Hong Kong’s new wave of cafes are not innovative; they are merely fuelling an unsustainable work culture.
FO Take · Score 35
Another city, another deluge of artisanal coffee shops. Hong Kong’s new cafe openings are not a sign of urban vitality or culinary innovation. They are monuments to a relentless work culture, fuelling burnout under the guise of “experience.” These stylish coffeshops simply offer a more aesthetic backdrop for the same old grind. Are we really toasting to higher-quality caffeine, or just a more palatable form of professional exhaustion?
The strongest counter
Coffee shops offer vital third spaces, fostering community and remote work opportunities. They are essential for urban social fabric.
