[Hidden Cafe in Coloane, Macau] Hon Kee Coffee: A fishing village legend of 400 times of hand-beaten milk foam
[Hidden Cafe in Coloane, Macau] Hon Kee Coffee: A fishing village legend of 400 times of hand-beaten milk foam
The aroma of coffee hidden in the ruins of the shipyard
Located on Rua de Litchi Bowl in Coloane, Macau, Hon Kee Coffee is a hidden gem among locals. This simple cafe built with iron sheets and wood is hidden on a small hill in an abandoned shipyard area. Along the way, you can see the remains of the old shipyard and historical display boards revitalized by the government, as if you were walking into a time tunnel. Although the environment is primitive and the open space has only fans to dispel the heat, making it a bit stuffy in summer, this is the birthplace of the "star coffee" that even Chow Yun-fat (Fah Ge) is fascinated by.
The legendary story of a cup of coffee
The soul of Hon Kee - 400 times of hand-beaten coffee, behind which lies the inspiring story of the owner, Mr. Liang. He used to be a shipyard worker and nearly lost his left hand due to a work-related injury. During his rehabilitation period, he used hand-beaten coffee as a rehabilitation exercise and accidentally created coffee foam as dense as peanut butter. This drink, which is made by repeatedly beating instant coffee powder, sugar and water 400 times, became famous due to Chow Yun-fat's recommendation and is regarded as the originator of the popular "400 Times Coffee" in Korea.
Features of hand-beaten coffee:
Hot drink (MOP 22): The milk foam is thick with a caramel aroma and relatively sweet, suitable for those who love sweets.
Cold Drink (MOP 28): Ice cubes dilute the sweetness and make the taste more refreshing, but the milk foam remains dense and not collapsed.
The reviews were polarized: some were amazed by the fineness of the milk foam, while others thought that the sweetness masked the aroma of the coffee and suggested that "less sweetness" would be better.
More than just coffee! Affordable food recommended by locals
Although Hon Kee is famous for its coffee, the Hong Kong-style tea stall snacks on the menu are also worth a try:
1. Pork chop bun (MOP 25-28): The pork chop bun is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The meat is lean but not dry. The price is only half of that of the famous Macau restaurant "Shi Kee", which is very cost-effective.
2. Pork Chop Chumai (MOP 33): The noodles are chewy with sesame oil aroma, the pork chop is crispy and juicy, and the portion is generous.
3. Butter Toast (MOP 16): Toast with salty and sweet butter, simple yet comforting.
However, some of the dishes received average reviews, such as the small portion of chicken wings and the milk tea that only came with tea bags for self-brew. It is recommended to avoid these minefields.
Tips for visiting the store: Tips to avoid the crowds
Business hours: 08:00-18:00 (closed on Wednesdays). It is recommended to go there in the morning on weekdays to avoid the long queues during holidays.
Transportation: Walk about 10 minutes from Andrew's Bakery in Coloane city center, or take the bus to "Liansheng Roundabout Terminal" and then walk.
Environmental tips: There is no air conditioning in the store, so you need to protect yourself from mosquitoes and sunscreen in summer; if you have enough time, you can visit the nearby Litchi Bowl Shipyard area to experience the history of the fishing village.
Nearby Tours: Half-Day Stroll in Coloane
Lychee Bowl Road, where Hon Kee is located, connects the classic attractions and food of Coloane:
1. Andrew's Bakery: It is a 1-minute walk to the original Portuguese Tarts store, where the crispy crust and the milky filling are a perfect match.
2. St. Francis Xavier Church: A goose-yellow Portuguese-style building, it was the filming location for the Korean drama "Palace: The Savage Princess" and has a very romantic atmosphere.
3. Avenida da Cinque Terre: This promenade is located along the coast. The sunset view at dusk is known as the "most beautiful in Macau".
Is it worth going?
The charm of Hon Kee lies not in its exquisite environment, but in the "fishing village touch" and the unique experience of hand-beaten coffee. If you are looking for internet-famous coffee shops or boutique cuisine, you may be disappointed; but if you want to experience Macau’s urban culture and plan a half-day tour with surrounding attractions, this is definitely a stop you cannot miss in Coloane.
Shop visit quote:
"The density of the dough made by hand is the temperature that cannot be replaced by machines; the fame that is brewed over time is the most simple scenery of the fishing village."
#澳门之旅