Why Korean-style cafes are proving so popular in Hong Kong’s coffee shop scene
With immersive themes and Instagram-worthy interiors, Korean-style cafes offer comfortable ‘third places’ for Hong Kong’s busy populace
Hong Kong’s culinary scene is a relentless parade of the new, a dizzying cycle of pop-ups and passing fads. Yet few trends have been as noticeable as the rise of the Korean-style cafe.
More than just places for a caffeine fix, these establishments have become the preferred social sanctuaries for many, a phenomenon that crescendoed in 2025 with a fresh wave of openings.
The last few months alone have seen the soft launch of Haus Coffee Club in October, with its minimalist, homelike interiors; the indulgent debut of Cozy Cream Corner in November, promising artisanal soft-serve ice cream and warm woods; and the expansion of Kactus Koffee, which opened a second branch in September, proving its desert-chic aesthetic has fertile ground to grow.
But what exactly defines a Korean-style cafe?
Unlike the utilitarian, grab-and-go ethos of traditional Hong Kong cha chaan tengs, or the artisanal roasters focused on high-quality coffee, the most noticeable trait of Korean-style cafes is their immersive themes.
The concepts can be wildly diverse and meticulously curated. Animal cafes in South Korea, for example, commonly feature cats and dogs, but also sheep, raccoons and even meerkats.
Character cafes are based on people like K-pop idols or characters from popular animations, with themed food and exclusive merchandise. Still others focus on specific eras or locales, whether that be a vintage Parisian bookstore or a tropical resort in Bali.