Finding the aroma of coffee in Hong Kong: Hara Kako Japanese minimalist coffee shop experience

#HongkongHidden Cafe Take a stroll along the old streets of Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, and turn into a quiet alley. Hara Kako is like a hidden oasis in the urban jungle, soothing the noise with warm wood tones and simple design. This cafe incorporates the Japanese "Wabi-Sabi" aesthetic into the rhythm of Hong Kong life, with its attentiveness evident everywhere, from the handwritten menu at the door to the handmade desserts in the window. Push open the glass door and the aroma of coffee and sweet cinnamon hits you in the face. The barista behind the bar is concentrating on hand brewing, using fine coffee beans from Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia, and extracting them through V60 filter paper, allowing the layered flavors of citrus and jasmine to bloom in the cup. The signature cold brew coffee is extracted at low temperature for a long time, with a velvety smooth taste and a nutty aftertaste. Paired with the homemade matcha mille-feuille cake, the bittersweet blend of tea and coffee is amazing. The second floor space uses large floor-to-ceiling windows to bring in natural light, and the wooden tables, chairs and green plants create a cozy atmosphere. Street photos by Japanese photographers hang on the walls, and coffee culture magazines are displayed on the bookshelf in the corner, which is suitable for reading alone or chatting with friends. On weekends, the store will also hold a hand-brewed coffee workshop, allowing customers to experience the barista's professional spirit firsthand. The charm of Hara Kako lies not only in its coffee, but also in its “slow” sense of ritual. From bean selection, roasting to brewing, every step is handmade; desserts are limited in supply daily, and all ingredients are natural and additive-free. Whether it's a cup of Flat White with a croissant in the morning, or a hand-brewed coffee with Japanese fruits in the afternoon, this is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and find peace of mind. Address: 88 Bonham Strand East, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8:30-19:00 Recommended items: Hand-brewed Yirgacheffe, cold brew coffee, matcha crepe cake