Cover These are our picks for best cafes and coffee shops in Wan Chai (Photo: Instagram / @lattercafehk)
These are our picks for best cafes and coffee shops in Wan Chai (Photo: Instagram / @lattercafehk)
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There's no shortage of cafes and coffee shops serving up delicious drinks and great food in Wan Chai
As one of Asia’s most exciting and diverse dining destinations, it comes as no surprise that Hong Kong is a coffee lover’s dream. The evolution of the coffee scene in our beloved city in recent years has been rapid and constant, as we’ve witnessed more and more aspiring roasters and culinary talents reshaping local coffee culture, bringing quality brews and solid food offerings to offer diners a great coffee experience in charming neighbourhoods including Sai Ying Pun, Sham Shui Po, Causeway Bay, and of course, Wan Chai.
For many people, Wan Chai may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the best cups of coffee in town. But the area has a lot more to offer aside from its nightlife offerings, if you’re serious about coffee and willing to explore new spots to get your caffeine fix. Scroll down to see our roundup of the best cafes and coffee shops in Wan Chai—go on, your tastebuds will thank us later.
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1. Elephant Grounds
Elephant Grounds has become a fixture in Hong Kong’s cafe scene since opening in 2013. Now home to seven branches across the city, this place has a reputation for dishing up well-brewed coffees, hearty all-day food offerings and warm hospitality. The menu offers classic black and white coffees, as well as house specials including salted caramel and bulletproof coffees, and if you’re looking for some desserts to pair your drink with, their blueberry pancake is a must.
Elephant Grounds
Address: G/F, Win Fung Building, 8 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
2. Latter Cafe
Latter Cafe is a charming space with a distinctly European flair. The cream-coloured interiors create a serene ambience, making it an ideal backdrop for relaxing and capturing Instagram-worthy shots. Alongside their classic coffee offerings, Latter Cafe also offers an array of specialty beverages, including a sweet potato latte and orange hot chocolate. Art aficionados will appreciate the latte art, featuring charming bear motifs and other colourful designs. The cafe's small outdoor area allows guests to enjoy an al fresco experience, perfect for people-watching as you sip your coffee.
Latter Cafe
Address: Shop E, G/F, Kam Sing Mansion, 151-153 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
3. Retro
Directly across from Latter Cafe is Retro, a cafe true to its namesake. Its striking burgundy walls and vintage interior design transport you to times gone by. Beyond its alluring aesthetic, the cafe offers an array of baked goods, from croissants and cookies to decadent desserts. For those seeking more substantial fare to accompany their coffee, Retro also features a small but carefully curated selection of salads and toasts. Whether you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth or fuel up with something savoury, this cafe provides the perfect setting for productive work or respite from bustling Wan Chai.
Retro
Address: Shop G, G/F, Tung Kai Building, 160 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
4. Basao Tea
Tucked amidst various eateries along Moon Street is Basao Tea, a cosy cafe that’s perfect for weekend brunches and catch ups. As well as serving up lattes with good flavours, this place boasts a vast and unique selection of teas to choose from—with its premium white peony and fruit-infused nitro cold brew being the most unique.
Their iced chajito specialities are also worth a try if you prefer something sweet and refreshing. Basao Tea also features a simple yet satisfying food menu packed with sandwiches, energy bowls and sweet delights that make what to eat a tough call—but delicious no matter what you choose.
Basao Tea
Address: G/F, 17 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
5. APT. Coffee
An acronym for “A Personal Tailor”, the creative brains behind APT. Coffee strives to provide a cosy space for people to unwind and enjoy a top-notch personalised coffee experience. The baristas here are some of the friendliest in the city, and will share their advice on what to drink based on your preferences.
Using Australian-roasted coffee beans by Seven Seeds, patrons can choose between nutty or fruity flavours, as well as milk and foam volume to customise their drinks. Food wise, their toasts are not to be missed, where a variety of toppings are available to create your own dish.
APT. Coffee
Address: Shop A&B, G/F, 2-12 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
6. Bow Coffee
Bow Coffee is a charming coffee shop where you are immediately transported away from the bustle of the city. Decked out with modern interiors in blue and pink, this place not only provides guests with backdrops suitable for the ‘gram but also a solid menu that makes for an enjoyable cafe experience.
Aside from a no-fuss selection of black and white coffees, there are also specialty drinks available such as “Live & Breathe”, which features their house blend espresso, tonic water and grapefruit juice that gives a refreshing aroma to delight your taste buds, and hand drip coffees with plenty of flavour. Freshly made sourdough toasts and bagels with tasty fillings are also on offer.
Bow Coffee
Address: G/F, Queen's Centre, 58-64 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
7. Blend & Grind
Frequented by a mixed crowd of professionals, putterers and passers-by, Blend & Grind has long been a favourite among locals to enjoy great brews and food in a cosy setting. Its extensive drink menu features classic coffees, teas, fresh juices and smoothies, and pair your brew with their signature eggs benedict and avocado toast for an indulgent meal.Come early if you don’t want to wait for a table, as it can get quite crowded on both weekdays and weekends.
Blend & Grind
Address: G/F, Shun Ho Building, 1 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
8. Omotesando Koffee
A Japanese import that deserves a spot on your cafe-hopping checklist, Omotesando Koffee is a popular spot that has drawn in crowds for a taste of exceptional espresso drinks and delectable light bites. This includes the signature “kashi”—a cube-shaped baked custard—and egg sandwiches featuring silky smooth eggs and mustard mayo. The coffee shop also has classic beverage options including mochas, cappuccinos and matcha lattes, to name just a few.
Omotesando Koffee
Address: Shop G24-25, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
G/F, Mass Mutual Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
9. Joint
Well-loved coffee shop Joint in Kennedy Town has only gotten bigger and better since it relocated to Wan Chai in 2020. It serves the same delicious and well-executed coffees in an airy, minimalist setting that makes for a delightful experience. The menu is simple. featuring classic coffee options as well as signature desserts.The cold brew jelly and caffe latte panna cotta are perfect to enjoy in warmer weather.
Joint
Address: G/F, 8 Wood Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
10. Matchali
Opposite APT. Coffee is the flagship of local brand Matchali. Designed by Studio Adjective, the cafe’s exterior features soft creams and pastel greens that envelop the small building, making it a standout on Moon Street. Matchali uses hand-picked ceremonial grade matcha from Uji, Kyoto in all their drinks, from classic lattes to seasonal offerings such as the matcha-infused chai. The menu also includes healthy all-day fare, from nourishing smoothie bowls to sourdough toasts, complementing their selection of premium teas. This design-forward flagship provides an atmospheric setting to enjoy Matchali's thoughtfully crafted menu.
Matchali
Address: G/F, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
11. Crew
Gather your friends and visit Crew, a cafe with a photogenic forest green exterior and retro-inspired décor. This grab-and-go spot offers everything from black and white coffees, to house specials including hand-dripped coffees, lattes and cold brew teas. Whatever you fancy, make sure to order the absolutely delicious dessert—mochi—which is supplied by local mochi maker, justformochi. There’s also a small outdoor seating area perfect for reading and people-watching.
Crew
Address: Shop 9A, G/F, On Hing Mansion, 156-164 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
