Guangzhou Zoo recently published a set of images linking animal feces to bubble tea pearls, with the caption "Hey, are you having afternoon tea today?", which quickly sparked discussion on social platforms. Many netizens who were enjoying pearl milk tea said they were visually shocked, saying bluntly that "the milk tea in my hand suddenly doesn't taste good anymore." In street interviews, most citizens believed that this publicity method was inappropriate and likely to affect appetite, and some even described it as "uncomfortable" and "disgusting." However, some voices pointed out that this was more like a teasing reminder urging people to drink less pearl milk tea, and it reminded people of the classic Skittles advertisement. At present, the zoo has deleted the related content, and customer service said that no related products are for sale. [more…]

Recently, a café inside Xi'an Weiyang Lake Zoo introduced a special service — while drinking coffee, customers can also have a 10-minute close encounter with a lion cub just over a month old. This package starts at 268 yuan, which has sparked considerable attention and a check-in craze among netizens, but some have also raised safety concerns. On February 10, zoo staff confirmed that the program was launched during the Spring Festival, and visitors could interact with the lion cub under the supervision of professional keepers. However, as the incident gained traction, the Xi'an Wildlife Protection Station intervened to inspect and halted the close-contact interactions between visitors and the lion, and the online lion-petting packages have also been taken down. This article will walk you through the whole story and the responses from all parties. [more…]

Recently, a drink called "Hippo Coffee" has gone viral on social media, with many netizens traveling to Thailand specifically to check it out. This cup of coffee, priced at 99 Thai baht (about 21 RMB), doesn't taste particularly special compared to regular coffee—its highlight is a lifelike hippo-shaped ice cream lying on the surface of the liquid. This hippo isn't just a randomly designed cartoon figure; it's modeled after the hugely popular baby pygmy hippo "Moo Deng" (Bouncy Pig) at Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo. However, this highly realistic hippo soaking in dark brown coffee has also led many netizens to exclaim that they "can't bear to take a bite." This article takes you behind the story of how this hippo coffee became a hit. [more…]

South Korea's Ministry of Environment recently announced that, in order to safeguard animal welfare, it will completely ban the display of wild animals in non-zoo venues, including the wild animal cafes that have swept South Korea in recent years. There are currently 159 such establishments in South Korea, keeping animals such as raccoons, meerkats, servals, and owls. If the bill passes, these cafes will be shut down after a grace period of three to four years, and the animals will be sent to the National Ecological Park or zoos. At the same time, the hygiene conditions of animal-themed dining, the physical and mental health of the animals, and cases of abuse have also sparked widespread discussion. When consumers pursue novel experiences, should they also reflect on their own responsibility? [more…]

In recent years, themed cafes that use cute animals as a selling point have sprung up all over the world. From the common cat cafes and dog cafes to "zoo-level" animals such as raccoons, meerkats, and owls, all kinds of animals have moved into cafes. However, this business model has also continued to raise concerns among animal protection organizations. South Korea recently passed an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, explicitly banning cafes featuring wild animals such as raccoons from continuing to operate, and setting a transition period until 2027. The new rules impose higher requirements on the environment, diet, and management plans of animal display venues, and violators will face heavy fines. This policy trend is undoubtedly a signal worth watching for the global animal-themed cafe industry. [more…]

Darjeeling black tea is a specialty of the Darjeeling region in West Bengal, India. This hill town lies on the southern slopes of the Himalayas at an altitude of about 2,100 meters and is known as the "Land of Thunder." The local climate ranges from tropical to sub-alpine, and abundant rainfall and pronounced temperature differences create ideal conditions for tea tree growth. Tea gardens are mostly distributed on hillsides at an altitude of about 1,800 meters. Black tea cultivation is the pillar of the local rural economy, while crops such as rice, corn, and cardamom are also grown. As a famous hill resort, Darjeeling's development is supported jointly by tourism and tea. This article will introduce Darjeeling's geography, history, economic structure, and related product information recommended by Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Nestled in the mountain town of Kurseong, where a World Heritage toy train passes through, the Goomtee Tea Estate nurtures this premium Indian single-origin summer harvest black tea at an altitude of 4,000 feet. The liquor is a bright amber, with aromas interweaving apricot, plum, pomelo, and soft oak notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, rich and sweet, with layers of Mirabelle plum and apricot unfolding, accented by grapefruit and musk, and a velvety oak-toned finish. The dry leaves exude aromas of hazelnut, caramel, and cedar blended with ripe rambutan and almond nougat; the wet leaves hint at damp wood, vegetation, and peach. Paired with scones, croissants, or buttered toast, it makes for an unforgettable summer black tea experience. In this issue, Front Street Coffee will take you deep into this iconic tea estate, offering a complete interpretation of this Darjeeling summer harvest black tea's unique charm—from liquor, aroma, and appearance to food pairing—and sharing practical information for a Goomtee tea tourism getaway. [more…]

