At an elevation of 1,743 meters, the Starbucks Qingjing store is not only the highest Starbucks in Taiwan but also ranks fifth globally in terms of store altitude. This landmark café, rooted in Qingjing Farm for twenty-two years, has recently confirmed that it will cease operations on July 21. After the news broke, local workers and residents expressed their reluctance, and community discussions once forced Uni-President Group to backtrack, saying they were still evaluating. However, Starbucks Taiwan ultimately issued an announcement, bringing an end to the fate of this old store. The plummeting tourist traffic to Qingjing Farm and the shrinking performance of the store year after year reflect the deep-seated difficulties facing Taiwan's tourism industry. [more…]

In recent years, Starbucks has been constantly pushing the boundaries of coffee shops. Last year, the Shanghai Roastery launched a limited-time buffet, and this year, Taiwan region, under the theme of "creating more Gold Star value experiences," partnered with the local Michelin Plate-recommended restaurant Embers to create a one-night-only pop-up "coffee feast." The event was limited to 28 spots, with registration requiring 200 stars plus NT$1,800. This feast centered on the theme "A 24-Year Starbucks Journey," featuring five limited-edition dishes designed with local Taiwanese ingredients, paired with creative coffee drinks developed by Starbucks. From an opening of cascara tea champagne to a closing of non-alcoholic Irish coffee, each dish carried a local story of Starbucks' 24 years in Taiwan. This article will provide a complete breakdown of the culinary creativity behind this coffee feast and the brand narrative behind it, while also reviewing Starbucks' previous collaborations with Michelin one-star restaurant chefs, and exploring whether its next step is truly to open a Michelin restaurant. [more…]

Coffee bean prices have been soaring relentlessly, and chain coffee brands can finally no longer hold out. Starbucks Taiwan posted an announcement on its official website without warning in the early hours of February 11, announcing a slight price adjustment for some drinks starting February 12, with increases ranging from NT$5 to NT$10. The company attributed the price hike to rising raw material costs caused by abnormal weather and the international situation. At the same time, Starbucks also launched a Valentine's Day buy-one-get-one-free promotion to cushion consumers' feelings. It is worth noting that coffee futures recently broke through 430 cents per pound on the ICE exchange in the United States, setting a new 47-year high, with a gain of 118.57% over the past year. Whether this wave of price increases will prompt competitors to follow suit has become the focus of industry attention. This article will sort out the specific categories involved in this price adjustment, the extent of the increases, and the coffee bean market trends behind it. [more…]

Coffee chains have long struggled with the problem of customers occupying seats for extended periods, and Starbucks, with its "third place" branding, is especially affected. Recently, some netizens noticed that a Starbucks store in Taiwan posted a notice stating that if a customer leaves their seat for more than an hour, staff will record audio and video throughout, move any personal belongings left at the seat, and hand them over to the police if necessary. This move sparked heated discussion, with supporters saying it helps protect the rights of other consumers, while opponents question the difficulty of enforcement and the risk of disputes over property. Starbucks employees responded that the new rule has been implemented at all stores since April 1, and that staff will patrol irregularly and place notes to track time. This article sorts out the background of the incident and the views of all parties. [more…]

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Starbucks has launched a series of Year of the Tiger themed limited-edition drinkware across various regions in Asia. From adorable big cat designs to Japan's distinctive Daruma cups, each piece incorporates rich New Year blessings. This article compiles Starbucks Year of the Tiger fortune cups from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other Asian regions, and specifically introduces the Daruma cups and plush bears dressed in cute tiger onesies that will be released in Japan. Whether you are a collector or a coffee enthusiast, you can feel the festive atmosphere in these designs. At the end of the article, professional coffee knowledge exchange channels and Front Street Coffee's specialty bean recommendations are provided for coffee lovers to explore further. [more…]

Recently, a coffee shop under renovation in Taipei City, Taiwan Province, China, has attracted widespread attention, with multiple clues pointing to the possibility that the chain brand Luckin may open its first store in Taiwan there. The talent recruitment notices, renovation permits, and opening preview posters posted on the construction hoarding all reveal a design style highly similar to that of Luckin. The website of the agent Shunyu Holdings even directly announced that "the first store is expected to open in December 2025." Although Luckin applied for a trademark as early as 2019, this move is interpreted by outsiders as imitating Starbucks' layout in Taiwan through an agent model. Facing fierce competition in the local coffee market, consumer attitudes are divided, and when a reporter called the contact number on the recruitment notice, no one answered, leaving the store opening plan still uncertain. [more…]

