Hong Kong’s New Territories district of Yuen Long has solidified its reputation as a burgeoning culinary hub in 2024, particularly for specialty coffee houses. A curated selection of over ten notable cafes, spanning the Yuen Long town center, Long Ping, and picturesque Kam Tin areas, are drawing crowds seeking quality coffee, diverse menus, and unique atmospheres—from award-winning siphon brewers to trendy pet-friendly retreats.
The Rise of The New Territories Coffee Culture
Yuen Long’s burgeoning coffee sector caters to a wide spectrum of patrons, whether they seek a quiet corner for all-day breakfast and study, or a photogenic spot to socialize. These establishments showcase remarkable diversity in decor, including Japanese minimalism, industrial chic, retro Shōwa style, and Moroccan-inspired themes, demonstrating a sophisticated evolution in the district’s casual dining landscape.
One standout is Accro Coffee near Long Ping Station, a veteran in the scene celebrating its 14th year. This industrial-style establishment boasts significant acclaim, with its siphon brewer, Henry Leung, having secured the World Siphonist Championship title in 2013—a first for Hong Kong. Accro Coffee prioritizes its prize-winning brews and desserts, offering a serene, albeit minimalist, selection of espresso and Italian light bites.
Aesthetic and Culinary Fusion in Urban Yuen Long
Within the bustling Yuen Long town centre, several cafes offer specific thematic experiences combined with innovative food concepts:
- Sakiwa Yoshokuya: This cafe transports visitors back to Japan’s Shōwa era with its nostalgic decor, providing a vibrant backdrop for high-quality, specialty Japanese-Western pasta dishes. Its Hokkaido crab meat pasta, featuring handcrafted fresh noodles and a rich creamy sauce, is a must-try.
- Ah Gwai Cafe: A favourite among local enthusiasts and a frequent feature on Hong Kong’s popular cafe community forums, Ah Gwai Cafe is known for its masterful latte art, encompassing intricate designs like unicorns and pet portraits. It also features fusion pasta dishes that successfully blend Thai, Japanese, and Chinese flavours with Western techniques, and provides two highly sought-after outdoor tables for pet-friendly dining.
- The Third: Naming itself as the third outpost of the Tsim Sha Tsui gourmet grocer, this deeply hued, deep-green cafe specializes in boutique, single-origin espresso beans roasted in-house. Signature beverages like the “Night Fall” bamboo charcoal latte offer both a visual and sensory experience, and the location conveniently offers adjacent parking for weekend visitors.
- PROTON: Breaking the mold of typical airy, minimalist cafes, PROTON leans into a sophisticated, hotel-grade industrial aesthetic, proving popular since its 2021 opening. Led by a chef with a background in hotel cuisine, its menu features acclaimed house-made Italian pasta and seafood dishes, offering a semi-alfresco area that welcomes pets.
Kam Tin: A Tranquil Retreat with Unique Concepts
The historically rich area of Kam Tin has become a magnet for destination cafes, offering unique settings often closer to nature:
- CoHee Studio: Originating as an online bean purveyor, this cafe near Kam Sheung Road Station is renowned for its premium pour-over coffee and coffee workshops. Its bright, Japanese simple design, featuring light wood and expansive windows, is popular with those seeking tranquil, aesthetically pleasing backdrops for relaxation.
- Kachimushi: Following a successful debut in Sai Kung, this cafe delivers a refined, minimalist aesthetic to Kam Tin, featuring a spacious indoor setting and a highly popular outdoor Japanese Zen garden complete with raked sand—perfect for photography and slow living. They specialize in Dutch Baby Pancakes and gourmet toast selections.
- 37°C Cafe: Opened late last year, this unique specialty cafe brings a bold splash of North African inspiration to the New Territories with its distinct Moroccan-themed decor. Guests enjoy hearty Western main courses, including smoked squab and BBQ ribs, with an outdoor terrace providing a pet-friendly environment.
Yuen Long continues to attract innovative food and beverage concepts, turning the district from a traditional food haven into a dynamic cultural destination for coffee connoisseurs and casual diners alike. This ongoing culinary diversification promises continued growth and greater selection for those seeking high-quality dining and an escape from the city hustle. Visitors are encouraged to explore the various locations, whether they are keen on sampling competition-winning coffee or enjoying an afternoon with their furry companions.