Just heard that one of my favourite bakeries in Hong Kong has closed - why does nothing ood last in HK?! Well, it all begins with rent...
I wrote this blurb three/four years ago. Found in word draft.
Sweetpea Cafe: A Gluten-Free Haven with Exceptional Vegan Delights in Central, Hong Kong
Tucked away on Shin Hing Street in Central’s Noho area, Sweetpea Cafe has been around for over a decade - even the owner couldn't tell me which exact date and year it opened. Standing lonesome among bars and restaurants galore, the dedicated 100% gluten-free little shop around the corner, is the cute little place one loves to read about - so why not write about it? So here goes.
Run with such joi-de-vivre by owner Angel Hon, the cozy spot welcomes those with celiac disease, (real and alleged-) dietary sensitivities, and anyone seeking wholesome, beautiful baked goods and brunch. It is warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with thoughtful decor, gorgeous dogs that come by for a quick sniff and, on occasion cuddle, and friendly service, making it a beloved neighborhood nook. An impressive range of vegan options await when you put your nose onto the glass pane that blocks you for cakes galore - which consistently impresses even non-vegans.
Truth be told, vegan cakes and pastries often fall flat, they are often dry, dense, or overly sweetened to compensate for lack of flavour. Sweetpea’s creations shine as they look great and taste great } rarest of combos among the holier-than-thou-vegan-community.
Reviewers have raved about moist, fluffy textures and rich flavours that defy expectations, so it was a pleasure to discover this wasn't media mumbo-jumbo on cut, copy and paste. The signature vegan chocolate cake [above, bought, ie paid with cash not sponsored for this feature!], with its silky dark chocolate ganache (often sugar-free), delivers a luxurious, fudgy indulgence that tastes decadently “normal.”
Many noted - when served at a birthday party - they couldn’t tell it was vegan, a rare compliment in the plant-based world. Remember "Eat Right" on Soho? That ol' vegan and veg restaurant by the escalators on Soho where every plate came with a dash of kumbaya...but the food tasted like cardboard? Well, at least at Sweetpea, everything we've tried so far, tastes Yummmmmm!
Other highlights on display include the Earl Grey chiffon cake; light, airy, and elegantly fragrant. The dairy-free honey cake, I hate to repeat myself but Yummmmmm!
Weekly specials feature egg- and dairy-free desserts, alongside savoury vegan-friendly items like the Vega burger, which won over meat-eaters with its satisfying bite and balanced seasonings. Healthy bowls, brunch plates, and cashew milk lattes round out the menu, making it easy to build a fully vegan meal.
Sweetpea proves that gluten-free and vegan didn’t mean compromise. The commitment to visual refinement, quality ingredients, no artificial additives, and small-batch care results in treats that look stunning and taste even better.
For those missing that rare magic where vegan food genuinely delights, Sweetpea’s online offerings keep the dream alive. Whether for a special occasion cake or everyday indulgence, it remains a standout in Hong Kong’s mindful dining scene.
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