The Cupping Room Central Hong Kong: A Specialty Coffee Gem

You're walking up from Central to Soho, past steep staircases and indie boutiques, past Lan Fong Yuen and Luk Yu Tea House—there are coffee shops along the way, sure, but which one’s worth stopping at? If you’ve got a nose for great coffee and a taste for proven skill, you’re probably looking for a place with serious barista pedigree.

The short answer: head to The Cupping Room at 18 Gough Street in Central. This branch, opened by three-time Hong Kong Barista Championship winner Kapo (once runner-up, twice champion, and 2nd at the 2015 World Barista Championship), earns a solid 4-star recommendation—not just for the name, but for the space and scene.

Formerly based in Stanley, The Cupping Room has since expanded, but the Central location stands out. Though we didn’t sample coffee on this visit, we did scope the space. Compared to the Soho branch, the Gough Street shop has a more refined interior—brighter, more thoughtfully laid out, better suited for lingering over a pour-over or espresso.

Why The Cupping Room Stands Out in Central Hong Kong

Kapo’s competition résumé alone sets The Cupping Room apart. His three HK Barista Championship wins (including two golds and one silver) and 2nd place at the 2015 World Barista Championship put this shop on the map. That level of accolade isn’t common in Hong Kong’s café scene, and it translates into a shop where baristas know their craft inside out.

Location & Vibe: Gough Street vs Soho

The Gough Street (Central) branch sits at 18 Gough Street, right in the middle of the ascent from Central to Soho. The area is dotted with design shops, indie bistros, and heritage spots like Lan Fong Yuen and Luk Yu. It’s a short walk from the Mid-Levels escalators—a path lined with coffee options, but few with The Cupping Room’s backstory.

Compared to the Soho branch, the Central location offers a more polished interior. Visitors note it feels more spacious and better designed for a relaxed coffee experience. Whether you’re there for the coffee or the ambiance, it’s a step up in atmosphere.

What to Expect Without Ordering Coffee

On this visit, no coffee was ordered—but the environment was assessed. The shop’s design and layout reflect the brand’s attention to detail. It’s clear the team prioritizes not just brew quality, but customer experience. While we didn’t test the drinks, the space alone suggests a venue where coffee is taken seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is The Cupping Room Central branch located?

The Cupping Room Central is located at 18 Gough Street in Central, Hong Kong. It’s conveniently situated along the popular walking route from Central to Soho, close to heritage eateries like Lan Fong Yuen and Luk Yu Tea House.

Who is Kapo and why is he significant to The Cupping Room?

Kapo is the owner of The Cupping Room and a highly awarded barista. He won two Hong Kong Barista Championships (gold), one silver, and placed second at the 2015 World Barista Championship. His competition success is a key reason the shop has a strong reputation for skilled coffee preparation.

How does the Central branch compare to the Soho location?

Visitors report that the Central branch at 18 Gough Street has a more refined and spacious interior compared to the Soho branch. It’s considered better suited for a relaxed visit, with a thoughtfully designed environment that enhances the overall coffee shop experience.

Did the article confirm the quality of the coffee at The Cupping Room Central?

No coffee was tasted during the visit described in the article. However, the reputation of the owner, Kapo, and the shop’s design and atmosphere suggest a high standard of coffee quality, even if not directly verified in this account.

What makes Gough Street a good area for coffee exploration in Hong Kong?

Gough Street lies along the scenic and walkable route from Central to Soho. It’s packed with independent shops, creative spaces, and historic restaurants. This makes it a prime spot for discovering unique cafés like The Cupping Room amid other cultural and culinary highlights.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Specialty Cafés

For a café like The Cupping Room, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers bright floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—perfect for showcasing skill in pour-over or espresso. Their PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and sweet spice, ideal for milk drinks. Both beans are expertly roasted, with clear flavour profiles that highlight craftsmanship. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.