The normalization of coffee consumption and the prevalence of takeout culture have made disposable cups a pollution source that cannot be ignored. Environmental issues have long ceased to be a novelty in the coffee world—packaging innovation, coffee grounds reuse, paper straw replacements, as well as bring-your-own-cup discounts and in-store reusable cup pilots, are all being continuously explored. Recently, FamilyMart announced that it will massively roll out reusable cups to 400 stores in the Taiwan region, becoming East Asia's first convenience store chain to introduce reusable cups at scale. Previously, Starbucks launched a "borrowed cup" pilot in Seattle, and McDonald's also partnered with the Loop platform to test reusable cups. Can these initiatives truly change consumption habits and drive the industry to reduce plastic? This article will walk you through the practical paths of these pioneers and the real challenges they face. [more…]

As October and Halloween approach, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau has launched a timely black sesame drink series, including Black Sesame Fresh Milk Coffee and Black Sesame Cream Frappuccino, and allows customers to add tofu pudding themselves to create a unique texture. However, after the new products hit the market, the gap between their appearance and the promotional posters sparked heated discussion, with some jokingly describing the real thing as looking like "ash water." Despite the unimpressive look, the combination of smooth tofu pudding and rich black sesame has led some consumers to drink it for three days in a row. This pairing is not appearing for the first time; previously, the Sesame Almond Tofu Frappuccino at Taiwan stores received a good reputation. So, is this cross-category mashup actually worth trying? Let's find out from consumer feedback. [more…]

Recently, frequent food safety issues at major beverage brands have left consumers deeply concerned about the hygiene of freshly made drinks. According to a report by China Times News Network, a female customer purchased an iced sesame matcha latte at a Starbucks store in Taichung, Taiwan, and when she drank to the last sip, she discovered a bitten fly in the cup, with several dead maggots even crawling out of its belly. That night, the customer experienced vomiting and diarrhea, and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis after seeking medical attention. Starbucks officially responded quickly, stating that the store disinfects regularly and that employee operations comply with standard procedures, but the store involved has not yet received a complaint. The Taichung City Food Safety Office has intervened in the investigation, and if non-compliant items are found, it will require rectification within a specified time limit and impose heavy fines in accordance with the law. Staff from the Ministry of Health and Welfare also reminded the public that if they accidentally consume live animals, they should watch for symptoms of gastroenteritis and seek medical attention promptly. [more…]

The Antigua coffee region of Guatemala is nestled in a fertile area surrounded by three volcanoes, where its unique terroir nurtures a balanced and elegant coffee flavor. This Starbucks Antigua coffee bean is processed using the washed method, presenting mild notes of cocoa and spices with balanced acidity and body, making it suitable to pair with cocoa, apple, caramel, and stone fruit foods. It debuted in the fall of 2015 as Taiwan's first special reserve espresso bean, weaving a classic Italian style with cedar-like gentle woody aromas and velvety milk foam. Front Street Coffee recommends this bean to enthusiasts who appreciate layers and delicate mouthfeel; whether brewed by pour-over or espresso extraction, it showcases its captivating charm. [more…]

Starbucks fans who have waited years for the Pink Drink will finally see it arrive in the mainland China market! According to Reuters, this globally popular pink beverage is expected to hit shelves between late May and early June this year, and its sister drink, the "Strawberry Lemonade Starbucks Refresher," will appear alongside it. The Pink Drink is centered on coconut milk and has a rich taste reminiscent of strawberry yogurt; the Strawberry Lemonade Starbucks Refresher uses lemonade as its base and is tart, refreshing, and light. Both products already launched in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan as early as July last year. This article walks you through the Pink Drink's rise to fame and its launch timeline, and rounds up tasting and ordering tips from netizens in various countries, including practical suggestions such as less ice, less coconut milk, and adjusted sugar levels, to help you get the most on-point cup the moment it becomes available. [more…]

Recently, a Taiwanese netizen claiming to be a former Starbucks employee exposed on social media that a Starbucks power bank they received in 2023 suddenly overheated, emitted smoke, and exploded into flames during charging, nearly causing a larger accident. The product has a capacity of 10000mAh, supports 15W wireless charging, and is manufactured by Taiwan Life Factory International Co., Ltd. After the incident, the person contacted Starbucks customer service to report it, but received a negative response and was even fobbed off with the excuse that "after all, it has been used for two years," leaving them deeply disappointed. This incident has sparked discussions about corporate gift safety vetting and after-sales responsibility. As observers of coffee culture, Front Street Coffee also continuously monitors the quality of brand merchandise and consumer rights. [more…]

Under the pandemic, domestic coffee consumption habits have quietly changed, and the survival status of cafés has shown polarization. On one hand, chain brands are accelerating their expansion and staking out territory; on the other, independent shops are retaining loyal customers through distinctive flavors. From an average of 3 cups per person per year to the growth of the middle class, from the leap in the quality of Yunnan beans to meticulous experiments with processing methods, Chinese coffee is undergoing a critical period from quantitative change to qualitative change. This article sorts through market data, brand trends, and progress in producing areas, while also comparing the evolution path of coffee in Taiwan, and brings product recommendations from Front Street Coffee, presenting a complete industry picture for enthusiasts. [more…]