Yunnan's local coffee chain brand "Four Cats" has expanded rapidly in Lijiang in recent years, having opened multiple offline experience stores and planning to extend to cities such as Dali. Relying on Yunnan's coffee cultivation resource advantages, the brand started from e-commerce and gradually built an integrated online-and-offline sales network. Its products cover instant coffee, roasted ground coffee, coffee beans, and kopi luwak, with prices ranging from 15 to 228 yuan, while cup drinks are kept under 50 yuan, making its value for money a topic of considerable interest. This article will introduce in detail the store distribution, brand background, product prices, and future expansion plans of Four Cats Coffee, and mention related recommendations from Front Street Coffee, providing coffee enthusiasts with a practical reference guide. [more…]

Suzhou, a gentle ancient city in the Jiangnan region, hides quite a few specialty coffee shops worth a dedicated visit. This article compiles a summary of shop visits from a veteran coffee enthusiast, covering more than seventy four- to five-star coffee shops across Gusu District, the Industrial Park, the High-Tech District, Wuzhong District, and beyond—from artsy little cafes to cat-themed coffee houses, from Korean-style chains to standalone buildings with Republican-era charm, each with its own distinctive setting, offerings, and story. Whether you're a coffee purist chasing pour-over quality or an artsy soul who favors ambiance, this list can help you find that perfect cup in Suzhou. [more…]

On the first day of the May Day holiday, a rare queue of people appeared at Exit B of Liede Station in Guangzhou, and the reason was precisely the official opening of Lin Junjie's Miracle Coffee at IGC Mall in Guangzhou. The space was formerly occupied by the Guangdong chain brand store by.jpg, and after it closed in March this year, Miracle took over, with fans' anticipation far outweighing any regret. The official confirmation is that the Guangzhou store is a long-term operating location rather than a pop-up, and on opening day people arrived to check in before eight o'clock, with the line once extending into the subway station. The drink selection at the store is richer than that of the Shenzhen pop-up coffee truck, including the return of limited-edition specials as well as desserts, merchandise, coffee beans, and more, but no stamp service is offered. Due to astonishing purchasing power, ingredients ran out early, and a sold-out notice was posted just after six in the evening. There is still no definite news on whether Lin Junjie will personally visit the store, and considering that the shop is small and right next to the subway entrance, the station appearance segment fans are hoping for is highly unlikely to happen. [more…]

Guangzhou's autumn and winter are warm and pleasant, and Dongshankou is especially a favorite among coffee lovers. This article records the author's two consecutive days of store visits at Front Street Coffee, from the rich sweetness of sun-dried Guatemalan beans to details like the English-style cups and the aroma drifting from the bean roaster, showcasing the unique charm of a specialty coffee brick-and-mortar shop. At the same time, the article also explores domestic purchasing channels and tasting methods for specialty coffee beans, making it suitable for coffee fans who enjoy pour-over and pursue bean quality. If you want to know where to buy specialty coffee beans in Guangzhou, or want to understand what domestic specialty beans are available, this store-visit essay will give you plenty of inspiration. [more…]

The StayReal Cafe at Guangzhou's Parc Central has recently seen long queues at its entrance, with the store packed and orders streaming in continuously. This is not a promotion for a new store, but a farewell—due to the lease expiring and the brand not renewing it, this trendy coffee shop co-founded by Mayday's Ashin and artist No2Good is about to withdraw from Guangzhou. The StayReal clothing store in the same mall closed the night before, while the coffee shop will remain open until October 27. From the opening of its first South China store in 2016, which invited world-class coffee master Lin Dongyuan to show support and saw hundreds of fans queue overnight, to now closing stores one after another due to lease expirations, StayReal Cafe's situation reflects the dilemma celebrity catering brands face between fan economy and the mass market. Some netizens say that if the Guangzhou Parc Central store ends operations, the brand's coffee shops will have only one left in Shanghai. [more…]

Catering services on high-speed trains have been continuously upgraded, and now the Guangzhou EMU group has taken the lead in launching its own milk tea brand, "That Girl," priced at 26 yuan per cup, with average daily sales reaching as high as 3,000 cups. The series offers four flavors, and the official claim is that natural ingredients are used and tea concentration and sugar content have been reduced to suit passengers' needs. However, after the product launched, it quickly trended on social media, yet was collectively criticized by netizens over its price, packaging, taste, and marketing methods. At the same time, specialty coffee brands such as Front Street Coffee are also paying attention to this crossover attempt. This article will walk you through the research and development background of high-speed rail milk tea, its market performance, and evaluations from all sides. [more…]

