Where to find the best shaved ice in Hong Kong to beat the summer heat
Shaved ice, healthier than ice cream and just as tasty, has taken Hong Kong by storm.
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When Hong Kong's heat feels like it's melting the pavement, nothing cools you down like a bowl of shaved ice. This summer treat, healthier than ice cream and just as tasty, has taken the city by storm. You’ll find flavors inspired by Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and even local Hong Kong favorites that are as beautiful (hey, IG feed!) as they are refreshing. With options like taro-flavored delights and mango sticky rice variations, shaved ice is the perfect way to beat the heat in style. So, we've rounded up some of the best spots to grab a shaved ice in Hong Kong this summer.
Shari Shari Kakigori House
When the summer heat hits Hong Kong, there's no better way to cool down than with a visit to Shari Shari Kakigori House, the city's beloved spot for Japanese-style shaved ice. Nestled in Causeway Bay and Central, these minimalist cafes are famed for their kakigōri, crafted from pure Japanese water for a clean and silky texture. Try their Kyoto Uji Kin Toki, bursting with rich, creamy flavors, or the Matcha Cream Special, featuring a hidden surprise of Shiratama Mochi. With options like Strawberry Milk, Banana Chocolate and Kuro Sesame, each generous serving is a delish way to beat the heat. Though a bit on the pricey side at HK$100 to HK$120, the taste and refreshing sweetness make it worth every penny.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 13 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay
- When – Monday to Sunday, 1 - 10 p.m.
- Price – $$$
- Phone – +852 2529 1223
- Menu
- Website
After You Dessert Café
After You Dessert Café in Wan Chai became so popular during its pop-up that it set up shop permanently. The must-try here is their Mango Sticky Rice-flavored Kakigōri, topped with soft glutinous rice and sweet Thai mangoes. They even bring in ice bricks directly from Thailand for their shaved ice. Their Thai Tea Shaved Ice, loaded with grass jelly and cream, is another hit. Or try the Salted Egg Toast with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Quick facts
- Where – Shop G24-25, G/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai
- When – Monday to Sunday, 1 - 10 p.m.
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 2312 2038
- Menu
- Website
Pah Shih
If you’re craving a chewy and refreshing treat this summer, head over to Pah Shih, the Taiwanese dessert chain that's famous for its grass jelly. They make it by boiling aged mesona leaves for eight hours until it turns into a smooth, gelatinous delight. For something icy, try their towering shaved grass jelly ice, which you can top with goodies like ice cream, chopped mango and red beans. Don't miss out on signatures like Grass Jelly Combo with Rice Mochi Shaved Ice And Matcha Ice Cream. Their delicious sauces, such as milk, taro or hojicha, add an extra flavor kick to your dessert.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 19 Gough Street, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 12:45 - 10:30 p.m.
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 2343 6933
- Menu
- Website
Nun Desserts Cafe
Nun Desserts Cafe is the city's go-to spot for Korean shaved ice, or bingsu. The soft ice flakes topped with melon ice cream, fresh melon and a drizzle of condensed milk are sure to offer some summer relief. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, their Lychee Smoothie with Vanilla Ice Cream is also a refreshing breeze on a hot day. Plus, the desserts here aren’t just tasty – they’re Instagram-worthy, with colorful toppings like fresh fruit, rainbow sprinkles and even macarons to make your Insta feed bright and colorful.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 119 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
- When – Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 1 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
- Price – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 5791 2141
- Menu
- Website
Meet Fresh
Meet Fresh has been a go-to for shaved ice since 2007, drawing crowds to its flagship store in Causeway Bay. Their Red Bean Shaved Ice is a must-try, featuring a towering milk-flavored shaved ice base piled high with Taiwanese toppings like pearls and puddings. The portions are generous enough to share with friends, making it a fun group treat. Beyond shaved ice, Meet Fresh is famous for its chewy taro balls and herbal jelly, perfect in their Q Mochi Milk Shaved Ice. With branches all over Hong Kong, including Tsim Sha Tsui and Tuen Mun, this chain offers some of the best Instagrammable shaved ice in town.
Quick facts
- Where – Shop 1, G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
- When – Sunday to Thursday, 12:30 - 11:30 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 12:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 2566 1318
- Menu
- Website
Auntie Sweet
Auntie Sweet is a fruity oasis, drawing folks in with flavors like black sesame, durian and everyone's favorite – mango. At their Tin Hau branch, even your furry friend can get in on the fun with some pup-friendly treats. With four spots across the city, Auntie Sweet knows how to do shaved ice right. Their ice is flown in from Japan, and they've got local flavors like the Mr. Hong Kong with peanut butter or the Ruby Umbrella with dragon fruit. Plus, keep an eye out for their seasonal specials to try something new and exciting.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 11 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay
- When – Monday to Sunday, 2 - 10:30 p.m.
- Price – $$
- Phone – +852 5118 4324
- Menu
Chung Kee Dessert
Swing by Chung Kee Dessert on Parkes Street in Jordan where these dessert wizards have been delighting taste buds for over 20 years. While their classic treats like sweet tofu pudding and mango pomelo sago soup are hits, don't miss out on their shaved ice creations. Fancy a tangy twist with Yakult and mango, or maybe keeping it simple with lychee? It might take you a minute to decide. And with their affordable prices and convenient locations all over the city, there's no reason not to treat yourself to a refreshing dessert break.
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