Where to Find Specialty Coffee in Hong Kong

If you’ve ever paid over HK$100 for a cup of coffee in Hong Kong and wondered if it’s really worth it—or if that HK$10 instant just hits the spot—you’re not alone. Coffee culture here has long been tied to instant pick-me-ups, not slow sipping. But a growing number of shops are changing that, serving carefully brewed coffee that’s about taste, not just caffeine.

In Hong Kong, five specialty coffee spots stand out for their focus on quality: Xen Coffee for expertly brewed cups, Café Loisl for authentic Viennese coffee, Forest Bird for no-frills roaster coffee, FULL/half for a café-meets-dining experience, and Barista Academy for coffee education rooted in craft.

1. Xen Coffee: Sip Slowly in Quarry Bay

Hiding in a Quarry Bay mall, Xen Coffee isn’t chasing Starbucks-style chains—it’s all about serving the best coffee. Owner Dixon, inspired by his coffee-loving father, is the first in Greater China to hold both SCAA and CQI professional cupping judge and quality appraiser certifications. The shop sticks with siphon brewing, a method that highlights clarity and precision in the cup.

Address: Shop K12, G/F, Million Plaza, 995-997 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Phone: 2960 1388
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am–7pm, Sat 9:30am–6pm, Sun & public holidays 12nn–6pm

2. Café Loisl: Rare Viennese Coffee in Central

While everyone praises Italian coffee, Austrian coffee culture—like its Viennese-style Melange, Einspanner, and Verlangerter—is often overlooked. Café Loisl, located near Central’s Mid-Levels, serves authentic Austrian coffee, where milk or cream often outweighs coffee, unlike Italy’s espresso-heavy style. It’s a rare slice of Central European café culture in Hong Kong.

Address: G/F, 8 Tai On Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: 3481 8213
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am–6pm, Sat-Sun 10am–7pm

3. Forest Bird: No-Frills Roaster Coffee

Forest Bird keeps it simple: no flashy drinks, just solid coffee. It’s the kind of place where, if you want great coffee without hunting down a hidden gem, you can just walk in. The focus is on straightforward, well-brewed coffee, ideal for those who appreciate quality without fuss. It’s a local favorite for those who know coffee matters more than atmosphere.

Address: 39 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong
Phone: 2810 1166
Hours: Tue-Sat 11am–8:30pm, Sun 11am–6pm

4. FULL/half: Café Meets Dining in Tsim Sha Tsui

Located on the 8th floor of The One in Tsim Sha Tsui, FULL/half started as a café but now serves lunch and dinner in an elegant, European-designed space. The name reflects its dual service: full (dine-in) or half (takeaway). With seating by floor-to-ceiling windows, plant-hung shelves, and a brick wall separating it from a home goods store, it offers a rare urban chill.

Address: 8/F, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Phone: 2997 8190
Hours: Sun-Thu 12nn–10pm, Fri-Sat 12nn–10:30pm

5. Barista Academy: Coffee Education with a Past

Before reopening in its original Causeway Bay location, Café Corridor was a pioneer in Hong Kong’s specialty coffee scene. When rent hikes forced its closure, founder Felix teamed up with El Au to launch Barista Academy. Here, they teach the skills behind great coffee, from espresso to latte art, keeping the craft alive and accessible. The academy is housed in a quiet corner of an office building, continuing the mission of spreading quality coffee knowledge.

Address: Room 20, 6/F, Block B, Success Industrial Centre, 15-17 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Phone: 3755 0183
Website: baristaacademy.hk

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Xen Coffee different from chain coffee shops?

Xen Coffee focuses on serving high-quality coffee using methods like siphon brewing, avoiding the mass-market approach of chains like Starbucks. Owner Dixon holds elite SCAA and CQI certifications, ensuring expertly crafted cups with clarity and precision.

Is Café Loisl’s coffee really Austrian?

Yes. Café Loisl serves authentic Viennese-style coffee such as Melange and Einspanner, where milk or cream often dominates the cup—a stark contrast to Italy’s espresso-focused tradition. It’s a rare taste of Austrian café culture in Central Hong Kong.

What’s the vibe at Forest Bird?

Forest Bird is intentionally minimal—no complex drinks or décor, just straightforward, well-brewed coffee. It’s popular with locals who want quality coffee without the frills or hunt for a hidden gem.

Does FULL/half serve only coffee?

No. While it began as a café, FULL/half now also serves lunch and dinner in an elegant, European-inspired space. The name reflects its service options: full (dine-in) or half (takeaway), with a relaxed urban atmosphere.

What does Barista Academy teach?

Barista Academy, founded by former Café Corridor owner Felix, teaches coffee brewing techniques including espresso and latte art. It aims to spread quality coffee knowledge, continuing the craft-focused mission of its predecessor in a quieter location.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Specialty Coffee Shops

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