Coffee in China: top 10 coffee chains the local Chinese people love

Introduction:

Hello, coffee aficionados! I’m a 27-year-old Chinese coffee enthusiast, particularly fond of lattes and cappuccinos. In this article, I take you on a tour of the 10 most popular coffee chains in China, sharing my detailed experiences and reflections on each, with a special focus on how some brands like Starbucks and Costa Coffee have tailored their approach for the Chinese market.

1. Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡)

Background: Established in 2017, Luckin Coffee has rapidly transformed the coffee landscape in China. It stands out for its innovative use of technology, including a mobile app for quick ordering and a model that emphasizes convenience and speed. Luckin has spread across China at an unprecedented pace, challenging traditional coffee shop concepts with its emphasis on accessibility and affordability in Chinese coffee market.
Menu & Prices: Their Vanilla Latte (24-30 RMB) is a testament to their commitment to quality and affordability. But their almost everyday available coupons make it as low as 9.9RMB. For a lot of Chinese people this is their first cup of coffee in their life.
Personal Review: The Vanilla Latte here is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of modern lifestyle. Smooth, with a subtle hint of vanilla that doesn’t overpower the rich coffee flavor, it’s perfect for on-the-go mornings. The balance of flavor, price, and convenience makes Luckin a go-to choice for many young professionals like me.

2. Starbucks (星巴克)

Background: Starbucks entered China in 1999 when coffee was not a thing in China and has since become synonymous with coffee culture in urban China. They have successfully localized their offerings, introducing flavors and food items that cater to Chinese tastes, such as Green Tea Frappuccino and mooncake during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Starbucks stores in China often feature designs inspired by local architecture and culture, making each outlet uniquely appealing.
Menu & Prices: The Caramel Macchiato (30-36 RMB) and is still very expensive for local Chinese coffee consumers.
Personal Review: Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato is a classic example of their expertise in crafting coffee that appeals across cultures. The balance of rich espresso, creamy milk, and sweet caramel sauce is impeccable. Sitting in a Starbucks in China, surrounded by the fusion of local and Western design, sipping on this drink, I feel a unique blend of familiarity and novelty.

3. Manner Coffee

Background: Manner Coffee, a Shanghai-based chain, has made a name for itself with its minimalist design and focus on high-quality, affordable coffee. They have carved out a niche by focusing on the essentials of a good coffee experience – quality beans, expert brewing, and a no-nonsense approach. Their small, often standing-room-only stores reflect their commitment to quality over frills.
Menu & Prices: Their Espresso (18-24 RMB) is renowned for its excellence.
Personal Review: Manner Coffee’s Espresso is a revelation. Each sip is a journey through the rich, complex flavors of expertly roasted beans. The minimalist ambiance of their outlets, where the focus is purely on the coffee, enhances the experience. It’s a testament to their philosophy that good coffee doesn’t need to be expensive or pretentious.

4. M Stand

Background: M Stand, a relatively newer entrant, has quickly become a favorite among the younger, trend-conscious crowd. Their outlets, often located in hip urban areas, offer a modern and stylish take on the coffee shop experience. They are known for their artisanal approach, focusing on handcrafted beverages and a menu that features innovative twists on classic coffee drinks. Since it started in Shanghai, it went viral on Chinese social media like Xiaohongshu and Douyin. Its reach is beyond Chinese coffee lover community.
Menu & Prices: Their Signature Cold Brew (28-35 RMB) stands out for its quality.
Personal Review: The Signature Cold Brew at M Stand is a perfect example of their commitment to craft and quality. It’s smooth, with a depth of flavor that is both refreshing and invigorating. The trendy, contemporary vibe of their stores, combined with their dedication to creating exceptional coffee, makes M Stand a hotspot for coffee lovers looking for something new and exciting.

5. Costa Coffee

Background: Costa Coffee, a UK-based chain, has adapted to the Chinese market with a keen understanding of local preferences. They have tailored their menu to include options that resonate with Chinese consumers, like teas and localized coffee flavors, while maintaining their distinct British identity. Costa stores in China often feature comfortable seating and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making them popular spots for both casual meetings and relaxation.
Menu & Prices: The Flat White (30-35 RMB) is a popular choice, embodying their fusion of British quality and Chinese taste.
Personal Review: The Flat White at Costa is a creamy, rich coffee experience. It strikes the perfect balance between strong espresso and smooth milk. Costa’s ability to blend its British roots with elements that appeal to Chinese tastes is evident in each cup. Their cozy stores are a welcoming space where the bustle of city life fades into the background, replaced by the comfort of a good cup of coffee.

6. Pacific Coffee (太平洋咖啡)

Background: Originating from Hong Kong, Pacific Coffee is known for its relaxing ambiance and quality coffee.
Menu & Prices: Hazelnut Latte (28-34 RMB) offers a comforting, nutty flavor.
Personal Review: The Hazelnut Latte here is a delightful experience. The aroma of hazelnut perfectly complements the rich coffee, and each sip is a soothing blend of flavors. Pacific Coffee’s environment, which combines the modern with a touch of classic elegance, makes it a great spot for both catching up with friends and enjoying some alone time with a book.

