Cover The best cafes and coffee shops to visit in Tsim Sha Tsui (Photo: Urban Coffee Roasters/Instagram)

Looking for a cosy place to read your favourite books or doodle at an aesthetically pleasing, yet pastry-filled café? Seek no further, as we’re here to tell you the best café and coffee shops to visit in Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon side’s bustling scene, Tsim Sha Tsui, is never boring. More than just about the glittering hotel facades along the blissful harbourfront leading up all the way to Hung Hom, its range of cafés will ensure it will become the district’s next coffee hub.  

As we hop from one café to the next, scrambling to find the ultimate backdrop to capture our next Instagram post, the thriving energy in all these venues is always unmatched. Whether it’s a tranquil work spot or brunch destination you seek,  you’ll be spoilt for choice as innovative coffee brews and ambrosial pastries await your arrival. Whatever the reason, here are the best cafés and coffee shops to keep an eye out for in Tsim Sha Tsui.

See also: The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Causeway Bay

1. N1 Coffee & Co

Boasting venues in Sai Kung and Wan Chai too, N1 Coffee & Co’s Tsim Sha Tsui branch sits along Mody Road and was opened by El Au and Felix Wong—the winner of Hong Kong’s most popular barista award (2010) and owner of Cafe Corridor respectively—so expect nothing but outstanding quality.

Their menu of universally loved breakfast items carries a diverse range of eggs benedict (either with smoked salmon or bacon), bagels and sandwiches. A full hearty breakfast the traditional way with toast, sausages and beans, to mention some, is also a favourite. On the board reads the barista’s choice of beverages which you ought to make your way around as options of either having a salted caramel macchiato or magic latte are too appealing to stay away from. And of course, their traditional list of flat whites, cappuccino and piccolos are also there, setting you up for your usual coffee break order.

34 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 3568 4726, n1coffee.hk

2. Curator by Lex Art Café

Situated in one of the districts most popular shopping malls, K11 Musea, Curator encapsulates the art around us by bringing it closer to daily life—quite literally, with their phenomenal latte art depicting either Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Murakami’s giggling rainbow flowers.

Don’t forget to grab a slice of cake, with options ranging from blueberry cheesecake to their mystery cake of the day. If you happen to dine-in for lunch, or are craving a bite on the savoury side, the menu includes a wide variety of pastas as well as health-conscious dishes. Pan-seared salmon and free-range organic chicken breast with barley and quinoa salad are bursting with flavour, all while keeping you satisfied. Make sure to catch a table while you can, as the line can get lengthy, especially on the weekends. But don’t be intimidated, the wait is worthwhile. 

Unit #B113C, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2117 1066, curatorstyle.com

3. Omotesando Koffee + Koffee Mameya

It’s here, in their Tsim Sha Tsui flagship store where the first-ever joint concept of Omotesando Koffee  and Koffee Mameya is. Curated by one of Japan’s leading master baristas, Eiichi Kunitomo––this specialty coffee store features selections handpicked by himself, exclusive to the Hong Kong branch.

The sleek, minimalistic menu outlines a wide range of universally loved classics, with a hand-drip ‘koffee’ on the menu too––where bespoke selections are customised to personal preference. Some of the top coffee roasters in work include Tokado Coffee (Fukuoka), Coffee Collective (Copenhagen), Momos Coffee (Busan), Code Black Coffee (Melbourne) to name a few. 

For a simpler beverage to sip away at, try their hot chocolate using Mörk chocolate which is a rich dark cocoa balanced with toffee like sweetness of unrefined coconut sugar. 

B217, B2, B2, K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; k11musea.com/taste/koffee-mameya

4. Arabica K11 Kube

Housing Arabica's sixth store in Hong Kong, K11 Musea’s gold cube-shaped kiosk is located right outside the mall, on the waterfront overlooking the city’s iconic Victoria Harbour. Though a casual pit-stop for passerby’s to grab a coffee and proceed back to their shopping and chit-chatting, benches are also on offer, as they are found everywhere across the waterfront.

Serving its signature blend and specialty drinks, Arabica’s highlights include the Spanish Latte––a sweet and smooth coffee mix served with a splash of condensed milk. Apart from this is their matcha latte, made with Kyoto matcha powder and milk is a notable try. 

Level 0, K11 Musea Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2253 0238, https://arabicacoffee.hk/

5. Blooms Coffee

Founded by artist and actor Moses Chan, Blooms Coffee’s ingredients have been through a rigorous selection process. As it’s clean-slated menu reads the options of having an espresso, auto-drip and pour over––the overall gold and rustic white café encapsulates a contemporary atmosphere to relax in. 

