The coffee chain brand NOWWA recently teamed up with Jindi, a brand of Houttuynia cordata mixture, to launch a Houttuynia cordata Americano, and the news immediately took many netizens by surprise. Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint, has a distinctive fishy and bitter aroma that has always inspired strong feelings of love or hate. Is this special drink made with real ingredients or is it just a gimmick? Judging from feedback on social platforms, no medicinal ingredients were added to the drink, only fresh chopped Houttuynia cordata and lemon slices, but the soaked Americano still carried an unmistakable herbal flavor. Some people said after one sip that they were "almost carried off," while others picked out the herbs at the bottom of the cup and chewed them carefully, exclaiming that it was addictive. This article takes you through the real taste of this collaboration coffee, customer reviews, and the brand's drinking reminders. [more…]

Collaborations happen every year, but this year there are especially many. Luckin Coffee recently leaked news of a collaboration with Victoria's Secret, with co-branded paper bags, cup sleeves, and a new osmanthus Longjing latte expected to launch tomorrow. As soon as the spoiler photos of the pink winged cup sleeves were exposed, they triggered polarized reactions from netizens—some bluntly called them "ugly and rejected," while others were drawn in by their good looks. Victoria's Secret's aim with this collaboration is to build hype for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which will return with a revamp next month. As a veteran of collaborations, how Luckin's crossover will perform this time is something to look forward to. [more…]

On a cold, windy weekend morning—the kind of day meant for sleeping in until you wake up naturally—hundreds of people were already queuing for hundreds of meters outside Manner stores in several cities across China before dawn. Seven Gingerbread Man–themed stores in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and elsewhere attracted a large crowd of young people to get up early and endure the cold by offering a 9ml Jo Malone perfume and a Christmas badge with the purchase of a new coffee. The queue at the Shanghai Xuhui Binjiang store was the most spectacular: some people got up at 6 a.m. and arrived at 7 a.m., and by the time the store opened at 9 a.m., the line had already reached number 300. What exactly is the magic of this collaboration that makes young people willing to wait two or three hours in the freezing 0°C wind? Let’s take a closer look. [more…]

Affogato is a classic Italian coffee dessert, named for the way espresso "drowns" ice cream, and today it can be found in cafes and restaurants around the world. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of this dessert that blends hot and cold, from the controversies over affogato's origins, the standard method of preparation, variations in the selection of ice cream and coffee, alcoholic versions, to simple home recipes and future development trends. Whether you want to know whether it counts as a dessert or a drink, whether you can substitute other flavors when you don't have vanilla ice cream, or how to easily recreate it at home, you will find practical answers in this article. [more…]

BYD, a leading domestic new energy vehicle company, recently submitted registration applications to the China National Intellectual Property Administration for two trademarks, "Wudi Xiaoyin" and "Laibei Di Xiaoyin," with the international classification pointing to the food and beverage and accommodation sector. The applications are currently awaiting substantive examination. This move is seen by the industry as a new step by BYD on the path of diversified operations. In fact, as early as 2023, BYD had already established themed restaurants and cafes in Singapore, integrating automobile displays with dining experiences. From overseas experimentation to domestic trademark reserves, this automaker seems intent on embedding coffee culture into its showroom service scenarios. This article will sort out the specific information of BYD's trademark applications, review its past attempts in the food and beverage and coffee sector, and analyze the strategic intent behind this cross-industry move. [more…]

Jin Jun Mei and Jin Mao Hou both belong to the black teas of Tongmu Village in the Wuyi Mountains, but the two differ noticeably in production technique, picking standards and market positioning. Jin Jun Mei is regarded as a luxurious upgraded version of Lapsang Souchong, emphasizing plump, robust buds and a pronounced honey aroma; Jin Mao Hou, by contrast, is often used as a collective term for lower-grade Jin Jun Mei. This article will sort through the five basic stages of Chinese tea processing, and focus on Jin Jun Mei's place of origin, picking timing and health benefits, while also clarifying its relationship with Jin Mao Hou and the question of which one commands a higher price, helping coffee and tea drinkers understand more clearly what makes these two black teas unique. [more…]

Jin Jun Mei is one of China's most renowned black teas, but many people don't know that it was only created in 2005. This tea comes from the Tongmu Pass area, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, where the tea trees grow wild in forest-covered mountains. Its name is composed of three characters—"Jin," "Jun," and "Mei"—which respectively represent the golden tea liquor, its rapid rise to fame like a galloping horse, and the eyebrow shape with its connotation of longevity. Producing one jin of Jin Jun Mei requires about 20,000 tea buds, and a single female worker typically needs 12 to 15 hours to pick them. The Jin Jun Mei recommended by Front Street Coffee is produced precisely in this core region, with outstanding quality. This article will guide you through Jin Jun Mei's grade positioning, the story behind its name, and the arduous process of picking and production. [more…]

