As an Australian, one of the things that I and many of my fellow Aussie mates miss most in Hong Kong is the range of good quality, yummy breakfasts available – cooked or otherwise! Most weekends across the sunburnt country, you will find people streaming into their local cafés for their ritual weekend brekkie fix, so determined to prove that the ‘Kong does have something to offer in the breakfast stakes, we hit the streets in search of some morning mealtime inspiration. As always, Hong Kong pleasantly surprised and proved that it certainly wasn’t a breakfast barren city – so here’s our roundup of Sassy’s top ten breakfast spots in Hong Kong… time to get feasting!
A firm favourite: Wagyu
There is no doubt that Wagyu is a firm favourite for a hearty feed – and it might just be as close as you’ll get to a true Aussie style breakfast in Hong Kong! With their generous portions clocking in at the very reasonable $100-150 mark, your belly will be well and truly full after tucking into their ultimate fry-up, the Wagyu Big Breakfast. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a slightly healthier option, go for the Wagyu ‘Mega’ Omelette consisting of four eggs (Sassy tip: ask for egg whites!); trust us you will be more than satisfied with four eggs, plus your choice of three fillings (salmon, spinach and mushroom is a good combo). While other Castelo Concepts venues include the likes of other HK faves Wagyu Lounge and Oolaa, we give Wagyu the thumbs up for its light and airy space and its prime Wyndham Street location – a great place for a spot of people watching!
Wagyu G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central
Heaven for breadheads: Café Deadend & Po’s Atelier
Hiding out in a little dead-end of trendy PoHo is the fabulous foodie duo known as Café Deadend and Po’s Atelier. We are delighted to report that Café Deadend is now in full operating mode after a rather slow start (we didn’t quite know what to make of the coffee list originally being printed on a receipt?!), with a breakfast menu served before 12.30pm that includes a simple selection of classic eggs with a twist – think poached eggs and ham drizzled in herb sauce, or five-minute eggs with Cheddar served with a side of ficelle (stringy French bread!) and a tomato salad, all for around $70 per dish. Alternatively, pick up a bag full of yummy baked goodies from Po’s Atelier, who specialise in French-Japanese breads. You will find fresh-out-the-oven morsels such as Oolong fig bread, Bagel Maricot and pain du chocolat, so sit back, relax on the terrace and enjoy your daily carbo fix.
Read our full review of Po’s Atelier here
Po’s Atelier G/F, 70 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan
Cafe Deadend G/F, 72 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan
A classic breakfast: Classified
Classified is something of an old faithful to Hong Kong’s foodies, and it’s no wonder that there are now so many locations spread across the city. Nevertheless, our pick of the bunch is the Sheung Wan site on Hollywood Road, with its outdoor patio and rustic vibe – a leisurely breakfast here is sheer pleasure. On the menu is a range of hot breakfasts, healthy options, and breads and pastries; the only catch is that Classified staff are not allowed to serve food outside, so if you choose the sunny seats, remember to order inside and pick up the food yourself. Top photo also from Classified.
Classified Shop 1, G/F, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
other locations include Central, Tai Hang, Stanley, Sai Kung, Happy Valley and Wan Chai, see all addresses here 
Breakfast grounded in style: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental & The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Many of us know that the MO Bar at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental as the perfect place to lounge over a signature cocktail with girlfriends to end a busy day at the office – however, did you know that every morning a scrumptious breakfast buffet transforms MO Bar into an ultra-chic setting to start your day? Featuring an endless amount of food including dim sum and other Chinese dishes, plus Western options such as fruit, pancakes, cereal and scrambled eggs, we think this is a pretty reasonable place to re-fuel for $208. Meanwhile, The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong boasts at least three great stop-offs for breakfast – live the high life and go classic at The Mandarin Grill + Bar (we hear that these might just be the best Eggs Benedict in Hong Kong!), enjoy a leisurely morning at the more casual Café Causette (full English brekkie, delish bread basket and top-notch juice selection – yes please!), or satisfy your 6am sweet tooth with pastries galore at The Clipper Lounge. Talk about breakfast in style!
MO Bar G/F, Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
Mandarin Grill + Bar Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd C, Central
Breakfast by the sea: Stan Café
Stan Café is Stanley’s current coolest hangout for breakfast – not to mention some killer harbour views too (don’t forget to pick a comfy window-side seat for gazing out over the sea). Stan Café is a bistro, café and deli all rolled into one, perfect for lazy Sunday brunches or delish pastries on the fly (mmmm… we spy a salted caramel butter spread…). We also adore their interior decoration, with brightly coloured chairs, carefully chosen artwork, and fun design elements; you can tell a lot of love has gone into creating a gorgeous space that will encourage diners and coffee-drinkers to linger and enjoy.
