We will be recommending cafes of different vibes for the upcoming weeks, so by the time we go back to campus, you will have ready a list of places to go in-between lessons.
Cafés for a chill study sesh near hku
Sharon T. Abratique
As mentioned earlier in our HKU Round-up, the Starbucks next to the main library is no longer in service, so now would be a dandy time to test out off-campus cafes in the district.
Cafes with a chill vibe but still suitable for doing work or studying is essential, especially when we are slowly transitioning back to the ‘normal’. Here are two recommendations from Malachite!
Dear Neighbor
Located on Po Tuck Street, a quiet street on Hill Road, Dear Neighbor is one of the two cafes you will find here. With its industrial vibes, warmed up by the soft yellow lighting, it is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon after morning lessons.
Dear Neighbor might look like a small shop, but it actually is a two-level cafe (though due to social distancing policies, there are less seats available at the moment). Its industrial interior and dark walls may give you the impression that it is not suitable for doing work, but the warm lights actually give the right amount of brightness. They also have carpet seats on the second floor should you be someone who has a (very) specific preference for it.
Dear Neighbor serves not only the usual day-to-day coffees; they also have a hidden menu featuring specialty coffees that the owner - a young aspiring barista - created. The All Day Breakfast and pastas are popular and well-loved, but we had a taste of their Hojicha chiffon cake instead and it was also a pleasant treat.
The owner recommended Tiramisu, one of the coffees on the hidden menu. With creamy milk foam on top, blended with dark chocolate flavours in the coffee itself, it is a perfect combination with the Hojicha chiffon cake. The cake is moist and springy, with the perfect balance between sweetness and Hojicha taste.
Dreamer cafe
Not only does Dreamer sit just opposite to Dear Neighbor, its interior is quite the opposite. Customers are warmly welcomed by the soft neon lights that illuminate “Every great dream begins with a Dreamer”, and the bright environment decorated by woods and white walls.
The interior is filled with tables big enough to accommodate laptops, plates of food, coffee and books, so you don’t have to worry about having to cram everything together. You can even have group meetings here as there is a table big enough for 8 people (but just because we said so doesn’t mean there should be more than four of you ok?).
Other than just coffee, Dreamer also serves fruit sodas and fruit teas– for those days when coffee might be too strong and you crave a refreshing drink. They also serve different cakes every day, so you might need to check with the staff when you order! On the day we visited, Malachite enjoyed a slice of Matcha cheesecake, and a nice cold glass of French vanilla latte. The matcha flavour stood out, while it might be a bit too sweet for our liking.
The bright environment plus the inspirational posters on the walls can definitely lift your spirits up while you’re studying or just relaxing with your friends. If you are a person that loves natural light, Dreamer is definitely your go-to.
