Coffee in Hong Kong?

[hongkongnewbie]

Hi.

I am wondering if I can purchase a commercial-grade espresso machine (I currently use a Rancilio Sylvia) and Illy coffee (by the can) in Hong Kong. I know there is a great tea culture, but am hoping to get my caffeine fix!

Can anyone send me links to COMMERCIAL-GRADE ESPRESSO MACHINES and good (high-quality) COFFEE?

Thanks!

Hong Kong Newbie
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[Stoob]

I suggest you have a read through: http://www.geoexpat.com/forum/thread7929.html

This is Geoexpat's epic coffee thread, lot's of good info/advice from knowledgeable people

[Mile High]

As Stoob mentioned a read of the epic thread will point you in the right direction for freshly roasted coffee in Hong Kong.

When it come to commercial-grade espresso machines in Hong Kong unfortunately there is not a great deal to choose from. Those brands that are represented in Hong Kong are priced at a premium.

A few of the Expobar models are available in Hong Kong.

This leaves little choice other than to import one. While it is cheaper the shipping is $$$.

Bella Barista is a good place to start. They have an excellent product line up and excellent customer service. All machines are tested prior to dispatch.

Espresso Coffee Shop also has a good selection.

[boblam07]

Can anyone send me links to COMMERCIAL-GRADE ESPRESSO MACHINES and good (high-quality) COFFEE?
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Could you be a bit more specific on the brand?

Do you consider your Silvia "commercial grade"?

How about GS3?

You can see some here

[url=http://www.coffeeclub.hk]

[Mile High]

How about GS3?

The Holy Grail!

Now you're talking.

Think a few of the bigger players maybe attending this years HOFEX

[hongkongnewbie]

Yes, I consider my Rancilio Sylvia commercial-grade. Thanks to those who mentioned other sites and stores. I'm going to check them out.

[boblam07]

hongkongnewbie, if you stay on Hong Kong side, hkcoffee.com may be easier for you to pickup. Plus, you can get your hands on the gears you consider plus others, ie. try pulling shots via Silvia, Oscar, Expobar and Krups xp4020 for comparison.

However, if you don't mind going to Kwai Chung, about 15 minutes via MTR Tung Chung line, you can see the real thing plus other gear at coffeeclub.hk and take it back home right away.

I bought things from both places and my experience is good.

[hongkongnewbie]

BobLam07:

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I think I might bring my Rancilio and a converter. I can't live without it!

I also love Illy coffee for the machine (although don't tell the hard-core coffee afficionados about it!!) and would like to buy it there in Hong Kong. Do you know if it is available for purchase? If so, where? Thanks!

[hongkongnewbie]

What is GS 3???

[Skyhook]

Yes, I consider my Rancilio Sylvia commercial-grade. Thanks to those who mentioned other sites and stores. I'm going to check them out.

I have to agree with you there, that the Silvia is a very competent home espresso machine, that will execute professional results, and why it has etched a bit of a name for itself among the worlds DIY espresso making enthusiasts..

I did consider the Silvia, but opted for the Sunbeam EM6910 instead, ( Both around the same price point) preferring a dual boiler system, as we entertain a fair bit at home, and it's just a lot more practical when you need to make 4 coffee's in succession, allowing coffee extraction and steam wand running at the same time. I also know that with practice, the differences in performance are very slight, as both machines have their pro's and cons.


For the moment, I am extremely happy with the performance of my ( Paul Bassett designed ) EMO6910 and the EMO480 conical burr grinder. Absolutely love it !


Sunbeam is not sold in Hong Kong unfortunately, as we purchased ours in Melbourne for $5000HKD for the EM6910 & EMO480 pair at Retravision, but if you can get your hands on this combo, your coffee experience will be an extremely happy one. Hopefully you know some Aussies that travel between here and Aus...

I am pretty sure that the Silvia is sold in Hong Kong, so for the matter of convenience, it might be a good idea to just get that here, matched with a high quality conical burr grinder, that can grind coffee beans fine enough, to achieve the correct dosage, so you get the best ( shot) extraction. I can't stress how sensitive higher performance espresso machines are enough, and a consistently fine grind. My old Italian ( Saeco ) conical burr grinder just couldn't get close, to what I am achieving now.

I have included a video below of my setup, to give you an idea...
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkMDsZFX9G8]YouTube - Sunbeam EM6910 & EMO480 conical burr grinder[/ame]


Cheers, good luck, and happy espresso drinking .