The opening of the Airside shopping complex has transformed Kai Tak from a quiet residential area into a burgeoning culinary destination. With a wave of new cafés—ranging from space-age coffee bars to Japanese matcha houses—the district is drawing food lovers eager to explore its diverse offerings. As of late 2023 and early 2026, at least ten standout cafés have emerged, each vying for attention with unique concepts, Instagram-worthy interiors, and carefully crafted menus.
A New Dining Hub Emerges
Kai Tak’s rapid development has long been anticipated, but the recent debut of Airside and the adjoining Kai Tak Sports Park retail precinct has accelerated its evolution into a food lover’s paradise. These new venues cater to a mix of residents, office workers, and visitors, offering everything from hearty brunches to artisanal gelato.
GoodDay Solar leads the pack with its 2,500-square-foot space, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of Lion Rock. The café’s cement-grey aesthetic and natural light create a serene atmosphere, while menu highlights include a peanut butter beef cheeseburger and a truffle-flavored burger. “It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time,” says a regular who visits for the chicken broth udon and matcha waffles.
Celebrity Appeal and Japanese Imports
Root Cafe, backed by local pop star Jer Lau (of the boy band MIRROR), blends nature-inspired design with whimsical desserts. Its signature “Kokedama” cake—a chocolate mousse creation dusted with green tea powder—mirrors the café’s botanical theme. “The desserts are almost too pretty to eat,” one diner remarked on social media.
Meanwhile, Japanese chains have made a strong entry. nana’s green tea, with nearly 80 outlets in Japan, now serves its signature matcha soft serve and hojicha warabi mochi parfaits at its Airside branch. KOMEDA’s Coffee, a Nagoya institution, brings its signature thick toast and “ice and fire” dessert to the retail precinct, complete with cozy booth seating that offers privacy—a rare find in Hong Kong.
Artisanal Focus and Local Flavor
For coffee purists, JOMO offers a minimalist approach, spotlighting rich espresso and freshly baked croissants. DAYVI Gelateria pairs playful “dirty” coffee—where espresso seeps into cold milk—with handmade Italian gelato, while In-Mart combines a lifestyle store with a coffee corner, featuring cold-brewed civet coffee made from Arabica beans.
PHI Coffee & Pancake has also opened a branch, known for its caramel crunch latte and soufflé pancakes. “The caramel topping is addictive,” says a fan who visits for weekend brunch.
A more traditional option, Tastea Coffee (“啡茶館”), merges Hong Kong-style tea culture with modern brewing techniques. Its signature “silk stocking coffee” mimics the smooth texture of classic milk tea, offering a nostalgic yet refined experience.
A Diverse Culinary Landscape
The AIRSIDE Cafe on the third floor of the mall specializes in surf-and-turf dishes, with a seafood platter featuring oysters, prawns, abalone, and lobster chawanmushi, alongside Australian M8 wagyu beef. “It’s a great spot for a celebratory dinner,” notes a reviewer.
What This Means for Hong Kong Foodies
Kai Tak’s café scene reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong: the rise of themed, high-quality independent and international cafés in newly developed areas. For residents, it means less travel time to find a good cup of coffee or a photogenic dessert. For visitors, it offers a fresh reason to venture beyond traditional dining hubs like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central.
Actionable Takeaways
- Plan your visit: Most cafés open daily from mid-morning to evening, with peak hours during weekends.
- Try the signature items: Don’t miss GoodDay Solar’s truffle burger, Root Cafe’s Kokedama cake, or KOMEDA’s thick toast.
- Check for updates: Some venues, like PHI Coffee and DAYVI Gelateria, have recently opened; verify hours via their social media.
As more retailers and restaurants join the mix, Kai Tak is poised to become not just a residential district, but a destination in its own right. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a dessert enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing afternoon, the neighborhood now offers a compelling reason to linger.