Introduction

I have been to just a few countries in Asia, and I didn't even have the opportunity to check out coffee shops in each one of them. Japan is on a separate page. Here's my list:

Hong Kong

Considering only shops that focus on coffee (i.e. not a cafe that sells sandwiches and happens to have an espresso machine), the average coffee shop in Hong Kong is better than the average coffee shop in Japan. Unfortunately I still did not find a coffee shop that I consider great, nonetheless I am sure I will eventually find a few.

Coco Espresso: Good

The coffee was either good or at least descent. I do not recall exactly, but I decided to go with good as it's my only recommendation in the Hong Kong Island area. Make sure you ask for a ceramic cup since the barista once extracted my espresso on a paper bag.

2 Anton St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

18 Grams: Descent

It is located on the 12th level of a shopping mall with confusing elevators and escalators. It took me a while to find it.

Langham Place Shopping Mall, Shop 01A, Level 12, Langham Place,, 8 Argyle St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

The Coffee Academics The Morrison: Drinkable

Despite the good review and pictures, their espresso was barely drinkable.

223-227 Wan Chai Rd, Morrison Hill, Hong Kong.

Singapore

Analogous to the Japan/Hong Kong comparison, the average coffee shop in Singapore seems to be better than the average coffee shop in Hong Kong.

Mellower Coffee Singapore: Good

It might even be classified as great, but I was there only once.

108 Middle Rd, Singapore 188967

Curious Palette: Good

Their espresso was somewhere between good and descent. However, I am inclined to classifying it as good because I went there during brunch time and they seemed busy. I guess they would do a better job on a different time of the day.

64 Prinsep St, Singapore 188667

ArtScience Museum: Drinkable

There is coffee at the lobby of the ArtScience Museum. I couldn't find a better place in that area.

6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974

Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the largest producers of robusta coffee. My guess is that the locals got used to that flavor and the coffee shops satisfy their demand. Unfortunately that means it is very difficult to find something I can drink.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon Coffee Roasters: Descent

The best espresso I found in Vietnam. The shop is difficult to find, and the building seems sketchy. However, I felt thankful when I found it after an entire week of bad experiences in Vietnam.

151/5 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

The Workshop Coffee: Trap

If you are looking for espresso, don't even bother going to this place. I just put it on the list because locals might recommend it.

27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Hoi An

The Espresso Station: Drinkable

However, in such a small town, I think you'll be lucky if you find a better espresso.

28 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Indonesia

Similar to Vietnam, most of the production of Indonesian coffee is robusta. However, I found a larger quantity of worthy shops compared to Saigon.

Jakarta

Ardent Coffee: Good

The best espresso I had in Jakarta. The shop is actually not very popular and has only a few reviews. Yet, my intuition took me there and I was correct.

Co.Lab, Plaza Senayan, Lantai B1 A, Jalan Asia Afrika no 8, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia

Monolog Coffee Company: Descent

This place is very popular, however their espresso is not nearly as good as Ardent Coffee and it takes 2 minutes to walk from one to the other.

Plaza Senayan Mall, Jalan Asia Afrika No.8, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Tanah Abang, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia

Watt Coffee Roastery: Decent

The shop overall seems very well organized and the staff is extremely polite (Japanese style). I could see that they are also very careful with their pour over coffee. However, the espresso was just descent.

Jl Kramat Kwitang No 14, Kwitang, Senen, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, 10420, Indonesia

Anomaly Coffee Menteng: Trap

I think it is a chain. It is very popular and has great reviews. Unfortunately, I believe they use low quality beans, the espresso was terrible. I didn't enjoy their Aeropress and their French press either.

Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 52, RT.10/RW.5, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia

Giyanti Coffee Roasters: Trap

They have a hipster vibe, but the espresso was one of the worst ones I had. The foam on top of the drink (I would not call it crema) was very dense, dark, voluminous. I believe they might have used a pressurized portafilter.

Jalan Surabaya No.20, Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia