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Header image courtesy of Black Coffee Sugar
Originally published by Inés Fung. Last updated by Beverly Ngai, Alisa Chau, and Celia Lee.
It can be hard to work in the office or from home sometimes, but even harder to find space and a little peace and quiet elsewhere to get your productivity levels up. Whether you’re a freelancer, student, an office worker currently banished to the never-ending drudge of “working from home,” or just wanting a hangout spot with a strong WiFi connection and even stronger coffee, these Hong Kong cafés are the perfect places to get those items on your to-do list checked off.
With four branches dotted across Kowloon and New Territories, each of Espresso Alchemy’s offshoots dons its own unique aesthetic. You will find sleek, marbled tables and striking red arch displays at the Harbour City location; cosy, wooden-furnished interiors at Mira Place; and an airy, brightly-lit space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows at Nina Mall—but regardless of the changing looks, work-conducive environs and high-quality fare are consistently guaranteed. Fuel up with a hearty plate of pesto chicken penne ($97) alongside an aromatic flat white (starting from $39) and get ready to crush your tasks!
Espresso Alchemy, locations across Kowloon and New Territories
For the best way to describe Tuckshop by Social Club, think of the flexibility and food service of a gourmet café and marry it with the vibes of a co-working space—we’re talking high ceilings, spacious seating, and long wooden tables. Coupled with speedy WiFi and plenty of power sockets, you can camp out here with your laptop for hours on end.
And for all of you dog lovers, Tuckshop is also pet-friendly—feel free to make a few canine friends while you are taking a breather from work! In terms of menu offerings, indulge in the comforting breakfast fare and opt for some protein-rich eggs your way (starting from $35) that make for the perfect brain food during a work sesh. Choose a base from the classic scrambled, sunny-side-up, over easy, the more elaborate onsen tamago, or even vegan scrambled tofu, before mixing-and-matching various toppings of your choice.
Tuckshop by Social Club, Shop 4–7, 158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun
Page Common beckons patrons to hunker down and get some serious work done with its sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, reliable WiFi, and top-tier food—and we would not expect anything less from a coffee shop housed in the lobby of a fashionable, boutique hotel. Among the many light bites and pastries on offer, the signature homemade tiramisu ($52) is the one to try—word of mouth has it that it is the best tiramisu in Hong Kong.
We will let you be the judge of that, but we think its rendition of the creamy, coffee-spiked dessert, made with their house-blend espresso, is seriously hard to beat. Plus, the little kick of caffeine makes this dessert the perfect pick-me-up treat when that dreaded afternoon slump hits! Pro tip: If you’re staying for a while and anticipate your electronics running out of juice, nab one of the high seats against the wall for convenient access to the power outlets.
Page Common, G/F, Page 148, 148 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3844 8899
Coffee aficionados will be no strangers to homegrown coffee brand Urban Coffee Roaster. Since its opening in 2014, they have gained notability for its superb artisanal coffees and freshly roasted speciality beans sourced from Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Colombia, and beyond.
Choose from its extensive range of single-origin speciality coffees to awaken your senses. Duck into any of Urban Coffee Roaster’s shops across the city for a great cuppa joe, but for your working needs, we’d head to the waterfront location in Tseung Kwan O, which boasts gorgeous seaside views and ample tables for you to park your laptop.
With two modern spaces in Kwun Tong and Ngau Tau Kok, Lagom Kaffe really hits the trifecta of the perfect workspace for digital nomads: A relaxed atmosphere with plants aplenty, a massive space, and free WiFi with no time limit! With so much going for Lagom Kaffe, it’s unsurprising that they get pretty full during the weekends; so if you want to skip the hordes, the best time to visit is on weekday mornings.
We can think of no better way to start off the day than by tucking into the loaded all-day breakfast ($138), or a smoked salmon with grapefruit and orange salad ($78) and get cracking on your to-do list at a highly coveted window seat—the natural sunlight streaming in through the expansive, glass windows will do wonders for your productivity.
Make yourself at home at Black Sugar Coffee, a friendly joint in Ho Man Tin (with more locations in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island) run by very cute owners—two Shiba Inus! Okay, not really, but the owners take their two furry friends to the shops to hang out, and petting dogs is proven to boost mood, so Black Sugar is the ideal spot for a day of work.
Its interiors are well-lit and comfortable, and there are outlets aplenty. Black Sugar’s WiFi is not restricted, either, so you can settle in for an eggs Benedict and salmon sandwich ($108) in the morning then creamy carbonara ($108) for lunch, then wash it all down with a top-notch espresso ($35) or hand-drip coffee (starting from $60).
