BEIJING'S BEST COFFEE SHOPS

Over the past few years, coffee culture in China has boomed, with more young people wanting to spend their hard-earned cash in a coffee shop rather than a bar.

In Beijing, you can find all of the usual chain coffee shops like Starbucks, Costa and more, but there has also been an incredible influx of third-wave coffee shops that offer more than just your average coffee and cake deal.

I’ve done all the groundwork so that you can check out this post about Beijing’s best coffee shops and head straight out the door to try yourself.

Zarah cafe

This is one of my favourite places to come in Beijing, its located conveniently near the touristic hutong area of Nanluoguxiang. You can escape the crowds in this little Oasis. Decorated in a sleek and stylish way whilst keeping its old charm of a former traditional courtyard house. Zarah is more than just a cafe, it is a multifunctional space, perfect to while away the hours working. It has an in-house gallery and turns into a stylish restaurant with DJ’s in the evenings. Zarah can get a little bit busy at times but there are a few different sections, so you can sneak off to the back to work if you desire or head to their courtyard for a catch-up. To top that all off the wide menu selection means there is something for everyone, they often have special seasonal drinks on offer too.

My personal favourites are the Baozza. These delicious steamed buns have a uniquely western twist on this traditional Chinese classic. On the outside, it looks like your average steamed bun but inside its filled with pizza toppings…. Drool. With flavours such as Margherita (my personal fave!) the cheese just oozes out of the middle, sounds good?… It is!

Alba Cafe

On the same street as Zarah, just a little bit closer to Nanluoguxiang is Alba Cafe. This has been my go-to cafe since I moved to Beijing. They refurbished it last year so it looks even better inside. It’s the perfect place to sit and do work on your laptop all day or cozy in a chair and read a book. The stylish space often gets busy around brunch time, especially on weekends, but it is quiet enough throughout the day to work. One of the best things about Alba is that it’s super reasonably priced you could get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here without breaking the bank. Their drinks are reasonable and their coffees are tasty.

Unsurprisingly my favourite thing on the menu is there stone-baked pizzas fresh out of the pizza oven. They are just good they just melt in your mouth!

Voyage Cafe

Not too far away from the above two, in the Hutong opposite Nanluoguxiang, is the slightly hidden, Voyage Cafe. Decked out head to toe in wood and brick it feels like a welcome escape from the city streets. With natural light pouring in from the ceiling you would forget you are in Beijing and think you are in a cozy cabin in the woods. This is a great place to meet some friends for a delicious coffee, and these guys take their coffee making very seriously. Don’t forget to try their cookies as they are amazing!

Tienstiens

Nothing screams Instagram worthy more than delicious-looking freshly baked French patisseries. If stylish is more your cup of tea or should I say cup of coffee then Tienstiens is the place. Located in the area of Sanlitun you would be forgiven for thinking you had just stepped out of Beijing and into Paris. With its simple white minimal feel, Tienstiens looks more like an art gallery than a coffee shop. Its focus is on its beautiful looking baked goods, there are so many different types of Frech delicacies to try…… The hardest decision is what to pick.

Cat Cafe

If cats are your thing then head to one of Beijing’s numerous feline-friendly cafes for a quick coffee and cat cuddle. Probably not the best place to work all day unless you want a guest on your laptop, but a great place to get some affection if your missing not having a pet in your life. There are loads all over the city if you google ‘cat cafe Beijing’ then you will be able to find the nearest one in your area.

Wudaoying Hutong

Fancy a cafe crawl instead of a bar crawl? Well, Wudaoying Hutong is the place to come. This cool hipster street is not only a great place for photographic opportunities, it also has a selection of boutique shops, restaurants, and quirky cafes. You will be spoilt for choice on the number of places you could pick for that caffeine fix. Some of my favourites are HE and Metal Hands.

Central Perk - Friends Cafe

Now, who doesn’t love a themed cafe? And for me, this is the best theme ever. You can pretend you are one of the ‘gang’ here in Central Perk whilst reenacting all your favourite Friends moments like ‘the one with Ross’s Tan’ or ‘The one with Princess Consuela’. Half of the space is decked out the same as Central Perk and the other half like joey and Chandlers’ apartment. You can order a coffee and kick back watching reruns all day on the TV or challenge your real friends to a game of table football. For any friends enthusiast what could be better?

There are soooo many cafes here in Beijing but here are some of my favourites which also just happen to be very Instagram-worthy!

Ok, it’s time to put on your jacket and try for yourself!

Have a watch of my YouTube video to see the coffee shops first….

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If you are planning a trip to Beijing then don’t forget to check out my other posts here.

Beijing’s Best Parks and The Best Markets In Beijing

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