Founded by fashion designer and entrepreneur Kevin Poon in 2014, Elephant Grounds has been quickly making waves as one of the best coffee shops in Hong Kong.
Following the success of their hip Sheung Wan store on Gough Street, the franchise has opened not one, but two spacious locations in Wong Chuk Hang, and most recently, Causeway Bay, serving not only coffee and snacks but a more extensive food menu.
My friend and I stumbled across their Causeway Bay location quite by accident, but a happy one at that – the hip, yet relaxed vibe and decor caught our attention, and we quickly made ourselves at home in the alfresco dining area.
The eatery is still in its ‘soft opening’ stage – so far, the makeshift menu consists of modern fusion cuisine. The combinations of ingredients in the menu items sounded intriguing, without being pretentious.
We ordered the taro chip nachos and octopus karaage (both $75) to share. The taro chip nachos were moreish, with the use of taro instead of the usual corn chip adding a slightly nutty-tasting and Asian-inspired flavour to the popular Mexican snack. Topped with beef, cheese, jalapenos, yoghurt and plenty of fresh coriander, it’s a dish I would definitely recommend.
The octopus karaage, on the other hand, was just okay – not bad, but nothing special. Though not lacking in taste, or seasoning, the batter was a little on the hard and heavy side. The dish came with a side of chilli mayo, which was tasty but nothing to get excited about.
The drinks and desserts menu looked pretty good, especially the house-made ice cream, with a good mix of familiar (salted caramel, strawberries and cream) and exotic (rosewater rhubarb, Thai iced tea) flavours – unfortunately we didn’t try these as it was a nippy December evening.
All in all, Elephant Grounds Coffee & Kitchen is a place I would visit again, and as a former Melbournian the airy, casual and spacious environment made me feel right at home.
Elephant Grounds Causeway Bay
Website or Tel: 2562 8688