Besides their coffee, delectable unique dishes are provided on the menu as well, such as their brioche rolls. Including Hokkaido scallops with pickled cucumber on brioche roll, and Sichuan spicy crabmeat on brioche roll––seafood lovers won’t be let down.

Unit #221, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2633 9383, blooms.com.hk

6. InFuse Specialty Coffee by Ideology

Seated on the ground floor of K11 Atelier (adjacent to the entrance of Fortnum & Masons), Ideology’s soothing earth-toned interior makes this a pleasant location to spend your afternoons working or catching a break.

Being a firm believer in coffee tasting better when it’s dealt personally, with our own hands—everything from sourcing coffee beans, to beans being roasted then brewed is done with the ‘human-touch,’ as they say. Their menu of Italian coffee, single origin speciality coffee and teas spoil you for choice––as well as the various confectionaries and fresh juices at the front.  

G/F, K11 Atelier, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 9188 9011, ideaology.com.hk

7. OMG Mamaday Cafe

It isn’t just the quirky, neon-lit décor that catches the eye—it’s the entire menu too. The pastel zine-like menu depicts images such as crying babies that have been drawn over with rainbow lines, giving customers a glimpse of the café’s zany character. Just like its fantastical art direction, its beverages and light bites don’t disappoint either. One for the ‘gram is the ‘flavoured creations’ which are all espresso based. Their Toasted Marshmallow Coffee, which is a creamy latte topped with a flamed marshmallow sinking in the middle that will have you reminiscing about your campfire days with s’mores. Another intriguing one to try is Tofu Tofu Tofu, which comprises of a single shot with one scoop of tofu ice-cream and silken tofu. Their fascinating menu doesn’t end there however, as Vietnamese drip coffee, Honey coffee, Citron Coffee and more are options.

As for their food, their pizza and pasta section shall keep you entertained. From their “Very Evil” avocado, crab and salted egg pizza to their Thai-style spicy stir-fry pork udon, the short yet flavourful array of waffles and cakes are great options too—if a savoury option may be too filling.

2/F, Southgate Commercial Centre, 29 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2345 6856, omg-mamaday-cafe.business.site

8. Black Sugar Coffee & Lifestyle

Named after the founder’s Shiba Inu, Black Sugar, this snug café is a pet-friendly alternative in the district. A bench is parked outside the café, anticipating for owners and their furry friends to come along. Dishes to choose from include the Iberico ham pasta, avocado toast or fries, though the must have is their Parma ham and brie cheese panini which comes with the soup of the day.

Setting the ultimate restful café vibe, they have merchandise too, with the owners’ iconic pup printed on tumblers and t-shirts.

Shop G34, Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2811 9906, blacksugar.coffee

9. Espresso Alchemy

Award-winning cafe Espresso Alchemy is at the forefront of being the only wholesale coffee roaster in Hong Kong to have a Licensed Coffee Grader (Q Grader certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America). With four locations across the city, it’s both their Tsim Sha Tsui venues that serves as both a café and coffee shop.

Apart from the classic choices of a cappuccino, long black or americano––there are shop exclusives, with exciting concoctions such as their espresso tonic or sparkling black, where a double ristretto is mixed with lime soda. Pair your coffee with their pastries and dessert menu items such as the New York cheesecake with Alchemy coffee ganache and cocoa crumble. It’s the perfect sweet treat for your afternoon.

1, B116, B1/F Mira Place, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852  2674 1838; Harbour City, Shop G104, G/F, Gateway Arcade, 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2610 2998, alchemycoffee.net

10. Cupping Room

Cupping Room’s Harbour City location rests in front of ceiling -to-floor windows, capturing the glistening sea view as the sun sets. The seats, mostly facing the view opts for a tranquil outlook, executed by the café’s interior of  polished wood and light pastel colours.

The coffees used are freshly harvested to ensure utmost vibrancy and transparency in its flavours. Sourced only from the best farms worldwide, each cup of coffee has its unique taste. One to try from their espresso bar is the Coco Chanel, honing in a mixture of matcha, coconut milk and espresso. Or, their line of lattes––ranging from matcha, hojicha and turmeric. Apart from the exceptional brews, is their burnt Basque cheesecake. A panini bar is also exclusive to the branch, with a slow cooked pork belly and beef brisket french dip panini.

