Exploring Hong Kong;
where to eat next!
Where to eat next!
A compact city, and we overlook hidden gems for food! In this edition of Where to Eat Next! we’re exploring the cafes and desserts of Hong Kong as summer approaches.
As summer approaches, we find ourselves looking for more places to hang out and more places to eat once the stress of assignments lifts and the clarity of freedom washes over us. In a city that is so compact, we don’t often know a lot of the hidden gems that provide us with ample opportunities to explore different food! This article guides your next steps to try out any new experiences, whether with a friend or on your own, or whether it be an atmospheric dessert or a study cafe. This time we’re focusing on desserts and cafes!
One place that’s always resonated with me, especially when a need for a change of environment whether that be revision or just hanging out with a friend is a cafe or at least a place to get a drink. In a city like Hong Kong, an abundance of them can be found on every corner, and here are a handpicked few that are worth trying during the summer.
G/F, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai
Matchali
For people who enjoy matcha to the point where they want it in every aspect of their food, this place is for you! Matchali has a full matcha menu where you can get a variety of drinks from Starburst Matcha ($60) with raspberry and mango syrup – my favourite – to strawberry matcha lattes. Along with a matcha-themed food menu, with sundaes, artisan toasts, overnight oats, and poke bowls! One of my favourite corners to study in, just because of the coherency of the menu and the environment, this is worth a visit if you are a green tea enthusiast.
The Baker and the Bottleman
With their seasonal bakery menu, and the wonderful atmosphere right on Lee Tung Avenue, the Baker and the Bottleman is a cafe that has amazing cookies that are bound to make you want to buy more. You could also just study there just to get to sit and enjoy the view. With a great atmosphere and delicious bakery items, I recommend this place whether it be for hanging out or studying.
Shop No. G14 and G15 (Minor Portion), G/F. and Shop No. F15A, 1/F Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Rd E, Wan Chai
Locations in K11 Art Mall, Mong Kok, Central etc.
Lam Heung Ling
The lemon tea chain that first broke into Hong Kong in 2023, Lam Heung Ling is perfect for a refreshing drink in the summer with their menu centred around citrus. With locations widespread throughout Hong Kong, their recipe consists of combining partially ripe crushed lemons with slow-brewed black tea. I recommend Thai lemon green tea ($38) as it’s one of the most refreshing drinks. I find myself going to the chain specifically to buy one, especially on extremely humid or hot days, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a squid ink option as well!
The Alley
With the abundance of bubble tea in Hong Kong, you’re bound to find a place just around the corner that satisfies the craving most of us feel regularly. However, if you’re looking for something different from your regular place, and are nearby, trying out The Alley would be a great decision for your wellbeing with how good this bubble tea is. The Taiwanese brand opened one store in Hong Kong which has their Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk ($30) that’s definitely worth trying.
At the same time, often we need a sweet break from the stress, or we just feel like having a dessert!
Tsim Sha Tsui, Nathan Rd, 27-33號, Alpha House, 地下F舖
13 Caroline Hill Rd, Causeway Bay
11 Old Bailey St, Central
SHOP A1, G/F, Nelson Court, 45 Waterloo Rd, Mong Kok
G/F, 83-85A Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui
Shari Shari
Especially with summer coming up, what’s a better dessert to eat than shaved ice? With their changing menu per season, Shari Shari has a few staples like the Strawberry Special ($88 or $100 with Panna Cotta) that are worth trying, but be sure to bring your friends and family! The impressive size and appeal of the Kakigori are post-worthy. Sharing is a part of the experience, and although it becomes a game of Jenga after a while of eating it, it's a great way to spend your time during summer in the humidity and heat of Hong Kong.
Homebake
If you’re a fan of cheesecake, specifically basque burnt cheesecake, Homebake is a great option that sells three perfectly creamy cheesecake. They have other bakery items as well, but the Salted Caramel Basque Burnt Cheesecake ($34) is what I recommend. With a variety of bakery options, house desserts, and refreshing choices, I guarantee Homebake is a great place to visit for anyone.
33&33A B號, Melbourne Plaza, Shop B, G/F, 33號 Queen's Road Central, Central
555號 Hennessy Rd, Causeway Bay (in SOGO)
Bake Cheese Tart
Looking for the best cheese tart you’ll ever have in your entire life? Look no further with Bake Cheese Tart, finally opening up in Hong Kong! Whenever I go to this store, I make sure to buy the 6 pack of cheese tarts ($132), with the perfect balance of crust and filling making this an enjoyable experience every time. I urge everyone who enjoys an inkling of dessert to go try these because you’re guaranteed to buy the 6 pack afterwards.
Beard Papa's
If you’re a fan of cream puffs, Beard Papa is a great place to go with its extensive menu and choices of shells and fillings. The large cream puffs, referred to as eclair shells can be filled up with one of three fillings, the choux light and fluffy and the cream cold, perfect for a summer dessert and accessible! Unlike Bake Cheese Tart, Beard Papa has multiple locations, most of which you can probably find in your average places.
Causeway Bay, Hennessy Rd, 555號B2/F (in SOGO)
QRE Plaza, G/F, 202, Queen's Rd E, Wan Chai
Mong Kok, 07-005 Grand Century Place Block 2 Pacific Century Insurance Building, YATA L5
(More locations widespread throughout Hong Kong)
Lucky Court, Electric Rd, Causeway Bay
Snowy Savor
If you love Mochi, Snowy Savor is a great place to visit. It has a bunch of different flavours and textures of mochi. I recommend fruit-filled mochis such as the mango mochi($25), because this is super refreshing and is a great cold snack for the summer that combines the tanginess of the fruit and the sweetness of the mochi outside. However, if you ever have a chance buy one for yourself and your friend! It’s a delicious snack that’s bound to make you happy with the freshness and bounciness of the dessert.
Reference List
The Baker and the Bottleman. (n.d.). [Exterior of The Baker and The Bottleman Wan Chai establishment] [png]. https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/restaurants/the-baker-the-bottleman
Foodpanda. (n.d.). Bites! Shari Shari Kakigori [Photograph; png]. https://magazine.foodpanda.hk/en/bites-shari-shari-kakigori/
Hung, C. (n.d.). [Photo of Lam Heung Ling] [png]. https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/restaurants/lam-heung-ling
Kylene. (n.d.). [Bake Cheese Tart] [png]. https://i0.wp.com/www.citygirlcitystories.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_3438-1.jpg?w=3264&ssl=1
Mapstr. (n.d.). [Photo of Snowy Savor Tin Hau establishment] [png]. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/places/AJQcZqLNa87AgfnrwRSM9feMms9x2Wk5KpXJz5HZ_w5hSzm7vj5VujfKZ_ufHPNBIJTv5wcAakgKb5xTdEObpoW22tJxIQd7GrLjiGU=s1600-w640
Matchali. (n.d.). [Photo of Wan Chai Matchali establishment] [webp]. https://matchali.com/cdn/shop/files/Store_Interior.webp?v=1690170137&width=1500
OpenRice. (n.d.). [The Alley Tsim Sha Tsui establishment] [png]. https://static5.orstatic.com/userphoto2/photo/X/QBM/0576N06F2E6AD52A153092px.jpg
OpenRice. (n.d.). [Beard Papa's] [png]. https://www.openrice.com/en/hongkong/p-beard-papas-p5272681
Orange News. (n.d.). [Photograph of Homebake Central establishment] [png].
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