Don’t be fooled by the name, the food is what steals the show at Kaffeine.
The latest addition to Sheung Wan’s already heaving coffee scene, Kaffeine sits on Jervois Street, in a neighbourhood already well served by Cupping Room, Why 50, Coffeeholic and 18 Gram’s Coffee Roastery Lab, all of which are within a minute’s walk.
Despite the local competition, Kaffeine is heaving when we arrive. It’s a small location but the café makes the most of it, the front window opening to provide additional spots to perch and people watch. The interior is simple: white and grey tones together with the wooden tabletops and shelving create an almost cosy lounge effect. With attentive and friendly staff on hand, it’s all very welcoming.
The coffee menu is standard for the most part, though more interesting options include an iced Baileys mocha ($58) and affogato with homemade tiramisu ($58). Serious javaheads might recoil at such adulteration but we order the former and an americano to see how Kaffeine handles its, well, caffeine. Both results are satisfactory; nothing to write home about but a cut above the syrupy brews offered up at chain coffee shops.
Where Kaffeine really shines is its food. The lunch menu runs from midday to 2.30pm daily and offers a variety of dishes from a simple vegetarian risotto ($88) through to an Australian wagyu beef burger ($148), all of which include a small mixed salad or a soup of the day. We opt for the former, with salad, and are impressed by the healthy yet sumptuous and moreish combination it is. The salad options change daily and are notably fresh, colourful and distinctly different – if that’s all you’re after, order up a bowl and mix three of your choosing ($88).
Coffee snobs might prefer some of the more artisanal options available nearby in Sheung Wan – there are no syphons, Aeropresses or cold brews available here – but if you’re looking for wholesome food and a decent cup of jo to go with it, Kaffeine should definitely be on your radar. Michael Ratcliffe
