Kowloon is home to some of the most incredible local cafes. Find out which ones are our faves to brunch and drink coffee at with our guide to cafes in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan.
While there’s no shortage of traditional cha chaan tengs, Cantonese dessert shops, and street food stalls for delectable local fare in Hong Kong, our vibrant city also offers an extravagant amount of cafes and brunch spots for those who like to wake up with a warm cup of coffee, pancakes, and croissants. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or a cosy spot to park in for the afternoon, these cafes in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan are worth a visit.
Cafes in Yau Ma Tei for a good brew
1. Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop
For a truly unique dining experience in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan, Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop is a must-visit. Located along Canton Road, this cafe has a modest facade that looks like a local bing sutt. Stepping inside Tai On, you’ll find interiors similar to a local cha chaan teng and a menu of Cantonese classics and usual cafe bestsellers. Dig into a filling Duck Breast Pineapple Bun burger, or pair your Yuen Yeung Latte with one of Tai On’s freshly baked Egg Tarts.
Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop, G/F, 830 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 2385 2774
2. Yama
Need a space with Wi-Fi to put your head down and work? Yama is your ideal cafe in Yau Ma Tei. Sandwiched between a series of hardware shops, Yama offers a laid-back environment for you to check a few items off your list. Order a cup of coffee on the ground floor, settle down in its dining area on the first floor, and relax within the wooden, minimalistic interiors.
Yama, G/F, 15 Pitt Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 9215 1563
3. Mum’s Not Home
Tucked away in the bustling neighbourhood of Yau Ma Tei is Mum’s Not Home. Stepping into this quirky cafe’s cosy dining area, you’ll find psychedelic paintings, colourful decor, and stripped back furniture, all surrounded by an abundance of plants. Sit back and enjoy your fresh brew with a signature slice of cake in this urban oasis.
Mum’s Not Home, 1/F, 302 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 9770 5760
4, Not Just Coffee
Need a quick break from exploring the neighbourhood? Step into this bright and spacious cafe for a midday pick-me-up. You’ll find a wide variety of items on the menu, from the usual coffee orders to specialty drinks. Food items are also abundant at Not Just Coffee; you can refuel with a mouth-watering Shrimp Udon with Lobster Broth, or a light and refreshing Mexican Chicken Wrap.
Not Just Coffee, Shop D, G/F, Man Hoo Court, 450 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
5. Kactus Koffee
Good coffee and chill vibes come together at Kactus Koffee. This little cafe in Yau Ma Tei boasts a sleek industrial interior, complete with an outdoor sitting area for guests with pets. The signature item on the menu is the croffle, which pairs incredibly well with Kactus’ coffee.
Kactus Koffee, G/F, 47 Man Ying Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 6796 1507
6. Kubrick
Artsy coffee shop meets bookstore at Kubrick, a quaint neighbourhood gem where you can easily spend hours as you browse through the piles of literature scattered across the shop. This laid-back cafe is the ideal spot for escaping the hustle and bustle while getting lost in a great novel. Grab a stool, order a latte, and munch on one of Kubrick’s freshly baked cakes.
Kubrick, Shop H2, G/F, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 2384 8929
Cafes in Jordan we love
7. Passepartout Brunch & Coffee
This elegant cafe stands out in the bustling neighbourhood of Jordan. Passepartout takes you on a journey around the world with a menu of items named after major cities. One of the highlights include the Calcutta North Indian Curry with Fried Chicken, while the Yorkshire is also a must-try, featuring a Yorkshire pudding, sausage, fried egg, and greens. Pair your meal with a coffee or give Passepartout’s Sesame or Hojicha Latte a try.
Passepartout Brunch & Coffee, G/F, Ka Sing Building, 1 Min Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 2882 0828
8. Zombie Speciality Coffee
Are you a zombie before your morning coffee? Then Zombie Speciality Coffee has just the right brew for you! This cafe in Jordan serves a range of classic cafe delights, with specialties like Zombieccino and Wake Up Zombie on the drinks menu.
Zombie Speciality Coffee, Shop 1, G/F, 9-13 Kwun Chung Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 3705 1090
9. Good Day Coffee Co
Any day that starts with coffee is a good day – and the folks at Good Day Coffee Co are here to make sure your day starts with as good a brew as possible. If you’re feeling adventurous, give the refreshing Cucumber Espresso Tonic a go, or sample the Thai Dirty.
Good Day Coffee Co, G/F, 25B Man Ying Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 2330 0111
10. Slow Walker
This quaint cafe in Jordan is the perfect place for your next gathering. Not only will you find tables that can accommodate up to parties of six at Slow Walker, you’ll also find a diverse menu that caters to a variety of dietary needs. From pastries, snacks, and salads to pasta and pizza, to desserts, prepared to be spoiled for choice!
Slow Walker, Shop F2, G/F, Wah Chi Mansion, 286-298 Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 9520 9817
11. Studio Caffeine
Studio Caffeine has an award-winning reputation for brewing some of the best coffee in Hong Kong. This coffee shop doesn’t fool around when it comes to its beans, stocking only the best single-origin java from around the globe. Whether you choose a latte or long black, you’ll get a satisfying brew crafted by experienced baristas. If you’re as serious about your coffee as Studio Caffeine is, the pourover is the perfect order for your daily fix. This cafe in Jordan also serves specialty cocktails and booze after sundown, making it the ideal place to wind down after a long day.
Studio Caffeine has several locations across Hong Kong.
12. Alternative
Cafe meets bookstore at Alternative in Jordan. This quaint little cafe is all about the good coffee, but they also serve up some great breakfast food, like French toast and eggs Benedict. This is a great place to hang when you have time to kill in Jordan.
Alternative, G/F, Breakthrough Centre, 191 Woosung Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
13. Cafe Revol
Cafe Revol brings the specialty coffee experience to Jordan. As one of your best bets for a smooth cup of java in the neighbourhood, this industrial cafe keeps things simple with great coffee and a handful of baked goods. This indie coffee joint is situated near the Jordan MTR Station, so it’s the perfect spot to get your morning caffeine fix.
Cafe Revol, Shop 5, G/F, Fortune Terrace, 4-16 Tak Shing Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, 3702 0170