Harbour City, Shop 309, Level 3, Ocean Centre, 5 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852  9446 8699, cuppingroom.hk

11. Dang Wen Li

Dang Wen Li, otherwise known as Dominique in Cantonese, is in admiration of the award-winning pastry chefs’ quirky creations. To the left of the café is a brightly lit booth in which imitation milk cartons and products are stacked, acting as if you’re in a supermarket. The whimsical capsule collection, only exclusive to Hong Kong plays on traditional snacks adored by the city. From a milk tin panna cotta made with a rum-soaked brioche centre to milk shots in a snickerdoodle Yakult cup––the creations are endless, as is their beverage list. The blossoming hot chocolate is a one of a kind, with a marshmallow chrysanthemum flower  placed in the centre that unfolds in seconds, making this the perfect Instagram boomerang.

Other choices revolve around coffee, teas and juices––with of course, a matcha latte in the menu too. If not a sweet encounter, their generously-sized pastries are ones to not miss.

Ocean Terminal, 3-27 Canton Road, Hong Kong Shop OT G63A, G/F, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2613 8618, dangwenli.com

12. Zi Café

Chic and delicious is what Zi Café is. With flavoursome starters such as yuzu honey chicken wings, mentaiko crabmeat salad crostini and Japanese calamari as a side dish, how can one resist? Catering a coconut and sea salt caramel coffee, their matcha options are too, top ranked––with an iced honey matcha without milk and Caramel Crispy Matcha Cappuccino being creations you won’t find elsewhere.

As for their teas, which mostly contain honey to sooth you away, there’s the option of choosing to have it with either citrus, lemon or with wolfberries and red dates. Be sure to get a bite of the pistachio cake and the chef’s recommended dessert––a homemade strawberry jam with ice-cream. 

Room 402, Wai Wah Building, 1 Granville Circuit, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2325 1115, zicafe.business.site

13. Urban Coffee Roaster

Established in 2014, Urban Coffee Roaster was co-founded by Gary Au, with the aspiration to supply freshly roasted specialty beans to the city. He did just that, as beans sourced from Kenya, Bolivia, Honduras and more, are on hand to brew at the café, as well as being sold separately to enjoy at home. Their house coffee bean is an Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, known for its floral and juicy character, with flavours of peach and blueberries swarming your taste buds.

As for their classics, their mocha uses 50% Dominica chocolate, with a fruity medium sweetness, listed alongside all the other favourite brewed coffee choices. For those looking for a savoury option to munch on, light bites such as black truffle fries with mayonnaise and butter prawns with sourdough are on the menu. And those tuning in with a sweet tooth, churros served with chocolate sauce, crème brûlée pancakes are a must-try.

7 Bristol Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2363 3661, ucr.hk

14. Sensory Zero

Health conscious, vibrant and delicious just about describes Sensory Zero. As nourishing salads, OmniPork rice dishes and breakfast items feed you well, their intriguing coffee menu is stamped with unique recommendations. An orange sparkling or ginger Americano are the two main favourites with Siphon, as well as a sumiyaki with coffee creamer. Focused on in-house roasting, hand-crafted brewing for single origin and espresso-based drinks, each coffee is made using the most advanced extraction philosophy to produce chocolate-y, full-bodied drinks.

Another to try is in their menu catered towards ‘kidults’ which features a Crazy Chocolate––a hot-chocolate with an overflow of chocolate froth and sauce. So much so, that it spills past the mug, onto the saucer.  

Canton Road, Lane Crawford, G/F, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2118 6090, sensoryzero.com

15. Page Common - Page148

Hotel Page 148’s downstairs cafe is a tranquil spot to take a breather between Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui. Its amber wood interior carries a sombre aesthetic, creating the perfect mood to sit back and sip on a hot cup of coffee. Their single original specialty coffee includes a variety of either hot or iced hand-drip coffees. Look out for their seasonal specials, such as the coffee mojito. The classic array of espresso-based drinks, from lattes to cappuccinos, are staples, impeccably decorated with latte art, catered for the Instagram era.

For food, their chef recommends the avocado toast with figs or with crab meat and coriander. But for a sweeter choice, the tiramisu is the way to go.

148 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 3844 8899, pagehotels.com

16. Lifetastic Patisserie

Recognised for their gluten-free cakes, Lifetastic first opened up in Hong Kong in 2016 when its founders arrived from Australia. Utilising the fruitful flavours often found in delicate pastries there, they decided to incorporate an Asian twist, which is when their signature watermelon strawberry cake turned out to be a huge success.

As of today, there are over 20 different flavours of layered cakes, with its Tsim Sha Tsui patisserie offering a high-end cake and tea experience. Though offering tea sets for two and four persons, you can swap out the tea option for coffee and try out their affogato, using Mövenpick ice-cream. Other coffee items on the menu are classics, and for non-coffee drinkers looking for an alternative to tea – their Earl Grey French Chocolate either hot or iced is stellar.

Shop L406, Level 4, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; +852 2564 8533, lifetastichk.com

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