From a corner shop in Wan Chai to its latest location in Hysan Place, n.o.t. drips in chic elegance with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Though enjoying panoramas of Causeway Bay vistas, n.o.t. is one of the neighbourhood’s best-kept secrets. Yet, its espressos are kept at $18, while lattes and flat whites at $32. Want to upgrade it to a single origin bean? It’s just a mere $8 top up. 

n.o.t.’s owner Paul says, “I don’t know how to do marketing. I just know coffee is coffee: it must taste good and with a reasonable price. My goal is to turn coffee into a part of everyone’s daily routine.”

Sounds pretentious? It’s not. Just listen to Paul talk about coffee and pay attention to n.o.t.’s baristas. Unlike many other cafes, they’re not wearing swank aprons. Paul continues, “This is a conscious decision, as I want every employee’s personality to shine. They are our customers’ friends who remember their orders.” This is also the main reason why Paul doesn’t hire part-time staff. 

 

Adjust House Blends' Profile Each Year, Designated Espresso Machine for Rounder & Smoother Cuppas

Though Espressos cost a mere $18, they are n.o.t.’s body and soul. “I make my House Blends according to harvest.” Paul’s House Blend brims with acidity, sweetness and has good mouth-feel, with distinctive flavour profiles that, all together, aim to educate customers so they can better appreciate coffee. In fact, every n.o.t. shop has a machine designated for making espressos. Their unique pre-infusion programme is perfect for brewing rounder, smoother cuppas. “Espressos made with the other coffee machines are a bit tart and sharp. But add milk, and it’s a whole new level,” says Paul.

 

Secret Menu: Competition-Grade Masstige Beans

Also at n.o.t. is a “secret menu”. Made with MAME beans from Zurich, the quality of these cuppas is competition-ready. Get a $70 combo (one espresso plus one piccolo) to relish in its unforgettable aromas laced with an enticing hint of Osmanthus. Another competition-grade bean comes from Yemen and boasts rumbustious flavours. Paul says, “Due to its distinguished qualities, we made it into a coarser grind and ran it through cloth coffee filters for more balanced flavours.” 

These unique beans are expensive and hard to brew, so Paul says he’s losing money with every cup sold. “We want to bring these exquisite blends to our customers, and we want our baristas to have fun and improve their brewing techniques.” 

Paul, truly, is a coffee-fanatic.

 

About n.O.T. x ehonia

Address: Shop 1, 9/F, Hysan Place At Lee Gardens, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay

For Coffee: Opening Hours: 08:00 – 20:00* (Mon - Sat); 10:30 – 18:00* (Sun & PH)

*Opening hours and last orders' timing listed are for reference only. Information is subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the related restaurants directly with any inquiries.

Telephone: 2151 3822