The Coffee Academics

Coffee is one of the things I can’t live without. Without a cup of coffee, my day just would not feel right. Coffee shops are also one of my favourite places. Nothing beats a decent cup of coffee and a chilled afternoon at a nice coffee shop.

In recent years, there are more coffee shops popping up in Hong Kong apart from the usual coffee chains such as Starbucks and Pacific Coffee. Many have gained attention from the local foodie community.

The Coffee Academics is a coffee shop that has gained a lot of media attention since its opening and has stood out among other coffee shops in Hong Kong. Merely the name of it has given a professional impression to people.

As I stepped into their Causeway Bay flagship shop, it instantly felt like I have entered another world. The chic luxurious setting of the shop contrasts with the bustling urban city out there. A chandelier stood out from the brick walls and wooden surfaces, adding a glamorous edge to the place.

I find the decor incredibly interesting. The major, front section of the shop is more inclined to a posh setting, yet as you turned inside the corner, it has taken a more hippy style.

The decor and design had really set a lovely mood and atmosphere to the shop. It was cosy and intimate, and what I consider as one of the most important qualities of coffee shops. It genuinely felt like an escape and being separated from the outside world.

Their coffee is indeed a delighting experience to have. They offer an extensive selection of coffee. The menu ranges from ice-drip to hand-brewed coffees, as well as from espresso-based to other inspired coffees. They also serve non-coffee drinks, such as chocolate, tea, lemonade and so on.

Cafe Misto

I have decided to settle for a basic Cafe Misto – nothing fancy, simply coffee served with frothy steamed milk on top.

The steam milk was served separately from the coffee in a small glass. It requires a tremendous quality of coffee beans and great technique to pull off a memorable Cafe Misto due to its simplicity. I poured in about two-third of the steamed milk to my coffee, no sugar added. It was a fairly mild coffee but it was very aromatic and also has a smooth velvety texture.

Tea

My friend who came along with me is more of a tea person so he ordered one of their teas instead.

I don’t really remember the type of tea he ordered. The tea came in a filter pot and the blend smelled absolutely aromatic. I have no extent knowledge on tea but my friend said it consisted of high quality tea leaves and that the tea leaves had clearly been hand-picked. It seemed to be a very enjoyable and nicely brewed cup of tea.

Spinach & Cheese Pie

We had also tried some of their food and I ordered a Spinach & Cheese Pie.

The pie was very nice, served with a mini salad and ketchup on one long trio plate. It’s a nice flaky pastry with savoury spinach and cheese filling that’s baked to a golden brown colour. It’s no doubt an absolute hearty treat.

Churros

For a final touch up of the meal, we ordered Churros as dessert. It was served with a scoop of ice cream and chocolate sauce.

The churros were fried perfectly, giving that phenomenal hot-and-cold sensation when eaten together with the ice cream and chocolate sauce. However, bizarrely, apart from being coated with cinnamon sugar, the churros were also spiced. The little spiciness mixing with the sweetness had given an interesting experience and sensation to the taste buds. It had been a delightful surprise, to say the least.

In summary…

…even though the price range may be slightly higher than the general prices of most coffee shops around the city, I think it is worth paying a little more for a decent food-and-drink experience at the Coffee Academics.

Not only do they live up to their name for amazing coffees, it is also a great place to chill, especially to relax from the hectic city lifestyle of Hong Kong. It is a place that allows you to get lost in your own imagination and to indulge in the ambience.

When the weather isn’t too hot and stuffy, it is also a great choice to sit at their terrace, and I bet it would be another extraordinary experience to sit outdoors for some people-watching while savouring a good cup of coffee.

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Tel: +852 2156 0313
Website: the-coffeeacademics.com
Instagram: @thecoffeeacademics

Nearest station: Causeway Bay