project c — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Warning: NO PHOTOS/RECORDINGS ALLOWED THAT MAY ANNOY THE PERFECT BARISTA

Please read this before buying drinks from this place. I totally recommend it only if you want to experience being treated badly by the rude barista.

I ordered an HKD80 iced pour-over coffee. The woman at the counter said it would take 15 minutes, which was fine by me. I started recording videos of my coffee being made — no good-looking barista’s face appeared in the footage.

The barista suddenly paused making my coffee and started preparing other orders for almost five minutes. The ice began to melt, and I was confused. I then stopped recording. When he returned to continue making my coffee, out of nowhere he said, “EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A RECORDING, I WILL STOP MAKING COFFEE.” I was shocked. Is this the kind of experience travelers should expect? I would have completely respected the rule if you had informed me beforehand — not after you paused my order and prioritized others. You wasted my time and made me feel extremely uncomfortable, especially since I had already paid.

For an HKD80 pour-over, I expected a good experience, but this shop clearly sees it differently. If recording is such a sensitive issue, why not put up a clear sign saying “NO PHOTOS/RECORDINGS” right at the entrance?

The barista later explained that “you should ask for permission.” Permission for what exactly — the coffee or the atmosphere? Do I really need permission for filming my drink? If you dislike tourists creating content that might even promote your shop, just put up a big sign at the entrance. I’d be happy to walk away at first sight rather than waste my...

Unfriendly, Confusing, and a Terrible Experience

I strongly advise against visiting Project C if you value basic customer service and a welcoming atmosphere. My visit was one of the most confusing and unpleasant café experiences I've ever had.

From the moment I entered, the staff were cold and unwelcoming. I was immediately escorted to the payment counter before I could even properly look at the menu. When I asked a simple question about whether they had soy milk, the staff member didn't verbally respond and just pointed at the menu.

After I paid, I was given no direction. When I asked if I could enter the dining area, I was told it was full. My original plan was to dine in, so I asked if I could wait for a seat, to which I received only a silent nod. Shortly after, a couple left, freeing up a table. I asked again if I could now go in, but was once again told "no, it's full," despite me clearly seeing empty seats. When I asked for an explanation, I received none.

At this point, the process was so illogical and the staff so rude that I changed my mind and requested a refund, as my coffee had not even been started. Instead of an apology, another barista came to argue with me, stating they "never promised a seat."

I understand if a café is busy and there's a waitlist, but there was no clear system, no communication, and absolutely no courtesy. The entire interaction was cold, transactional, and incredibly frustrating. I will not be returning and cannot recommend this café to anyone. Save your money and go somewhere where customers are treated...

I should’ve read the reviews first before wasting my time and money here. The place looks nice and minimalist from the outside, but that’s the only good thing about it. Inside, it was the complete opposite—unwelcoming atmosphere, rude barista, and coffee that was as basic as it gets.

I dropped by early in the morning, just casually filming the counter setup. The barista wasn’t even in the frame, but he suddenly stopped making my coffee, glared, and acted annoyed—as if me pointing my phone at the counter was such a crime. His attitude was completely unnecessary and downright unprofessional.

By then, I had already lost my appetite. I took one sip, felt disgusted, and immediately threw the drink away. There was absolutely nothing special about it anyway.

Beautiful-looking shop, but looks are deceiving. Worst experience ever—poor service, ordinary coffee, and staff with zero respect for customers. Never...