It’s November! We’re getting closer to the end of the year, which is always my favourite time of the year! Partly due to the festive Christmas season and partly due to welcoming winter, but really, it’s my favourite because the end of the year is always a great time to look back and reflect on the journey that the year has been. :)
For now though, I’m so excited to share about Leo’s Espresso, a cafe that I was planning to visit since I heard about it and have added to my list of faves. They are actually most known for their drinks featuring the most adorable 3D coffee foam art, but I was so happy to discover that beyond the gimmick, the cafe is actually a comfortable and (at certain times) quiet hangout. While this may be standard in other cities, in Hong Kong, space and some quietness is quite a luxury, especially so to me. ;)
*Please note + update*: All photos and details in this post are referring to the first Leo’s Espresso branch in Kwai Chung, which has been sold and is now running under another name. You can still find Leo’s Espresso and their 3D coffees in Sheung Wan in early 2020. (details at the end of post).
I heard about this cafe some time ago on Instagram and how could I resist checking out a place that sells such cute coffee? The only reason it took me so long to visit is because this cafe is located in Kwai Chung (in the New Territories), which is pretty far from where I am. Anyway, I finally visited in the summer and I’m so glad I did! I’ll start with the 3D drinks, shall I?
I know that 3D coffee art is already very popular and I’m quite sure Leo’s Espresso isn’t the first cafe to offer this in Hong Kong, but I was never willing to splurge on other places I’ve seen pictures of because they always looked cute but the foam usually looks a little flat or loose, you know what I mean?
As for the ones at Leo’s Espresso, I love them! I’m really impressed with the little details to “draw” the faces and features of the characters (the bear has feet!) and when I received my drinks, the foam art shape was still held together firmly, long enough for me to snap a bunch of photos anyway!
There are only two choices of 3D drinks available: cappuccino and hot chocolate. They do come with a higher price tag at HK$50 per cup, so it really depends if you want to splurge on a cute cup of coffee haha! The 3D designs are random and decided by the barista, but you can request for a specific design at HK$60. Be sure to check out their variety of designs on their social media (links below), they’re so cute!
This is a cafe after all, so if you want to visit without buying the cute, they do serve coffee without the foam art (around HK$30+) and regular cafe fare. I only tried the 3D drinks (the cappuccino was good and the hot chocolate was strong but a bit too sweet) and the cakes and they were all pretty good!
Apart from the main attraction though, I really liked this cafe to while away a peaceful afternoon, perfect for a short break from the hustle. The cafe is located in an open space area inside an office tower building with a very high ceiling, which I just really like! It’s also next to a wall of glass windows, so on a sunny day like the day I went, there is sunlight streaming in, my idea of a great cafe.
From my personal experience, I went on a weekend afternoon and it was peaceful with a light crowd, which makes this place a weekend gem in crowded Hong Kong. ;) I’m guessing it’s probably due to it being located in an office tower, so if you plan to pop by on a weekday, maybe avoid the lunch hour? I browsed this cafe on OpenRice and it seems very crowded during lunchtime!
There’s one more thing I wanted to share that my sister pointed out to me, which I didn’t even notice at first! This cafe is surrounded by Hong Kong themed illustrations, which is pretty awesome! Do you recognize them? :)
That’s it for now, here’s to a good November!
Leo’s Espresso(CLOSED)
Kiosk B2, 2/F, Kowloon Commerce Centre Tower 2, 51 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai Chung
(Kwai Hing station – Exit E)
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Sunday.
Note: I tried googling directions to this cafe and got some misleading results from Google Maps, just wanted to say that the office tower is directly connected to Kwai Hing station via a walkway and it’s a two minute walk from exit E. Hope that helps!
Leo’s Espresso Cafe Bar & Restaurant (CLOSED, reopening in Sheung Wan at the FWD Financial Centre in early 2020)
Shop 1, Tower 6, Promenade level, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am – 9:30pm
Saturday: 11am – 9:30pm
Sunday: 11am – 7:30pm