Stan Café Shop 505, 5/F, Carmel Road, Stanley
Brekkie 24/7: The Flying Pan
Everyone in town knows that The Flying Pan is the place to satisfy your brekkie cravings anytime of the day! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, The Flying Pan is a 1950s diner serving food reminiscent of the same era such as ranchero eggs, griddles, pancakes, waffles and bottomless cups of coffee. With locations in Central and Wan Chai, this is comfort breakfast with a capital C (and an ideal hangover cure!) – you’ll be sure to find your way towards the enticing aromas of The Flying Pan even if it isn’t strictly “breakfast time”!
The Flying Pan G/F, 9 Old Bailey Street, SOHO, Central
The Flying Pan 3/F, Empireland Commercial Centre, 81-85 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
It’s a wrap: MANA!
MANA! has a cult following around town from those wanting to grab something tasty, nutritious and quick for lunch, which is also not laden with hidden calories either. Now those who are looking for an equally healthy brekkie can stop by after your morning workout en route to the office for one of MANA!’s famous flats filled with delicious ingredients, such as the “Mana!stae” (omelette, mixed greens, spring onion, slow dried tomatoes and fresh sprouts). The prices of sweets and savoury breakfast flats range from $40-65, with coffee and tea also available in addition to MANA!’s signature range of fresh juices and smoothies.
Mana! Fast Slow Food G/F, 92 Wellington St, Central
Brunch like a Parisian: La Cabane A Vin Bistro
Are you on the lookout for a Sunday brunch that won’t leave you in a food coma or your wallet feeling empty?! Well, La Cabane A Vin Bistro in the heart of Hollywood Road is an authentic French bistro which will do just that! Feast on a set menu featuring your choice of the most perfectly cooked eggs alongside a vine-ripened tomato salad, served with a side of cold cuts or salmon. You can also indulge in La Cabane’s signature pain perdu (French Toast) while you wash down the flavours of France with a freshly squeezed orange juice or a quality cup of coffee or tea. If you do feel like a glass of something, their brunch set menu also includes one glass of “You Are So Bubbly” (Rose of Cabernet-Sauvignon) or “You Are So Happy” (Chenin/Blanc Sauvignon). We guarantee you’ll be walking out the door smiling, as all this comes in at a grand total of $220!
La Cabane A Vin Bistro G/F, 62 Hollywood Rd, Central
T is for Tea: Teakha
Teakha is one of the latest tiny cafés to pop up on hip Tai Ping Shan Street. Get cosy at the family-style communal table indoors or perch on one of the tables outside to enjoy one of our That Girl Nana’s signature home-baked scones (ginger or roselle are the perennial Sassy faves) and a mug of freshly brewed masala chai tea over a magazine or laptop session (hello free Wifi!). Teakha’s specialty is tea – no coffee here, folks – whilst on the heartier brekkie front, there are a range of combos to choose from, such as scrambled eggs with tomato salsa on brioche toast for around $50. One thing to note is Teakha isn’t exactly open in time for the early birds; opening at 11am from Tuesday to Sunday (and make sure you come early to snag a table), so it’s the perfect way to slowly begin your day!
Teakha Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Road, Sheung Wan
Be impassioned: Passion by Gerard Dubois
The newest bakery on the block in Wan Chai is Passion by Gerard Dubois, who boast a huge range of mouth-watering breads and pastries for your tasting pleasure. If you do have a sweet tooth in the morning, then this is the perfect option for you! Our recommendation is to pick up one of Passion’s freshly baked croissants or Danishes with their signature hot chocolate, “Chocolat Chaud Passion”. Settle into the quaint and very French surroundings and enjoy the wafting aromas of freshly baked bread in the oven.
Passion by Gerard Dubois Shop 1, G/F, 74-80 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
… And one extra for brekkie on the run: Hong Kong wet markets and juice stalls
All the market fruit stalls dotted around our city are great for brekkie on the run on the way to work or for a quick bite whilst you’re doing your weekly grocery shop. We recommend picking up a cup of cut fruit and fresh juice (they can make practically any combo you desire!). Mmmm… healthy, fresh, fast, and not to mention super cheap – what’s not to love?!
