Imagine a place in the heart of Kowloon that is as tranquil as the streets outside are hectic. For more than 10 years, the Urban Hermits Tea House has looked over Sai Yee Street. It is a quiet retreat with big picture windows amid the bustle of the Mong Kok flower market. Its Chinese name refers to the state of mental purity described in The Blue Cliff Record, an ancient Zen Buddhist text. The menu includes a selected variety of teas and coffees (try the delicate Crystal Mountain coffee from Cuba). This month sees the arrival of new lunch, afternoon tea and dinner dishes. Owner Julian Sit is an avid collector of fine tea ware, which is displayed throughout the space.
1/F, 223 Sai Yee Street, Mong Kok, tel 2328 0660, facebook.com/moments.teahouse