In July 2017, Guangzhou welcomed its first lifestyle market themed around specialty coffee—the Guangzhou Specialty Coffee Culture Festival, held at the 289 Art PARK Culture Plaza. The event brought together the city's top specialty coffee shops, including brands like Front Street Coffee, where visitors could taste coffee beans from various origins, fresh creations by champion roasters, as well as creative coffee, drip bags, pour-over equipment, and cultural merchandise. Beyond coffee, booths featuring desserts, craft beer, tattoos, and handmade crafts were equally exciting. Consumers could vote for their favorite coffee shop, join coffee tasting salons and amateur pour-over competitions, and experience tattoos and photo interactions. Whether a coffee connoisseur or a curious beginner, everyone could find their own enjoyment here. [more…]

A not-yet-opened beverage shop in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou, has sparked public debate after naming itself "Jingcha" (a homophone of "police tea") and using cartoon police imagery in its store decorations. Some see it as merely a clever pun, while more people worry it could mislead consumers. Market regulators and public security authorities have stepped in to investigate, and lawyers point out that the name may violate enterprise name registration regulations. Behind the incident lies not just the compliance of a single shop name, but the boundary between commercial creativity and public symbols. [more…]

Recently, a netizen discovered a Chinese menu at a Nai Xue Tea Academy in Guangzhou, featuring exquisite morning tea dim sum and regional specialty dishes, which sparked widespread attention. Nai Xue Tea Academy is a brand under Nai Xue that focuses on the Chinese tea experience. It just opened its first Guangzhou store last month, also its sixth location and first step outside Shenzhen. The "Nai Xue Chinese restaurant" referred to by netizens is actually a Cantonese fusion cuisine space created by the store in partnership with Zhen·Songshan, allowing customers to dine while enjoying tea. However, the pricing and culinary positioning of the dishes have sparked controversy, with some consumers finding the value for money insufficient, while others pointed out that dishes such as crab roe-stuffed orange seem more like Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine. Against the backdrop of Nai Xue withdrawing from multiple locations, whether this cross-industry attempt will be accepted by the market remains to be seen. [more…]

Recently, netizens reported that the Peet's Coffee store located on the first floor of Teemall in Guangzhou will cease operations on March 31. This store was Peet's first outlet after entering Guangzhou at the end of 2021 and also its second store in South China. Surprisingly, the store had been doing well since opening, often fully occupied, and the sudden closure notice caught many fans off guard. At the same time, Peet's also closed a popular store in Hangzhou's West Lake earlier this month. With two high-traffic stores shut down within a month, it has sparked discussions about the brand's development prospects. What exactly caused these closures? Is it due to adjustments in the business district's format, or challenges facing its high-end positioning? This article will review the sequence of events and various perspectives. [more…]

As spring blossoms, a "Guangzhou Coffee Map" featuring 30 local coffee shops in Guangzhou has gone viral on social media. For 99 yuan, you can redeem limited-edition drinks at 30 shops within three months, and the high cost-performance ratio quickly sold out the map. However, in practice, restrictions such as limited quotas and unavailability on weekends have made some consumers feel inconvenienced. Is this event a boon for coffee lovers or a marketing gimmick? For coffee shops, what long-term value can this wave of traffic bring? This article takes you behind the scenes of this coffee map. [more…]

Once ubiquitous on street corners, newspaper kiosks are gradually fading from the urban landscape—some have shut down, while others have found new life through transformation. Recently, McDonald's in Guangzhou converted a newspaper kiosk into a window-service outlet, selling coffee, breakfast, and ice cream, drawing considerable attention. This is not the first time a chain brand has experimented with kiosk conversions—KFC launched its KCOFFEE newspaper kiosk as early as last year. From luxury brands to China Post, the humble newspaper kiosk is being given an entirely new commercial role. Can this "newsstand + food and beverage" model sustain itself long-term, and can it revive people's urban memories? Let's take a look at the stories behind this wave of kiosk transformations. [more…]

Recently, the well-known Guangzhou tea beverage company Chali Group has been exposed by multiple netizens for allegedly owing employee wages and housing provident fund contributions, sparking widespread attention. According to a report by Yangcheng Evening News, some employees reported that their salaries for August and September were long overdue, and although the personal housing provident fund portion was deducted from their wages, it was not actually paid. In addition, some job applicants claimed that the company conducted unauthorized personal credit checks on them. Although Chali responded that some of the information was untrue and said it had communicated with the poster and reached an agreement, discussions about the unpaid wages continue to intensify on social platforms, and the truth of the matter and subsequent developments are worth watching. [more…]