Caffè Milani (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★☆☆☆

A couple of months ago, I spotted renovation work being done to a brand new pastry shop at Citywalk in Tsuen Wan with a signage that said "Pasticceria Giovanni Pina". Then more news came out about century-old Italian bakery brand Giovanni Pina opening in Hong Kong. I thought picking Tsuen Wan as one of its first landing spots certainly raised some eyebrows (including mine) but hey you never know, right? 



It turns out that Pasticceria Giovanni Pina is joining forces with Caffè Milani, one of the most popular coffee brands in Italy in this latest venture. Their new locations in Tsuen Wan (Citywalk) and Tsim Sha Tsui (K11 Musea) managed to open doors just in time before the Chinese New Year.

I can't say I'm a big fan of Italian pastries but the award-winning Giovanni Pina, which is a master bakery brand coming from Bergamo Italy probably deserves at least one visit.

Caffè Milani at Citywalk is a coffee shop that also doubles as a pastry shop and gelateria. But since their gelato didn't look all that attractive, I decided to just sample the pastries instead.

Mediterranea ($52) - This looks like a pistachio pudding with a cherry top. I like the pistachio flavors but they could definitely improve on the biscuit base. And frankly speaking, I didn't think the peach compote was a good match for the pistachio mousse at all.

Matcha Cake ($42) - I think we have all been spoiled by different Uji matcha desserts available in Hong Kong so this one won't make the cut. Apart from the lack of deep matcha flavors, they also do a better job improving its texture. Perhaps adding some contrasting texture into the mix?

Strangely enough, we accidently ran into another Pasticceria Giovanni Pina, which was just across the street from Citywalk. This is really weird. I wonder if their management team has conducted a thorough marketing strategy plan before their launch.

Food Rating: 3.5/10

Price: $$$

Address: Shop G76a & b, G/F Citywalk, Tsuen Wan, NT, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Tsuen Wan West

Tel: +852 2755-1230

Website: www.caffemilani.com

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily