With summertime at its peak, a sweet relief from the blistering streets becomes an increasing necessity, here is a list of the top five shaved ice dessert stops in Hong Kong!
Shari Shari Kakigori House
G/F, 13 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay
G/F, 11 Old Bailey Street, Central
Immediately recognisable by its fluffy, generous servings, Shari Shari is possibly one of the more well-known dessert stops in Hong Kong. Conquering the daunting lines is definitely a challenge (we recommend coming on a weekday) but it’s arguably worth the wait. Suitable for every taste palette, the menu serves up a wide selection of kakigori ranging from creamy strawberry to more unique options such as the fluctuating seasonal options (lemon & cream cheese). Further heightening the delectable experience is the commendable quality of ice i
mported specifically from Japan. Shari Shari is definitely more of a light, refreshing option compared to others, but do beware that portions are somewhat large (consider bringing along a friend!)
Price: 50 - 100
Wait time: Long lines, very fast/efficient service
After You Dessert Café
G/F, Jing Long Commercial Building, 52 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Here is more of a creamier option, a shaved ice stop originating from Thailand! Compared to Shari Shari, the dessert is much denser in quality. We can’t forget about the delicious cream capping each kakigori; each shaved ice comes with an extra pot of cream (and topping) meaning each bite is just as good as the last. Though only providing visitors with five different flavours, this is made up by the expert manner in which the kakigori are crafted. Two of the flavours bring in an inviting taste of Thailand (mango sticky rice and thai iced tea) with a delicious twist in each. Spooning through the mango sticky rice kakigori, you might find chewy chunks of glutinous rice and sweet pieces of mango. Similar delectable delights are hidden within each of the other appealing flavours, why not go discover them for yourselves!
Price: 50 - 100
Wait time: Relatively short lines, fast service
LAB ZERÕ
Shop B, G/F, 68 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
A combination of both refreshing and creamy, LAB ZERÕ is a mouthwatering cross between Shari Shari Kakigori House and After You Dessert Café. As a newer addition to the Hong Kong shaved ice scene, the dessert café quickly took social media by storm. LAB ZERÕ’s menu serves your typical staple shaved ice flavours including matcha, honey salted caramel, milky taro and chocolate rocky road. Aside from the rich kakigori served, LAB ZERÕ also provides drinks and savoury dishes impressively on par with the tasty icy treat. A great added bonus is the Instagrammable quality of the café. Its minimalistic grey decor provides an excellent backdrop for suspended clouds bobbing rhythmically from the ceiling. An additional area is set aside specifically for photo opportunities with pillow-like chairs and a pebbled floor for customers to pose after a delicious meal.
Price: 100 - 150
Wait time: Relatively short lines, very slow service
Nun Desserts Café
G/F, 119 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
According to TimeOut, this is one of the best spots in Hong Kong when it comes to bingsu (Korean shaved ice). A selection of quirky flavours are available including honeydew melon and durian. Each serving is smothered with flavoured sauces and ice cream. Expect a generous serving of sweet toppings; their bestselling honeydew melon bingsu comes with condensed milk, ice cream and freshly chopped melon! Definitely an option for foodies with a sweeter tooth, the soft shaved ice will melt on your tongue.
Price: 51 - 100
Wait time: Very short lines, fast service
Meet Fresh
Many, many locations available, search it up!
We veer into the territory of Taiwanese delicacies, this is similar in nature to Nuns Desserts Café! The dessert stop takes shaved ice quite literally; we are greeted with a consistency rather similar to that of a snow cone. Though far from creamy flakes, this is possibly one of the most refreshing options out there. As the name suggests, all ingredients are fresh; except sweet cubes of mango and deliciously chewy balls of taro. Again, portions are quite large so consider bringing along a friend!
Price: Under 50
Wait time: Long lines, very fast service
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