Little Cove Espresso is a bright and spacious third-wave coffee shop in Sai Kung that perfectly encapsulates the laid-back Melbournian vibe. The coastal-inspired minimal décor, the plants dotting the tables, and lots of natural light make it a perfect oasis to get in the zone. While Little Cove is always packed to the rafters on weekends, it’s easy to find a seat with a socket during regular office hours and the WiFi is fast and strong both inside and outside in the breezy alfresco area. Its all-day breakfast menu—as well as Mediterranean lunch offerings that pair well with its home-roasted coffee—are sure to keep your energy levels up! Did we mention Little Cove also makes its own paleo-friendly treats?
When it comes to local artisanal coffee, The Coffee Academics is definitely one of the leaders of the pack. Its locations are often busy, but the Morrison Hill and Robinson Road cafés are relatively chilled out in addition to having soft seats. The WiFi here is restricted by time, so be sure you make a couple more drink orders if you plan on staying for a while to get through a lengthy backlog of work. We highly recommend the signature manuka latte (starting from $58). If you need an immediate energy booster, try the canned cold brew ($45), available in its original flavour or sparkling and with elderflower flavouring.
Not only is Elephant Grounds the ultimate hipster hangout—the owners also operate lifestyle store WOAW! and more—but the rolling free WiFi, independently roasted coffee, and handcrafted ice cream sandwiches are other fantastic offers that keep freelancers and students coming back to spend their afternoons.
There are locations all over town, but the best three to bring your laptop into are Sheung Wan, Star Street, and Mid-Levels. All are in convenient locations and offer reliable WiFi, enough space to spread out a bit, and abundant power sockets. Come early to get the perfect spot—the pet-friendly Sheung Wan location gets quite popular.
N.O.C. has heaps of locations around town, all following its industrial aesthetic and brewing cups of carefully selected Arabica coffee. Its Sai Ying Pun flagship roastery is the largest location and is almost always full of students from the nearby HKU, as well as freelancers of every creed, all drawn to the fast WiFi and luxury of space.
We also love that NOC is aiming to be as environmentally friendly as possible by moving towards removing as much plastic from its cafés whenever possible. Don’t worry if you grab a delicious treat from the weekly rotation of bakes to go with your ice-cold dirty ($40)—it won’t make you feel sluggish and you can turn it into fuel to get more done.
Opendoor Café + Courtyard is a hidden gem tucked under an overpass in Sai Ying Pun. It’s beloved by locals and you’re guaranteed peace and quiet here, as it’s somewhat off the beaten path. It offers coffee classics and speciality drinks, such as the turmeric almond milk latte (starting from $50) and nutrition-packed super smoothies (starting from $83). Opendoor Café + Courtyard has power plugs and USB outlets at every table, as well as interesting art for sale by local artists on the wall if you need to rest your eyes.
Opendoor Café + Courtyard, 120 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 3460 3880
This cosy space inconspicuously occupies a corner of the ground floor in K11 Atelier, offering a chilled-out little area to bear down on your work for the day. With ample WiFi, communal desk spaces, and low-key sofas to host group discussions and Zoom meetings (in your best inside voice, of course), InFuse makes for a great place to spend a busy day.
Incorporating elements of the artistic touches present all around K11 Musea, the bronze and greys make for a toned-down yet modern backdrop to your tasks, never distracting yet impressive enough for cheeky story updates during your breaks. Offering a handful of baked goods that change from time to time, its Italian blend coffee is best enjoyed in a silky latte (starting from $38), with single origin (starting from $30) options available.
InFuse, G/F, K11 Atelier, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 9188 9011
A quaint little café with branches in Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun, Winston’s Coffee is a favourite for dwellers across the city. If you’re looking for an atmospheric joint to get in the zone, Winston’s is the place to be. Its white-tiled walls and contrasting black exterior are complemented by warm lights throughout the shop. Be sure to arrive early for a prime spot next to a power socket and recharge with a classic cappuccino ($40).
You could probably guess by the name of the café that you will find many patrons working away on a laptop at Out of Office (OOO). Atmospheric with its industrial décor, there’s a selection of seating at the spacious café for you to choose from. Do be warned—its beanbags are definitely sleep-inducing! To ward off tiredness and that lazy feeling, wake yourself up with a toasty cup of americano ($40). Why not pair your coffee with one of OOO’s special dishes? We recommend the shakshuka ($140) and hash brown with a sunny-side-up egg ($75) for a protein-filled start to your day. If you’re not a fan of savoury breakfasts, choose from OOO’s selection of pastries to brighten up your morning.
Out of Office, Shop 1–3, G/F, Maisy Building, 8 Maidstone Lane, To Kwa Wan
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