John Choy Cafe 2015 — Restaurant in Kowloon

When you come to an old district like ToKwaWan, you may expect some old residential buildings or small shops instead of modern shopping malls or streets with wide sidewalks. Today, I am meeting a friend for leisure tea time... getting a specialty coffee is our preference, that's why we picked John Choy as our first choice to meet, just because of their single origin espresso. I ordered an "S.O.E." with their signature local dish : the pan-fried egg luncheon meat/ (spam) instant noodle. This combination is unique to the locals when compared to other cafes. The noodle tastes like the good one cooked by a good mom. The luncheon meat is also pan fried, that's the key! Since John, yes, the cafe boss insists that good SOE doesn't need anything to go with = no milk and no sugar! That's how all customers drink their coffee there. They picked over two dozens of coffee beans and numbered them on their siphon coffee menu, dividing them by their martial origin, so you can just choose by picking your favorite coffee nation, or just throw him a lucky number of yours. Then they will "siphon /cook" your hot coffee and bring it to your table. The clear color of the coffee and the aroma will bring your taste to another level... and you may not going back to drink any thing from other coffee chain. that's the side effect of...

The owner was extremely agitated this morning. He said he has been working non stop since breakfast..... I wanted to order but was told to sit down and wait. This happened to other patrons too, so guess he was having a bad Sunday? Here at around 1130 / 1145 am, they didn't appear too busy when I sat down. I've worked in F&B in this lifetime, so know the signs of what is and is not busy.

Ordered the Club toast sandwich. Would say it was good, but my coffee was delayed, so while waiting the rest of my toastie got cold too.

Perhaps the owner was having an off day, so will give him the benefit of the doubt. Hope others do not have to share my experience 😕

As coffee arrived later, not able to include in my photo. It was Vietnamese blend, however didn't get to enjoy as more customers came in during lunch, so tried to gulp down this hot beverage and hightail it, so as not to hold up so seating for other customers.

Overall, somewhat disappointed with the service. If you happen to try, hope owner is less grumpy and in a...

This is a local style coffee shop along Yuk Yat Street in To Kwa Wan that is a really nice find if you happen to be in the area and fancy a solid cup of coffee. There are a handful of indoor tables and wall side seating. You can do take-away orders as well

Coffee menu of around 40 different coffee beans you can choose from. Coffees are served black or with milk & sugar, old school style. I tried the Vietnam (#4) recently. It was fresh, flavourful, an all around very good cup of coffee. They do a few low-price Hong Kong style sandwiches and light bites as well.

Overall, very casual and chill sort of local place, serving really good coffee. Worth finding if you are coffee buff and looking for less known local places and gems...