Spending the summer months in Hong Kong? Don’t let the city’s infamous combo of heat and humidity drag you down. Cool off with the best shaved ice in Hong Kong.
As you’re busy stocking up on sunscreens and summer make-up essentials, don’t forget to take a break from your retail errands and cool down with a frosty treat. And who can say no to silky smooth ice cream or a big bowl of shaved ice? Having sampled its different variants in the 852 – be it Japanese kakigori, Korean sulbing, or Thai and Cantonese options – I consider myself a connoisseur when it comes to shaved ice in Hong Kong. Here are my recommendations to help you beat the heat this summer.
Stay frosty with the best shaved ice in Hong Kong
1. Grindie
As a TKO resident, Grindie’s Po Lam location is one of my frequent hangs in the neighbourhood. Apart from its delectable Cantonese desserts, I also love cooling down with a bowl of sorbet when the temperature increases. I love how each bowl is made with fresh and natural ingredients (no canned fruits here!) as well as consistently soft and fluffy shaved ice. My all-time favourite is the tropical Mango sorbet, but I’m eager to give its new summer flavours a try too!
Must-try items: Mango Sorbet, Peach Sorbet, Lychee and Rose Sorbet
How much: Sorbet from $42
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm every day (Causeway Bay). Mon – Thu, 1:30pm – 12am; Fri – Sun, 2pm – 12:30am (Tsim Sha Tsui). Mon – Fri, 12:30pm – 12am; Sat – Sun, 11 – 12am (Po Lam). Mon – Thu, 11:30am – 11pm; Fri – Sun, 11:30am – 1:30pm (Ma On Shan).
Phone number: 36885529 (Causeway Bay). 2386 8806 (Tsim Sha Tsui). 3487 9600 (Po Lam). 2688 0918 (Ma On Shan)
Address: Grindie has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
2. Lab Zero
Since its opening in 2023, Lab Zero has become one of the most popular shaved ice joints in Hong Kong. Capturing the hearts of dessert lovers with its sweet treats, Lab Zero’s shaved ice bowls are as famous for their deliciousness as they are for their photogenic presentations. This kakigori specialist serves up fluffy shaved ice in creative seasonal flavours, ensuring that no two summer treats will be the same. My advice? Come hungry or prepared to share a bowl with your friends, Lab Zero’s shaved ice comes in an impressive ice mountain!
Must-try items: Honey Sea Salt Caramel Crunch, Pistachio, Black Sesame, Pistachio Dubai Chocolate
How much: Shaved ice from $98
Opening hours: 12 – 11pm every day
Phone number: 5720 4888
Address: Lab Zero, Shop B, G/F, 68 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
3. Shari Shari Kakigori House
No list of best shaved ice in Hong Kong would be complete without the crowd favourite Shari Shari Kakigori House! Their frosty treats are as delicious as they are Instagrammable. Choose from a wide variety of flavours and seasonal creations. One of my favourites is the Earl Grey Milk Tea Shaved Ice – an aromatic mountain of fluffy ice drizzled with housemade syrup as well as a variety of toppings. Pro tip: dig in from the top of the ice mount to avoid an avalanche!
Must-try items: Hojicha Tea and Matcha, Mango and Coconut, Earl Grey Milk Tea
How much: Shaved ice from $105
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, 1 – 10pm; Fri – Sun and public holidays, 1 – 10:30pm (Central). 1 – 10:15pm every day (Causeway Bay). 1 – 11pm every day (Tsim Sha Tsui). 2 – 11pm every day (Mong Kok).
Address: Shari Shari Kakigori House has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
4. Ice Green
If you’re craving something sweet after your dinner in Causeway Bay, head over to Ice Green for dessert! This unassuming cafe specialises in kakogori and mochi. Ice Green’s delicious, fluffy shaved ice comes with toppings like tapioca pearls, fruits, and ice cream. Beyond tried-and-true flavours like Mango Pomelo and Matcha Red Bean, the South East Asian-inspired flavours on the menu are next on my list to try.
Must-try items: Mango Pomelo Shaved Ice, Matcha Red Bean Shaved Ice, Mango Sticky Rice Shaved Rice
How much: Shaved ice from $78
Opening hours: Sun – Thu, 2 – 11:30pm; Fri – Sat and public holiday eves, 2pm – 12am
Phone number: 9459 3498
Address: Ice Green, G/F, 520 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Ice Green website Ice Green menu
5. Pa Shih
While Pa Shih might be more popular for its bubble tea selection, I find its desserts equally noteworthy. Its Taiwanese-style shaved ice comes with delightfully fluffy ice and refreshing grass jelly, all complemented by familiar toppings like taro and mango or seasonal fruits. I was impressed by the quality of Pa Shih’s shaved ice during my last visit on a hot summer’s night, with my overall experience elevated by its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
Must-try items: Mashed Taro Shaved Ice with Grass Jelly and Rice Mochi. Hojicha and Matcha Shaved Ice with Grass Jelly and Rice Mochi
How much: Shaved ice from $72
Opening hours: 12:30 – 10:30pm every day (Central). 2 – 10pm every day (Causeway Bay). 3:15 – 11:30pm every day (Tsim Sha Tsui).
Phone number: 2343 6933 (Central). 5583 1983 (Causeway Bay). 2383 6399 (Tsim Sha Tsui).
Address: Pa Shih has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
6. Nun Dessert Cafe
When I’m hopping between outdoor markets in bustling Mong Kok, I look to Nun Dessert Cafe for an icy, thirst-quenching treat. Specialising in Korean sweets, especially the K-variant of shaved ice, sulbing, this shop pumps out dreamy frosty desserts. Think staples such as Cookies and Cream and Pistachio, available throughout the year alongside seasonal flavours, so, there’s always something new for you to try!
Must-try items: Pistachio and Hojicha Sulbing, Macaron Serbet, Durian Serbet
How much: From $72
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 1pm – 2am; Sat – Sun and public holidays, 1pm – 2am
Phone number: 57912141
Address: Nun Dessert Cafe, G/F, 119 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Did I miss your favourite? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of shaved ice are there in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong’s shaved ice offerings come in different varieties, including the local variant, "baobing" (刨冰), Japanese “kakigori,” Korean “sulbing,” and Thai- and Taiwanese-inspired offerings.
Where are the best places to try shaved ice in Hong Kong?
You can find delicious shaved ice all over Hong Kong, from traditional Cantonese dessert shops to modern dessert cafes. Popular areas known for their sweet eateries include Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Are there any seasonal variations or special types of shaved ice to look out for in Hong Kong?
While shaved ice is a popular treat year-round, it’s especially refreshing during Hong Kong’s hot and humid summers. During warmer months, you’ll find an extended menu of fresh fruit toppings, such as mango, durian, and lychee.
