Shenzhen Coffee Map: Let’s explore the understated coffee scene in Bantian.
I. Good Lark Coffee & Bar
Good Lark Coffee & Bar ranks first on the Longgang District coffee service list. The name is a wordplay on “good luck,” and the lark logo complements it perfectly. As a pet-friendly establishment, it’s a favorite among pet owners. The shop features floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, with outdoor seating available on camping chairs.
For first-time visitors, try the Little Lime Americano
The barista, Xiaoyu, recommended the Little Lime Americano, which comes with a choice of two blended beans based on roast depth. The coffee has a fresh taste with notes of apricot, oolong tea, and a sweet-sour aftertaste from the small green tangerine. The in-house baker prepares fresh bread daily, and there are made-to-order taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) available.
Latte made with Fuping persimmon
The staff explained that their “Persimmon Wishes” coffee is the result of multiple trials. Various types of persimmons were tested, but the Fuping persimmon proved most suitable. The bright red, soft flesh clings to the cup’s sides, balancing the mild milk coffee with its sweet aroma. It’s served with a spoon for scooping.
- Address: A103, Meiyuan, Longgang District
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-18:30, Saturday-Sunday 10:30-18:30
II. Light House Cafe
Light House Cafe has opened its 2.0 store, which is even more attractive than the original. Wooden arches connect the interior and exterior, and half the space is dedicated to bread baking.
Signature recommendation: Durian Latte
The two stores use different blended beans. A unique recommendation is the Durian Latte. Durian flesh sits at the bottom of the cup, emitting a rich durian aroma. The medium-dark roast blend has a slight acidity and a smooth taste.
“The most sought-after rice bread sold out”
The shop is small with limited seating. Upon arrival, the popular rice bread was sold out, but the baker was preparing a new batch, promising availability next time. The setting sun cast its rays on the tatami by the window, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
- Address: Shop 131, Building 1, Zhonghai Rihuita, 3-64 Bei’er Road, Longgang District
- Hours: 8:00-21:00
III. Coffee Half & Half
Owner Na has lived in Bantian for over a decade and opened a cozy wooden coffee shop in the community last year. The wall and table surfaces are made from repurposed old elm wood doors that had weathered in a village for over a decade.
Sea Salt Cheese Latte, not milk tea
The shop offers several coffee options that compromise with milk tea, with the signature being the Sea Salt Cheese Latte. It features homemade syrup boiled with rock sugar, topped with freshly whipped cream, and garnished with mint picked from the entrance. Before drinking, sip the creamy topping, then mix it with the espresso below.
“The mint and rosemary are homegrown”
The outdoor windowsill hosts a row of rosemary and mint plants, which are freshly picked for drink garnishes. Though small, the shop exudes a homey atmosphere.
- Address: Ground floor shop, Lavande Hotel, Bantian, Longgang District
- Hours: 10:00-20:30
IV. Fudong Coffee Shop
The owner’s surname is Chen, and “Fudong” is derived from splitting his surname character as found in the Kangxi Dictionary. Located in a small corner of Bantian International Center for over four years, it resembles a container wedged in a stairwell at first glance.
01 “Only coffee, no special blends”
The talkative owner passionately introduces the coffee. The shop has used two blend beans for many years, with only minor adjustments. We chose a rich-tasting latte, which was full-bodied with subtle caramel sweetness. Regular customers often order cold brew, served with a glass containing an ice ball – you pour as much as you drink.
02 A 20-square-meter space, open for 4 years
The small 20-square-meter space is packed with details. Friends’ painted cups, baristas’ watercolors, and weekly-changed fresh flowers all showcase the owner’s love for life. By the way, the owner mentioned his nickname is “Village Chief.”
- Address: 1st Floor, Building C2, No. 5 Huancheng South Road, Bantian Street, Longgang District
- Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Closed on Sundays)
V. SOBER Cafe & Bar
In this lobby coffee studio, owner Vivian loves experimenting with special blends, filling nearly an entire notebook with varieties. “Coffee is my hobby, not my main job,” she says. Open for over a year, her shop became famous for Cantonese-style soup coffees, including Angelica Chicken Soup Coffee and Ginger Heart Latte – all her creative Cantonese-style specials.
01 New special blend: Perilla Plum
On the day of our visit, she introduced her new special blend, Perilla Plum. It’s a mix of Guatemala and Colombia beans, with strawberry cookie pour-over as the base, fresh perilla juice, and plum syrup added. The overall taste is refreshing, with a prominent perilla aroma.
- Address: 1st Floor, Red Box Creative Park Business Center, Longgang District
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:30-19:00
VI. Cc’s Coffee (Bantian Branch)
Cc’s Coffee, familiar to Bantian residents, has moved its flagship store to this new address late last year. The new shop has an independent roasting room and two camping chairs at the entrance for sunbathing.
01 In-house roasted beans, updated monthly
They update their beans monthly. Their creative latte – “Pearl Crush Coffee” – combines brown sugar pearls, brown sugar coating, milk, and a rich espresso blend. It tastes similar to milk tea, with notes of nuts, dark chocolate, and smokiness.
02 Daily-made desserts and cakes
Cc’s Coffee is also a specialty bakery, with desserts and cakes made fresh daily. We tried the matcha tiramisu, which had a slightly prominent bitter taste from the matcha. We recommend trying other desserts.
- Address: Jiayu Mountain, Yijian Apartment, Wuhe Avenue, Longgang District
- Hours: 08:00-22:00