7. Seesaw Coffee

Background: Specializing in specialty coffees, Seesaw is a haven for coffee connoisseurs. They focus on single-origin beans and offer unique brewing methods, making each visit a new experience. Seesaw’s commitment to coffee education and sustainability is evident in their carefully curated selection and knowledgeable baristas.
Menu & Prices: Yirgacheffe Pour-Over (35-40 RMB) with floral notes.
Personal Review: The Yirgacheffe Pour-Over is a journey in itself. Each sip offers a different note, from floral to citrusy, making it a complex and enjoyable experience. The ambiance at Seesaw is serene and thoughtful, reflecting their dedication to the art of coffee.

8. Holiland Coffee

Background: Initially a bakery, Holiland has expanded into the coffee scene, offering delightful pastries and brews. Their foray into coffee has been marked by a commitment to quality, blending their expertise in baking with a deep understanding of what makes a great coffee.
Menu & Prices: Cappuccino (25-30 RMB) is rich and creamy.
Personal Review: The Cappuccino at Holiland is a perfect example of their skill in combining flavors. The rich, bold coffee is complemented by the smoothness of the milk, and when paired with one of their pastries, it creates a delightful experience. The cozy atmosphere of their cafes, with the tempting aroma of baked goods, makes Holiland a must-visit for anyone who loves coffee and sweets.

9. ZOO Coffee

Background: This Korean franchise brings a unique, animal-themed décor and a relaxed atmosphere to the coffee scene in China. Their playful and inviting stores are a refreshing change from the usual coffee shop layout, making each visit a fun and enjoyable experience.
Menu & Prices: Vanilla Latte (25-30 RMB) is sweet and comforting.
Personal Review: The Vanilla Latte at ZOO Coffee is like a warm hug in a cup. The sweet vanilla flavor is not overpowering, allowing the quality of the coffee to shine through. The whimsical setting of the cafe, with its animal-themed decor, adds a touch of joy to the coffee-drinking experience.

10. Coffee Box (咖啡盒子)

Background: Coffee Box, known for its convenient delivery services, has carved out a niche in China’s bustling coffee market. It stands out for its emphasis on convenience and a strong online presence, offering a seamless experience from ordering to delivery. Coffee Box has been particularly popular among busy urbanites seeking quality coffee without the hassle of a café visit.
Menu & Prices: Their Signature Latte (22-28 RMB) is a highlight of their menu.
Personal Review: The Signature Latte from Coffee Box is a testament to their commitment to quality, even on the go. It’s perfectly balanced, with a rich coffee flavor that’s neither too bitter nor too mild. The convenience of having such a quality drink delivered to my doorstep is unparalleled. Coffee Box effectively captures the essence of modern, urban living where convenience meets quality.

Conclusion:

The coffee culture in China is as diverse as it is dynamic. From the revolutionary model of Luckin Coffee to the sophisticated ambiance of Costa Coffee, each chain offers a unique coffee experience. As a local Chinese coffee lover, I find joy in exploring these diverse offerings. Whether it’s the familiar comfort of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato, the pure excellence of an Espresso from Manner Coffee, or the convenient indulgence of a Coffee Box latte, each visit is a new adventure in the world of coffee.

As we wrap up our journey through China’s vibrant coffee landscape, it’s interesting to draw a comparison between Luckin Coffee, a trailblazer in China’s homegrown coffee industry, and Starbucks, an international coffee titan that has made a significant mark in the Chinese market.

Luckin Coffee: The Homegrown Revolution

Approach: Luckin Coffee has disrupted the traditional coffee shop model with its emphasis on technology, online ordering, and quick delivery services.
Pricing: Generally more affordable, Luckin aims to make coffee accessible to a broader audience in China, with prices usually ranging from 20-30 RMB for most beverages.
Menu: Offers a wide range of coffee and non-coffee beverages, often including innovative seasonal specials that cater to local tastes.
Ambiance: Luckin outlets are typically smaller with limited seating, focusing more on the convenience of grab-and-go service.
Impact: It represents a new wave in China’s coffee culture, appealing to a tech-savvy, younger demographic and challenging traditional coffee shop norms.

Starbucks: The Global Coffee Powerhouse

Approach: Starbucks emphasizes the café experience, creating inviting spaces where customers can enjoy their drinks in a cozy setting.
Pricing: Generally positioned as a premium brand, with prices for coffee drinks typically ranging from 30-40 RMB.
Menu: Offers a mix of international and localized coffee drinks, along with a variety of food options. Starbucks is known for its consistent quality across its global outlets.
Ambiance: Starbucks stores are often spacious, with comfortable seating designed to encourage customers to linger and enjoy their time.
Impact: As one of the first major international coffee chains in China, Starbucks played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing the coffee shop culture in the country.

Final Thoughts:

Luckin Coffee and Starbucks, while both prominent in the coffee industry, cater to different consumer needs and preferences. Luckin’s model is revolutionizing the coffee industry with its digital-first, convenience-oriented approach, making it a favorite among young, urban professionals. On the other hand, Starbucks continues to thrive by providing a premium, experiential coffee-drinking atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of customers, including those who seek a leisurely café experience.

Both brands signify the diverse and dynamic nature of China’s coffee culture, each contributing in its own way to the growing love for coffee in the country. Whether you’re in a rush for a quick caffeine fix or looking to unwind in a cozy corner with a coffee in hand, China’s coffee scene has something for everyone.