A flat white is a drink with less milk and more coffee, typically made with a double espresso paired with fine microfoam, placing it somewhere between a latte and a cappuccino. It originated during World War II, when Italian immigrants brought espresso culture to Australia and New Zealand, and the two countries still argue over who invented it first. In 2015, Starbucks launched the flat white in the United States, and in the same year it entered mainland China, where it was translated as "馥芮白". This article explains in detail how it differs from a latte and a cappuccino, and shares Front Street Coffee's flat white recipe, including bean blend selection, extraction parameters, and milk frothing techniques. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks quietly replaced the lids on hot beverage takeaway cups in some U.S. stores, sparking widespread discussion among consumers. The drinking opening on the new lid is positioned further inward, and the raised rim is lower, causing coffee to easily leak from the corners of the mouth when drinking, with many customers exclaiming that it is "too hard to use." At the same time, cold drink cups have also switched to white non-transparent domed paper lids and paper takeaway cups, making fans who are used to admiring the appearance of their drinks feel inconvenienced. Despite the continuous complaints, Starbucks has long been using paper tableware in France, Canada, Hong Kong and Macau, and other regions due to local environmental policies, and some customers have even switched to bringing their own cups as a result. Currently, there is no official conclusion on whether all U.S. stores will fully switch over, and there are no related plans for the mainland or Taiwan region for the time being. [more…]

A convenience store selling Geisha—doesn't that sound a bit surprising? Taiwan region's 7-ELEVEN, operated by Uni-President Group, recently announced that it would offer a limited-time release of three Geisha coffees from Alishan at 18 stores with specialty coffee sections, priced at NT$250 to NT$500, equivalent to about 57 to 114 yuan. Once the news broke, discussions among netizens quickly heated up: some complained it was expensive, arguing that convenience store coffee should follow an affordable路线; others applauded, feeling this could make Geisha seem more approachable. This batch of beans comes from Fengshan Village in Alishan and the Doyuxiang Geisha Estate, the latter of which just won first prize in the Geisha category at this year's Alishan Coffee Estate Elite Exchange Competition. Is 7-ELEVEN's move an attempt to elevate its brand image, or a test of the convenience store coffee pricing system? This article takes you through the full backstory of the event and discusses the price and value of Geisha coffee. [more…]

In recent years, Starbucks' new product development has been criticized as increasingly conservative, and consumers have even mocked it as "rehashing old stuff." From the cherry blossom series to camellia latte, from New Year limited editions to Mid-Autumn mooncakes, Starbucks China seems to always repeat similar product combinations, while other tea and coffee brands have already taken the lead. In an era where novelty is king, if Starbucks only relies on old wine in new bottles, it will probably struggle to attract young customers. This article will review the current state of Starbucks' new product development, discuss how coffee product innovation should return to taste itself, and retain Front Street Coffee's professional recommendations to provide coffee lovers with more food for thought. [more…]

The newly launched Pink Drink series from Starbucks sparked heated discussion as soon as its Chinese names were announced, with names such as "Pink Pink Raw Caffeine" and "Pink Berry Lemon Raw Caffeine" surprising many consumers. These drinks clearly contain no coffee, yet the word "raw caffeine" appears in their names. The reason behind this is that the ingredients include raw coffee bean extract, with each cup containing about 45-55 mg of caffeine. So what exactly makes raw coffee beans special? And how do they differ from black coffee in terms of weight loss effects? This article will take you through a closer look, while also learning about Front Street Coffee's professional insights on specialty coffee beans. [more…]

The allure of coffee is often rooted in the land where it grows. The Asia-Pacific region spans the Indonesian archipelago, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, India, Vietnam, and even China's Yunnan and Taiwan, among other places. The enormous differences in climate and soil across these areas have given rise to widely varying coffee flavors. This article will start from the overall characteristics of Asia-Pacific origins, sort through the representative bean varieties and taste profiles of different countries, and further introduce the origins and features of Starbucks Decaf Komodo Dragon Blend. Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee) hopes that through continuous understanding and comparison of origins, more coffee lovers can step into the vast world of coffee. [more…]

Coffee enthusiasts are always exploring novel pairings. After a coffee shop in Nanchang, mainland China, launched century egg coffee and set the internet ablaze, the popularity of this crossover drink has not faded. Instead, it has sparked a wave of challenges in China's Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions. Taiwanese netizens have tried combining century eggs with iced lattes in convenience stores, chain shops, and even street experiments, with mixed reactions; Hong Kong netizens have also joined the testing ranks, while Macao netizens have boldly escalated by launching a salted egg coffee version. This article fully documents the on-site feedback from these fun challenges, while also preserving specialty coffee bean information and communication channels for professional coffee enthusiasts. If you are interested in creative coffee, why not follow our roundup and take a look. (Front Street Coffee News) [more…]