HK’s green wave continues with Mana’s new vegan coffees

Vegetarian and vegan sensibilities are on a seemingly inexorable rise in Hong Kong. Adding to the bloodless frenzy is Sheung Wan’s sustainably-minded Mana Cafe, which has just launched V-coffee, its own range of environmentally-conscious and vegan-friendly coffees.

The new range features three styles: Koko, Loko and Mono. Koko is a latte made with cacao butter, which thickens the coffee and provides a chocolatey aroma; Loko is an americano also made with cacao butter; while Mono is a lighter version of the Koko that utilises coconut oil, which adds its own flavour to the drink. There’s also a choice of non-dairy milks available including specialist oat and soy milks that have been selected for their neutral flavour profiles and barista-friendly structures.

Founder and HK environmental guru Bobsy Gaia explains: “We’re very particular on which milks we use. It’s from an ecological perspective as well as a flavour perspective; we’re trying to cover every angle without compromising the quality of the coffee.”

The ethos at Mana is commendable and Gaia is passionate about bringing change to an industry that is often so wasteful (see our feature on sustainability in the local F&B industry for more). The cups and lids used are fully compostable and the coffee is sourced responsibly from fairtrade, organic producers. Gaia hopes Mana can set an example that will drive change in the industry and thinks Mana’s new coffee solves problems in a simple way: “It gives you the kick you need without compromising anything.” Sam Sinha