Recently, a milk tea marketed as a "2-jin pack" has gone viral on social media, attracting a large number of consumers. The product was launched by a local tea beverage brand in Zhanjiang, priced at 18 yuan, or about 10 yuan after discounts, and has tapped into the consumer psychology of pursuing value for money with its large capacity and low price. However, along with the popularity came controversy: some consumers pointed out that 2 jin is roughly equivalent to 1000ml, and compared with the 500-700ml large cups of milk tea on the market, the actual value for money may not be outstanding, and merchants should label the capacity truthfully. In addition, similar products have already appeared in Nanning, Guangxi, and the originality of the idea has also sparked discussion. Some people are also worried that oversized milk tea may cause food waste. As coffee lovers, Front Street Coffee has also noticed the consumer trends and industry reflections behind this phenomenon. [more…]

Recently, a Luckin Coffee employee posted before-and-after photos of their physique on social media, taken before and about a month and a half after joining the company, sparking widespread discussion. The person said that due to a shortage of staff at the store, they had to work 13 to 14 hours straight every day and often had no time to eat, losing 38 jin (19 kg) in a short period and more than 45 jin (22.5 kg) in total. This phenomenon left many netizens both envious and curious, and prompted many Luckin employees to share similar experiences: losing a dozen or so jin, developing muscle definition in their arms, and even improving their posture. However, behind this seemingly "paid weight loss" is a continuous flood of orders triggered by low-price promotions on delivery platforms and intense physical labor. This article will trace the origin and development of this topic and explore the potential health risks of this unconventional way of losing weight. [more…]

Recently, a so-called "Mixue Bingcheng weight-loss method" has become popular on social platforms. The routine involves drinking grape iced Americano, jasmine green tea, and iced fresh lemonade in sequence within one day, while trying not to eat anything else. Some followers claim they can lose three to four jin the next day. This method is essentially similar to a liquid fast, relying on water loss and a reduction in intestinal contents rather than actual fat loss. Many who tried it reported discomfort such as weak hands and feet, palpitations, headaches, and insomnia, and doctors also warn that using it rashly may trigger hypoglycemia, hair loss, and even abnormal liver and kidney function. Both Mixue Bingcheng stores and customer service said that these three drinks have no weight-loss effect. [more…]

Phoenix Dancong oolong is hailed as the perfume of teas, yet teas sold under the same name range in price from a few dozen yuan to several thousand, with enormous variation in quality. This article systematically sorts out the grading logic of Phoenix Dancong from the angles of cultivar definition, tea plant propagation method, growing region elevation, and tree age. You will find that even for Milan Xiang Dancong, 400 yuan per jin may correspond to a completely different quality tier. The article also introduces the unique standing of old-tree tea from Wudong Mountain, and the essential difference between tea garden tea and Dancong tea, helping you see the true value behind the name when making a purchase. [more…]

The moka pot was invented in 1933 by Luigi di Ponti, inspired by and derived from the concept of early washing machines. Early washing machines had a heat source that could heat the soapy water in the tub, causing the soapy water to rise through a tube and wash dirty clothes. The moka pot works on this same principle to [more…]

The oolong tea system of Dancong is vast and complex. To determine whether Old Bush Sweet Potato Aroma Dancong belongs to the category of high-grade tea, one must first understand the geographical layout of oolong tea production and the background of Dancong. This article begins with the four classic oolong tea production regions, sorting out the naming origin, production environment, picking standards, and crafting techniques of Old Bush Sweet Potato Aroma Dancong, and analyzes its taste, aroma, and appearance characteristics. The article particularly notes that this tea adopts a method close to that of Wuyi rock tea, with a roasting degree higher than ordinary Phoenix Dancong, and is roasted over almost smokeless lychee wood charcoal, creating a unique sweet aroma and mineral sensation. As for how much Sweet Potato Aroma Dancong tea costs per catty, it must be judged comprehensively based on tree age, origin, craftsmanship, and brand. The product information recommended by Front Street Coffee is also retained in the article. [more…]

