-nutrient breakdowns available next to each menu item for your reference.

Enjoy your food-conscious meal with Kefi’s innovative drinks list, including beverages such as the Osmanthus Latte (HK$55), Red Date (HK$55), Piccolo (HK$35), or Creamy Black (HK$55).

Where: Kefi, Shop A, G/F, 6 Bonham Strang, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Contact details: +852 2312 2180 / Instagram

‘Sketch Tea Box’ by The Dispensary and Paul Lafayet

The Dispensary and French patisserie Paul Lafayet join hands to create an all exclusive afternoon tea, just in time for Mother’s Day. Filled with Chinese and Italian inspired delights, the Sketch Tea Box opens to reveal a colourful cluster of sweet and savoury delights, hyphenated with dim sum and Italian savouries from The Dispensary’s neighbour restaurants.

Work your way through Crab roe siu mai, Matsutake mushroom bao, and Wagyu beef bao from The Chinese Library, and the Gnocco fritto with mortadella and stracchino, and a rich Salmon and mascarpone sandwich from Cantina. Round up the experience with Paul Lafayet’s artisanal confectionaries, featuring the brands’ signature Mini Crème Brûlée, Tirumasu, and refreshing Amalfi lemon dome.

To make your experience extra sweet, The Dispensary also offers a one-hour free-flow bubbly package starting at HK$128 for prosecco, with the option to upgrade to free flow Vueve Clicquot Champagne or Ruinart Blanc de Blanc.

From: May 4 – 28 (Thursdays to Sundays)

Where: The Dispensary, Police Headquarter, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong kong

Contact details: +852 2848 3000 / Instagram

‘Aura Radiance’ Afternoon Tea by the Lobby Lounge, Kowloon Shangri-La

Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong has teamed up with Korea's first natural fermentation skincare brand su:m37˚ to present the 'Aura Radiance' Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge. This exquisite afternoon tea offers an array of fine and shimmering bites inspired by a ‘warm orange colour’ that calls to the summer season just around the corner.

Guests can savour delectable treats such as Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Emulsion of White Truffles and Smoked Salmon and Heirloom Tomatoes with Black Truffle Dip. Enjoy seasonal desserts including Peach and Bergamot Spheres and Mango and Lemongrass Bavarian.

For Mother's Day, guests can indulge in the special edition 'Aura Radiance' Afternoon Tea from May 13 - 14, with exclusive treats such as the Crab Leg Terrine with Avocado and Caviar and Lavender Yuzu Macaroons. Diners can also enjoy a free upgrade of one cup of a festive rose-infused beverage for a sweet and heart-warming celebration with mum.

From: May 1 – Jun. 30

Where: Lobby Lounge, Kowloon Shangri-La, 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Contact details: +852 2733 8988 / [email protected]

‘Harvest of Love Afternoon Tea’ by The Langham Hong Kong and Guerlain

The Langham Hong Kong has partnered with Guerlain to launch ‘Harvest of Love’ Afternoon Tea, a celebration of Mother Nature’s bounty in the brands’ skincare range.

As an ode to nature, Guerlain has created the brand new Aqua Allegoria Harvest fragrances from lush roses, mandarin citrus, and neroli accented with orange blossom.

In support of the newly released fragrances, the Shangri-La pastry team, helmed by Pastry Chef Tim, have curated a pastry menu that cascades through delicate hues of pink and blush. The menu includes Strawberry basil Mousse with Figs, White Chocolate Mousse with Blackcurrant Coulis, Lychee Jelly with Rose Foam, and Bergamot with Jasmine Milk and Chocolate Cream.

Savoury selections include Watermelon sandwich, black & white tuna, Foie Gras with White Wine Gelee, Marinated Salmon Roe & Chile Crab Salad.

Priced at HK$698 for two, the afternoon tea set also includes a beauty gift set of samples from the Abeille Royale range, and a 7.5ml bottle of Aqua Allegoria Forte Mandarine Basilic Eau de Parfum.

From: May 1 – Jun. 30

Where: Palm Court, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Contact details: +852 2132 7898 / [email protected]