Simply Life, IFC Mall in Central Hong Kong

Hong Kong really knows how to dish out beautiful buttery pastries and they have the knack of providing an elegant and comfortable ambience cafe atmosphere to enjoy these delicacies as well. This is a nice relaxing place for some morning pastries and drinks with a gorgeous harbour view to match. Located in IFC Mall, Podium Level Central Hong Kong.


"We were on our way to get pampered at the Four Seasons Spa that morning (hence we opted for the healthier option of freshly squeezed juices instead of our Hot Chocolates and Lattes that morning) and we couldn't resist the pastries that were on offer here. I chose the cappucino danish and it was delightful. The grapefruit juice was indeed healthy but I wish I did order a coffee as it would have been perfect .. oh well .. next time". TAM

"Being in Hong Kong, we were looking for some asian breakfast to start off our day but nothing was opened yet. It's funny how things in shopping center's don't open till about 11:00am. Luckily we came across a pastry place that was opened early and everything looked so yummy and delicous. I usually prefer a savoury breakie but the pastries were just so tempting so I chose myself an apple danish. It was a great choice :) The pastry was so buttery and flakey and you could hear the cruchiness when you bite on it. The apple filling inside was also very nice, not too sweet. My orange juice was not as sweet as I would have liked but it's definitely fresh juice. I would come back anytime to enjoy their lovely pastries :)" MICHELLE

Tai Cheong, Central Hong Kong

Okay so this place is not a cafe and nor is it related to Lattes or Hot Chocolates ... BUT .. the egg tarts here are so good that it is definitely worth a mention on our blog .. that's how much we love it. Tai Cheong are famous for their egg tarts - and most of the time they are fresh from the oven - delish!!! The original store is located on Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong (near the famous external escalators just off Queens Central) but there is a smaller one in one of the malls between IFC and Pacific Place Admiralty.


"I could never go to Hong Kong and not have an egg tart, that would be just wrong :P The egg tarts here were sooooooo good :) The pastry was nice and buttery and the egg custard was warm and eggy and full of taste. A definite must have when you visit cause you won't be able find egg tarts anywhere better back here in Melbourne. " MICHELLE


"I miss the fresh warm egg tarts from Tai Cheong so badly! Never will an egg tart back in Australia taste good again. The pastry is so buttery and crunchy and not soft or flakey - just so good and the egg custard was nice and wobbly and heavenly. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm.." TAM

The Peninsula, Hong Kong

It has been a dream of Michelle to have afternoon tea at The Peninsula - she has been raving about it for years and finally - her dream has come true!! When we arrived - I realised how famous afternoon tea at this five star hotel is. Queues in Hong Kong indicate how popular or how famous the place is and there was a LONG queue of tourists and locals waiting for afternoon tea here. The Peninsula offers the perfect afternoon tea setting - a grand lobby accompanied by a string quartet and smartly dressed waiters. Be warned, there is a queue and there is a smart dress code and it is best to arrive early. Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.



"Yes, it has always been a dream of mine to have afternoon tea at the Peninsula hotel and I have to thank Tam for helping me fulfill this dream. The length of the queue was quite shocking, this place was more popular than I thought. I didn't mind queuing up as I was so absorbed into the grand and beautiful surroundings, the lovely music that was played by the orchestra and the delicious looking food on everyone's table. Funny thing was that, the highlight for me wasn't the food but the raspberry tea. It's one of the best tasting tea I ever had and if I do return, it's probably due to that :P The scone and the sausage roll I had was pretty nice as well, the others were a bit average. Food may not be the best but the overall experience was worth it." MICHELLE


"To me the queue was worth it as it was certainly an adventure - and added to the whole afternoon tea experience. The venue was very grand and the orchestra music added to the elegant atmosphere. The food I have to say was so so - the highlights were the quiche and scones. My normal filtered coffee was just okay but I had some of Michelle's raspberry tea and oh my - BEAUTIFUL. It was perfect. I enjoyed my afternoon tea at the Peninsula very much but I don't think I would return. I definitely would recommend it to anyone who visits Hong Kong as it is a wonderful experience - do try the raspberry tea and take your time and savour the moment". TAM

Mandarin Oriental Cake Store, Hong Kong

WOW, the Honkies really know how to live the uber luxury life we've discovered - and to our pleasant surprise, decadent delicious treats in Hong Kong doesn't hurt financially at all. Hong Kong is not all about street food and markets - this vibrant city also offers some of the best culinary delights in the world including Michelin star restaurants and the best patisseries. The Mandarin Oriental cake store is one of those places and offers a wonderful relaxing ambience for the perfect tea break - whether it be afternoon tea, iced tea or coffees with their wide range of pastries and cakes - this is the ultimate place to escape from the humidity. 5 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong.


"I really like this place. From the sophisticated decor, comfortable seats, beautiful china, delicate and affordable cakes, top notch service and a good menu - I wish I had time to return for a second visit (the truffled egg tea sandwiches were begging me to return for a taste!). The coffee here was delicious and my slice of carrot cake was very good. This place is nice and cool and is the perfect place to escape the heat without the stuffiness of a 5 star hotel establishment. This is definitely a favourite spot of mine and I will definitely return here on every visit to Hong Kong in future" TAM


"It's not a cafe, it's more like a cake heaven to me :) Everything was so pretty and delicate. It was indeed hard to pick out something to eat from there but I had to make a decision. The chocolate truffle mousse cake was delicious, smooth and melted in your melt. I had a bit of Tam's carrot cake and that was yummy too. I couldn't say the same thing about their hot chocolate, it was a bit too ordinary for such a fine cafe. I should have picked something else like an ice tea which looked great when it was brought out to my neighbours. I agree with Tam, it's a must visit place whenever I am in Hong Kong. The egg sandwiches sounded very tempting to me too." MICHELLE