Shanghai, a city where the aroma of coffee wafts through the air, has recently seen a trend of increasingly smaller coffee shops popping up. Let’s explore six of these mini cafes and enjoy a cup in these compact spaces.
1.Chill COOOOOL
📍 298 Julu Road, Huangpu District
⏰ 8:00-17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)
The new shop Chill COOOOOL on Julu Road, whose name sounds like “autumn pants” in Chinese, may be small but is packed with design elements. With its simple blue, white, and yellow color scheme and a surfboard as its sign, it resembles a beachside café at first glance.
The owner, who previously ran a café in Australia, has brought his coffee expertise and passion back to China. He’s transformed this small space into a street-side coffee shop where a few customers can sit, drink coffee, and chat in a truly “chill” atmosphere.
Although the interior is compact, the warm orange lighting, carefully arranged plants, vinyl records playing in the background, and the rich aroma of coffee create a cozy and comfortable ambiance.
We tried their unique “Black Sesame Latte,” a drink that might seem more suited for autumn or winter than spring or summer. The first sip reveals a full-bodied, creamy texture, followed by the rich aroma of black sesame. The clever blend of coffee and grain flavors makes this a must-try.
2.Bazinga Coffee
📍 271A Fumin Road, Jing’an District
⏰ 8:00-17:00
Bazinga Coffee, a tiny shop of less than four square meters on Fumin Road, is a hidden gem for nearby office workers. Whether you’re in the mood for specialty drinks, pour-over coffee, or standard options, they’ve got something for everyone’s coffee break.
The shop recently renovated its storefront, replacing the vintage red brick with a soft summer blue and cream color scheme. Though small, it’s both eye-catching and soothing.
We recommend trying the “Lychee Sparkling Iced Coffee” and the “Yuanyang Latte.” The iced coffee offers a subtle lychee fragrance, making it refreshing and perfect for the upcoming summer. The latte combines coffee with Hong Kong-style milk tea, adding a touch of sweetness to the coffee base – a winning combination!
3.D.ORINO COFFEE
📍 833 Kangding Road, Jing’an District
⏰ 10:30-17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)
D.ORINO on Kangding Road is a small space built with wood, where afternoon sunlight gently filters in. The owner constructed this tiny shop in just 20 days, focusing solely on pure coffee.
Usually, only the owner works in the shop, wearing multiple hats as a barista, roaster, and craftsman. From roasting beans every Tuesday when the shop is closed to handcrafting every lamp and cup in the store, you can feel the dedication poured into this unique little café.
Their simple Flat White is a must-try for coffee lovers. Under the velvety milk foam, the perfect fusion of coffee and milk flavors brings out the best in the coffee without overpowering it. The balance is just right, avoiding any jarring taste transitions.
4.Café Move Mountains
📍 Entrance of 1788 Xinzha Road, Jing’an District
⏰ Monday to Friday 8:00-16:00, Saturday and Sunday 9:00-17:00
☕️ 5 yuan discount for bringing your own cup
On Xinzha Road, there’s a tiny 2.5-square-meter coffee shop that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully. The natural wood interior is accented with vibrant green touches, living up to its name “Move Mountains” by bringing a piece of nature into the city.
The cheerful and talkative owner always wears a smile, happily chatting with customers even during busy times. The menu is concise, focusing on well-executed basics. Sitting in the outdoor seating area, soaking up the sun while enjoying a cup of coffee, is a relaxing experience.
We tried their new “Honey Oat Matcha Latte.” Despite its name, it’s not overly sweet. The matcha flavor is light and fragrant with a slight bitterness. The honey and oat flavors linger in the aftertaste, leaving a subtle sweetness. Those with a sweet tooth should be cautious when ordering this drink.
5.WRITER MILLS COFFEE
📍 729 Weihai Road, Jing’an District
⏰ 8:00-17:30
WRITER COFFEE, located near the press district, is another small coffee shop that combines the rich aroma of coffee with a literary atmosphere. Grabbing a book and settling in for a coffee is the perfect way to start a bright early summer day.
The owner roasts the beans in-house, dating them and strictly controlling quantities each week to ensure quality. The barista told us that teachers from nearby media outlets often gather here to discuss literature over coffee. They even gifted the shop with a copy of the “Wenhui Daily” from their opening day as a memento.
The barista-recommended “Shanxi Aged Vinegar Americano” is a unique offering. Inspired by the owner’s Shaanxi roots, this unexpected combination of vinegar and coffee works surprisingly well. Instead of being overly sour as one might expect, the vinegar balances out the bitterness of the Americano, resulting in a refreshing sweet and sour taste.
6.Firefly Coffee No. 48
📍 499 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District
⏰ 9:00-21:00
Firefly Coffee No. 48 on Huaihai Middle Road focuses on offering quality coffee at reasonable prices. Instead of a lavishly decorated interior designed for social media posts, this tiny 5-square-meter shop exudes warmth and friendliness.
The small store was created by a group of coffee-loving friends as a base to pursue their passion and cater to discerning tastes. Having such a familiar corner to meet with friends in this vast city is truly a blessing. The spider design elements in the shop come from the owner’s pet spider, which they’ve kept for 12 years – quite a unique touch.
We opted for their basic Americano. The initial taste is intensely bitter, almost shockingly so. However, as you continue sipping, you begin to detect pleasant fruity acidity notes. The aftertaste transforms from bitter to sweet, lingering long after the last sip.
Finally, a question for all readers: Which coffee shop in Shanghai is your favorite? Feel free to leave your comments below!
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