One of the most impacted industries during the pandemic in Hong Kong was the hospitality sector. Bloomberg reported that according to the president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trade, Simon Wong, more than 1,200 restaurants suspended their business with another 300 having closed permanently.
While a great number of restaurants shut down due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions, others have managed to adjust their business models to changing customer needs and demands to flourish amidst the pandemic. Cafes that build on the local Hong Kong pastry tradition (James Bon Bon Bakery), provide unique dining experiences (Jaja), offer a taste of foreign heritage (The Baker & The Bottlemen), satisfy customers’ sweet buds (After You), and allow them to escape the noise of the city (Sip the Moment), have found their success during the pandemic.
Explore below some of the new cafe businesses that have opened recently!
1. James Bon Bon Bakery
Who in Hong Kong has never heard of pineapple buns? The pastry originating from Shanghai and known for its characteristic resemblance to pineapple became a local favorite over the past few decades.
In 2014, the pineapple bun was declared a part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage. The popularity of this pastry did not vanish even during the pandemic, in fact, the bakery business sector continued to thrive.
A bright example of this is a newly opened James Bon Bon Bakery, which prides itself on making yummy handmade pineapple peel mochi Bobos made from fresh ingredients, combining famous pineapple buns and mochi pops into one. Customers can indulge in various flavors including matcha, chocolate, Nutella hazelnut and Lotus caramel biscuits, as well as in other traditional Hong Kong pastries such as egg tarts. Although the bakery sells only around 2,000 buns a day – don’t be mistaken – if you want to get one, you might have to queue a bit!
Address: Shop C1, G/F, Dragon Rise, 9-11 Pennington Street, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 7am-10:30pm
Instagram: @james_bonbon_bakery
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2. JAJA
It is no secret that many Hong Kongers enjoy sharing their lives on social media such as Instagram. A newly opened vegetarian restaurant, JAJA, combines good food with a good space to make all your Insta dreams come true. The colorful interior with fun-looking healthy desserts and drinks overlooking Victoria Harbor won’t let you put your phone down.
Businesses like Jaja found success in creating a new type of exceptional dining experience that helped them to prosper even during the pandemic. On occasions, you might also have an opportunity to explore various art installations or sign up for exciting themed workshops!
Address: 6/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 18:00 pm
Instagram: @jajahongkong
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3. The Baker & The Bottlemen
Many Hong Kongers have missed out on travelling over the past year. With the UK being ever so popular with the locals, a duo of entrepreneurs decided to bring a bit of British heritage back to the city with their bakery-by-day and wine-bar-by-night concept.
Simon Rogan alongside bakery chef Oli Marlow offers daily bakes spiced up with special seasonal delights. Stop by the bakery to enjoy some mouthwatering scones, giant chocolate chip cookies or apple pie! If you don’t have a sweet tooth you can choose from a selection of freshly baked bread or homemade sandwiches. And of course, don’t forget to get a coffee too! The Baker & The Bottlemen is a perfect place to start your morning, or where to end up after a long day at work.
Address: Shop No. G14 and G15, Lee Tung Avenue No.200 Queen’s Road EastWan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:00 am – 17:00 pm (Mon closed)
Instagram: @thebakerandthebottleman
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4. After You
With the summer approaching fast, a newly opened branch of a Thai company After You might be the best place for you to cool yourself down. With the tagline “There’s always room for dessert.” the brand truly delivers the sweetest delights to enjoy your day out.
The dessert place in Causeway Bay offers a large variety of toasts, kakigori and other sweets, which you can eat alongside coffee or tea beverages. Everything is simply delicious, so no wonder customers flock to the place and are often willing to wait in a long line to get a seat.
Word of advice, everything tastes out of this universe, so make sure you share your dessert with a friend, relative, or maybe a date!
Address: G/F, 52 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00-18:00
Instagram: @afteryoudessertcafehongkong
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5. Sip the Moment
Are you not a fan of big cafes and do you prefer a more intimate atmosphere? Do you feel like taking a break from the busy city life? Wait no more, Sip the Moment is just the right place for you!
Located close to Kennedy town Exit C, this small, cosy newly-opened cafe offers anything from desserts to tasty coffee, which you can grab on your way to work. Alternatively, you might want to sit inside in an intimate closed space and enjoy an Instagram-friendly interior.
You might want to give a try to Fukuoka Strawberry dessert, which is a light delight to all of your senses!
Address: Shop 2B, G/F, Block D, Smithfield Terrace, 71 Smithfield, Western District
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 18:00 pm; Weekend/Public Holiday: 11:00 am – 18:00 pm
Instagram: @sipthemoment
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