Procaffeinating: The tendency to not start anything until you've had a coffee! Start your week right by learning where to find 9 of the best coffee shops in Central and Western HK!
Halfway Coffee
Nestled in among Hong Kong’s most famous antiques street, Cat Street (official name: Upper Lascar Row), Halfway Coffee is not just about great coffee, but delivers on atmosphere like few other coffee shops you might have been to. On a sunny day, it’s best to grab a seat outside and let the antique-hunting crowds pass you by while you sip on a flat white served in some of Hong Kong’s most artistic selection of coffee cups.
The closest MTR station is Sheung Wan and exit A2 is about a 5-minute walk away.
Amber Coffee Brewery
This little spot on Des Voeux Road has made its mark on the world’s coffee scene, having been awarded fourth place in the 2015 World Barista Championship. If awards get you excited, Amber Coffee Brewery also is a two-time Hong Kong Barista champion. Look out for the seasonal specials, if you are looking for a more unique coffee experience, and try to avoid the busy lunch period, if you want to sit and rest at this quaint coffee shop.
Sheung Wan MTR station’s exit E2 is a 3-minute walk away.
Cafe Life
This coffee shop is hidden away on the first floor of the historic PMQ (Police Married Quarters) which now serves as a mixed entertainment facility, with many special events taking place on its main courtyard. Cafe Life has the typical selection of artisan coffees including single origin cold brews, but especially wows with its home baked pastries and cookies, the crown of which is taken by the Japanese souffle cake.
Come here for great coffee and bakes, and use your time to explore all the independent shops at PMQ. The closest MTR station is Sheung Wan and the walk from exit A2 will take you around 10 minutes.
elixir
Located on the steps between Hollywood Road and Gough Street, elixir is a pet-friendly coffee shop (they even have a house cat) that gives you a sense of visiting a friendly neighbour over some great coffee. For those sensitive to lactose, there is a selection of lattes including one based on macadamia nut milk, and the burnt basque cheesecake is worth every calorie!
Whether you sit inside or simply choose the steps outside on a sunny day, coffee time is well spent here, and the spot is about a 7-minute walk away from Sheung Wan MTR’s exit A2.
Hazel & Hershey
Hazel & Hershey is great for quaint outdoor seating, and unsurprisingly, coffee is taken very seriously here, with a great selection of coffee utensils and freshly roasted beans at sale for those who are keen to recreate a coffee shop atmosphere at home. Renovated at the end of 2020, the shop shines like never before, and delivers a large range of coffees for the connoisseurs.
Central MTR station’s exit C is about a 10-minute walk away, but be wary of the steep climb up Peel Street in particular.
Winston's Coffee Shop
Located right next to Sai Ying Pun MTR station on busy Queen’s Road West, Winston Coffee Shop feels like a very Australian affair, with the flat whites selling like hotcakes. Whether you take a seat inside or get a quick caffeine fix by the road, this spot is a great stop when exploring the independent corners of Sai Ying Pun.
Sai Ying Pun MTR’s exit A2 is about a 1-minute walk away.
Fineprint (SoHo)
This is the original Fineprint coffee shop in Hong Kong, which started out as a mix-use shop, initially turning into a wine bar after 6pm. Those days are long gone, and the store is now known as the legend behind Hong Kong’s very own Redback Coffee beans. This spot is particularly good for a sense of SoHo’s streets, as the coffees are happily served outside. What’s more, the avocado toast here is a local celebrity.
Head here from Central MTR station’s exit C which is a 10-minute walk away, and don’t forget to snap some shots of SoHo’s street art along the way!
Knockbox Coffee Company
Following a similar design and concept as the original store in Mong Kok, this is the perfect hangout for a quick break in Central. From ambience to atmosphere to music, this is certainly one of Hong Kong's most impressive coffee shops. What's more, Knockbox offers a range of coffee-making classes for an affordable US$60. If you’re hungry, the vegetarian Beyond breakfast will certainly hit the spot.
Knockbox is a 5-minute stroll away from Central MTR station’s exit D2.
Common Ground
This is a coffee institution as far as Hong Kong coffee is concerned, and given its location, it’s arguably Central’s most pet-friendly coffee shop. Now surrounded by several other artisan coffee shops, Common Ground still takes the top spot, given the ambience, staff and the quality of their coffee. These guys also make some great French fries, should you crave some carbs.
Whether you bring your pet or pet someone else’s, you can easily reach Common Ground via a 10-minute walk from Sheung Wan MTR station’s exit A2.
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