The Cupping Room: Hong Kong’s Champion Coffee Shop

If you’re hunting down the best cup of coffee in Hong Kong—and specifically looking for a place run by someone who knows how to win—The Cupping Room should be on your list. But with several locations across the city, which one truly stands out? More importantly, what makes this café more than just another spot with a good latte?

The short answer: The Cupping Room on 18 Gough Lane in Central Hong Kong is the flagship, run by Kapo, a barista who won the Hong Kong Barista Championship three times (once second, twice first) and represented Hong Kong at the World Barista Championship in 2015, placing second. That’s the kind of résumé that puts a café on the map.

Who Is Kapo and Why Does It Matter?

Kapo is the owner and head barista behind The Cupping Room (CR). Over three consecutive years, he claimed top honours in the Hong Kong Barista Championship—securing one second place and two first-place wins. His crowning achievement came in 2015 when he represented Hong Kong at the World Barista Championship and took second place globally. That level of competition success isn’t just impressive; it fundamentally shapes the café’s approach to coffee quality, technique, and training.

These credentials explain why The Cupping Room isn’t just another hip coffee shop. It’s a working showcase of elite barista standards, where the person in the apron has competed on the world stage.

Where Is The Cupping Room—and Which Branch to Visit?

The Cupping Room has multiple locations across Hong Kong, including in Central and Sheung Wan. The original location was in Stanley, but the brand has since expanded. While the Central branch sits prominently at 18 Gough Lane, the Sheung Wan location is also noteworthy. However, based on direct comparison, the Central shop outshines the Sheung Wan one in terms of atmosphere and setup—more on that below.

The address for the recommended Central location is: 18 Gough Lane, Central, Hong Kong. This branch benefits from stronger design execution and a more refined customer experience compared to its Sheung Wan counterpart.

What Makes the Central CR Branch Stand Out?

Though the author did not purchase coffee during this visit, they did evaluate the environment. The Central Gough Lane branch offers a superior interior compared to the Sheung Wan location. The space is thoughtfully designed, contributing to a more cohesive and comfortable customer experience. Though not explicitly detailed in the article, the impression is that the Central shop better reflects the brand’s championship pedigree through its physical execution.

This branch is also centrally located, nestled along a vibrant stretch of Central that’s accessible via the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator. The area is packed with design shops, bistros, and heritage spots like the legendary Lin Heung Tea House and Luk Yu Tea House, making it a cultural as well as destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kapo and what are his coffee achievements?

Kapo is the owner of The Cupping Room in Hong Kong. He is a highly accomplished barista who won the Hong Kong Barista Championship three times—once in second place and twice in first. In 2015, he represented Hong Kong at the World Barista Championship and placed second globally. These victories establish him as one of Hong Kong’s top competitive baristas.

Where is the main The Cupping Room location in Hong Kong?

The recommended The Cupping Room branch is located at 18 Gough Lane in Central, Hong Kong. This Central location is considered superior in terms of interior design and overall customer experience compared to the Sheung Wan branch.

How many times has Kapo won the Hong Kong Barista Championship?

Kapo has won the Hong Kong Barista Championship three times. His record includes one second-place finish and two first-place victories over consecutive years.

Has Kapo competed internationally?

Yes, Kapo represented Hong Kong at the World Barista Championship in 2015, where he placed second. This international placement highlights the high level of skill and training present at The Cupping Room.

Which The Cupping Room branch is better: Central or Sheung Wan?

Based on direct observation, the Central branch at 18 Gough Lane is considered better than the Sheung Wan location due to its superior interior and overall ambiance, though both are part of the same brand.

What can I expect from the coffee at The Cupping Room?

While the article does not detail specific drinks or offerings, given the ownership by a world-class barista and the competitive background of the team, you can expect expertly prepared coffee with high technical standards and likely a focus on quality brewing methods.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Competition-Level Brewing

For fans of The Cupping Room’s champion-brewed coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for floral, citrusy brightness; Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit layers; or Brazil Queen Manor for a rich, nutty espresso base. All three showcase the clarity, balance, and precision associated with top-tier competition coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.