INSTAGRAMMABLE HALFWAY COFFEE (MONG KOK)
CAPTURE CHINESE VINTAGE VIBES ON YOUR FEED

Halfway Coffee

Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity at Halfway Coffee. The fusion of Chinese porcelain cups and nostalgic decor creates a vintage ambience, making it an Instagram-worthy spot. Don't miss out on capturing this unique blend of cultural aesthetics. Perfect for coffee lovers and photography enthusiasts alike!

Outfit Suggestions

  • Dark Green Outfit

Dark green can be a great color for an outfit in Halfway Coffee's industrial-style setting, especially if it's an earthy or military shade of green. Industrial settings often feature raw materials, neutral tones, and metallic elements, and these types of green can fit into that color palette beautifully. 

  • Retro Hong Kong Style

Pair a high-waist skirt or trousers with a vintage-style blouse or shirt. This combination would give a nod to the style of Hong Kong's past while remaining versatile and modern. Halfway Coffee's vintage aesthetic, with its traditional Chinese porcelain and old-world charm, would pair beautifully with a retro Hong Kong-style outfit.

Shooting Reference

  • The Hong Kong-style acrylic sign with red characters

The sign of Gin Koeng Trading Company(堅強貿易行) was left by the previous business owner. " Gin Koeng" means preserving in Cantonese and it beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Hong Kong people. It is likely a product from the 1950s or 1960s, and very few people make them nowadays.

Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.8, auto ISO, 1/250s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.8, auto ISO, 1/250s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.2, auto ISO, 1/250s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.2, auto ISO, 1/250s
  • Old Hong Kong photos

Seated at a coffee table, you're framed by vibrant neon-lit photographs of Hong Kong, providing an extraordinary Instagram-worthy background. Showcase your unique style that artfully weaves elements of old and new Hong Kong while savoring a cup of exquisitely brewed coffee. Its walls, adorned with captivating photos of old Hong Kong, offer a timeless background that'll make your posts stand out.

iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO Setting) Preset: A6 (+12.0) Temperature (-0.7)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO Setting) Preset: A6 (+12.0) Temperature (-0.7)
iPhone 12 Pro with flashlight (VSCO Setting) Preset: C7 (+8.0) Exposure (-1.2) Contrast (+2.1) Temperature (+0.6) Skin Tone (+1.2)
iPhone 12 Pro with flashlight (VSCO Setting) Preset: C7 (+8.0) Exposure (-1.2) Contrast (+2.1) Temperature (+0.6) Skin Tone (+1.2)
  • Vintage Chinese porcelain cups

Nestled amidst a vibrant array of stalls that deal in antiques, handicrafts, and souvenirs, Halfway Coffee presents more than just beverages - it provides a portal into Hong Kong's rich heritage. The cafe, unlike any other coffee shop, serves its brews in vintage Chinese porcelain cups, it is a great fusion of East meets West. and making it a good source for caffeine and Instagram posts.

Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.5, auto ISO, 1/250s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.5, auto ISO, 1/250s
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO Setting) Preset: A6 (+7.7) Exposure (-0.7) Contrast (+0.3)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO Setting) Preset: A6 (+7.7) Exposure (-0.7) Contrast (+0.3)
  •  Industrial-style concrete walls

Not only is the interior of Halfway Coffee photogenic, but its exterior featuring industrial-style concrete walls also makes a fantastic backdrop for photos. Their latest outpost in Mong Kok continues the café's trademark nostalgia-meets-chic vibe, complete with distressed concrete walls adorned with industrial art, hanging plants, minimalist light wooden tables, and an eclectic assortment of mismatched stools.

Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/3.6, auto ISO, 1/4000s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/3.6, auto ISO, 1/4000s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2, auto ISO, 1/1000s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2, auto ISO, 1/1000s
  • Hong Kong Style decorations

You can also close up some decorations for aesthetic photos, eg The handwritten price tags from the fruit stall,  the neon lights photograph walls and leather chairs, etc. Try to order your Latte and put your money into a porcelain bucket hanging down from the ceiling, and let your mind relax or bubble in this old-meets-new environment. 

iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO setting) Preset: C7 (+2.0) Exposure (-2.5) Contrast (+2.0) Temperature (+0.8) Skin Tone (+1.2)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO setting) Preset: C7 (+2.0) Exposure (-2.5) Contrast (+2.0) Temperature (+0.8) Skin Tone (+1.2)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO setting) Preset: C7 (+0.9) Exposure (+0.9) Contrast (+2.0) Temperature (+0.6)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO setting) Preset: C7 (+0.9) Exposure (+0.9) Contrast (+2.0) Temperature (+0.6)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO setting) Preset: C7 (+1.0) Exposure (-0.7) Contrast (+1.3) Temperature (+0.8)
iPhone 12 Pro (VSCO setting) Preset: C7 (+1.0) Exposure (-0.7) Contrast (+1.3) Temperature (+0.8)

Food & Beverage Recommendation

  • Signature Hot Latte

Indulge in Halfway Coffee's hot beverages, served in their vintage Chinese porcelain cups. Enhance your coffee experience while capturing a unique, Instagram-worthy moment. Enjoy tradition redefined! We have ordered their special drink Rose Latte. A fragrant blend of coffee and floral notes, it's a must-try for any coffee enthusiast.

Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.8, auto ISO, 1/250s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/2.8, auto ISO, 1/250s
Fujifilm X-T20, XF35mmF1.4 R, f/4, auto ISO, 1/500s

You may find yourself intrigued by the characters inscribed on the cups. The most commonly encountered phrase is 萬壽無疆, which translates to "longevity of ten thousand years and beyond". Another popular symbol you'll see is 囍, representing "double happiness", a beloved emblem of good fortune.

Don’t worry about having to miss the aesthetics if you buy takeaway. The shop has cleverly designed paper cups, adorned with porcelain print, ensuring you can still enjoy the signature ambiance and lucky charms, even on the move.

Explore traditional Chinese symbols on their cups
Explore traditional Chinese symbols on their cups

Conclusion

  • To capture the perfect Instagram photo at Halfway Coffee without the bustle of peak times, aim to visit during off-peak hours - typically mid-morning or early afternoon. Recommend time: 4-5 pm
  • While capturing your beautiful moments, please remember to respect the tranquil atmosphere of the café. Many customers visit Halfway Coffee for a quiet respite, so ensure your photo-taking does not disturb others' enjoyment of this charming space.
  • Experiment with outfit colors that complement the café's industrial-style setting. Earthy or military shades of green are particularly fitting. For a more vintage appeal, consider a retro Hong Kong-style ensemble.
  • Make use of the various elements within the café for a dynamic photo shoot. Features like the Hong Kong-style acrylic sign, vintage Chinese porcelain cups, and industrial-style concrete walls all add depth and interest to your images.
  • The café's unique Hong Kong Style decorations, like handwritten price tags and neon light photo walls, offer plenty of close-up photo opportunities.
  • Halfway Coffee's beverages, especially their signature Hot Latte and special drink Rose Latte, are not only delightful to taste but also make for visually appealing subjects.
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G/F, 6 Soy Street, Mong Kok
旺角豉油街6號地舖
- 2.49 KM from you
7 minutes from Mong Kok MTR Station Exit E1
OPEN
4-5 pm
Sun
09:00 - 18:00
Mon
09:00 - 18:00
Tue
09:00 - 18:00
Wed
09:00 - 18:00
Thu
09:00 - 18:00
Fri
09:00 - 18:00
Sat
09:00 - 18:00
Hot Latte, Rose Latte
HKD $50 - $150
Easy access