At the Shanghai Road Life Festival, Starbucks launched three limited-time regional-flavor drinks. Among them, the "Qin-Jin Fire Crystal Persimmon Frappuccino" went viral after its name was misread as "Mars Persimmon," and it also sparked doubts among netizens about whether persimmons and milk can be consumed together. This article sorts through the new product launch information and netizen feedback, and invites experts to explain the dietary taboos of pairing persimmons with milk, revealing that the milk ingredient used by Starbucks is actually oat milk, while also retaining Front Street brand recommendations to help you enjoy the autumn flavors with peace of mind. [more…]

JABLUM, the premium Blue Mountain coffee, is a long-established authentic Blue Mountain brand from Jamaica, produced by Mavis Bank Coffee Company, accounting for forty percent of the nation's Blue Mountain coffee output annually. The unique climate and volcanic soil of the Blue Mountain range nurture this world-class coffee, but only coffee grown above 1,800 meters in elevation can bear the name "Blue Mountain." Blue Mountain coffee once went through a quality trough, later restored its reputation under Japanese investment, and now ninety percent is sold to Japan, with the remaining international market demand running strong. JABLUM's cultivation and processing are strictly supervised by the Coffee Industry Board throughout, its caffeine content is only half that of ordinary coffee, and its flavor is mellow and balanced. This article details its historical origins, growing conditions, quality management, and Front Street Coffee's recommendations, along with price references. [more…]

Among the three major coffee varieties, Arabica and Robusta have the greatest commercial value, but the specialty coffee circle almost only talks about Arabica. Robusta is often labeled "cheap" and "bitter"—where exactly did it originate? Why does it cost only half as much as Arabica? Roughly how much does it cost per catty? This article systematically sorts through Robusta's past and present—from botanical classification and historical ups and downs to flavor performance and practical uses—while retaining recommended information such as Front Street Classic Blend and Front Street Commercial Blend, helping coffee enthusiasts gain a comprehensive understanding of this underestimated coffee bean. [more…]

Recently, a set of comparison photos circulating on social media has drawn attention: a Luckin Coffee employee lost 20 jin (10 kg) after just over three months on the job, and their posture became noticeably more upright. Once the post went up, food-service workers from all over chimed in with their own "transformation stories"—some cured their hunchbacks, some built up arm muscles, and others lost ten jin within half a year. These real-life cases have tempted many people struggling with their weight, making them wish they could immediately grab a part-time job at a coffee shop—earning money while slimming down. Yet those who have actually been through this "total makeover" offer completely different advice. Behind the buzz of "Luckin as a weight-loss base," how exactly do you balance the physical exertion of manual labor against the toll it takes on the body? This article walks you through the real experiences and warnings of these food-service workers. [more…]

Black tea is the most consumed tea type in the world, yet its creation came about by accident. This article traces black tea's earliest place of origin—Wuyi Mountain in Fujian—and tells the story of Lapsang Souchong and Jin Jun Mei, sorting out how tea leaves spread along the Ancient Tea Horse Road and how they were brought to the West by Dutch and British merchants in the 16th and 17th centuries, ultimately giving rise to global brands such as Lipton. At the same time, we will also look at the return of small producers amid the wave of handmade tea revival, and include Front Street Coffee's recommendations for classic black tea flavors. [more…]

Coffee is not only a refreshing beverage but also rich in various beneficial components. From the perspective of chlorogenic acid, this article systematically reviews the health value of coffee. As a key antioxidant, chlorogenic acid is widely present in green coffee beans and possesses multiple biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, and cardiovascular-protective effects. The article provides a detailed introduction to the chemical structure, plant sources, medical applications, and toxicity of chlorogenic acid, and compares changes in chlorogenic acid content across different coffee varieties and roast levels. Finally, based on extraction experimental data, it offers practical advice for daily coffee consumption. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a reader concerned with healthy eating, you can gain a scientific and objective understanding of coffee from it. [more…]

Compared to coffee with its pronounced bitterness, sweet-and-sour milk tea is clearly more to the public's taste. Whether on a busy workday or a leisurely weekend, milk tea has long been part of many people's lives. Recently, a newly opened milk tea shop in Changsha, Hunan, suddenly went viral—not because of its unique flavors, but because a single cup of juice was selling for 108 yuan. The shop, named "Xiaoshanjing · Fruit Molecular Tea," drew attention with its giant tiger tail design and high-priced menu. Staff claimed that the durian drink contains half a cup of Musang King pulp, while the mangosteen drink uses 4 jin of mangosteen. Is the high price worth the money, or is it a marketing gimmick? Consumers have differing views, and some are reminded of the earlier incident in Shenzhen involving Yecuishan's thousand-yuan olive juice. [more…]