Heytea recently launched a new triple-thick matcha product, claiming to combine matcha tea, thick matcha cheese milk cap, matcha jelly, and thick matcha glutinous rice balls and other rich toppings, attracting many matcha lovers to try it first. However, the first wave of feedback showed a clear gap from expectations: many consumers complained that the glutinous rice balls were runny and not chewy, even describing them as hard to swallow; the matcha drink had a heavy powdery taste, leaving the mouth dry and the throat coated after drinking; despite being called "triple-thick matcha," the tea flavor was rather weak, and even adding more intensity brought limited change. Matcha enthusiasts, after comparing the Heytea series with the rich, sweet aftertaste they idealize, gave comments such as "watery" and "thin and bland." The brand may have blended milk and syrup to cater to mass tastes, but this is far removed from the bitter depth and sweet finish pursued by seasoned matcha lovers. [more…]

Heytea's "Triple Thick Matcha" has been jokingly called a "matcha family bucket" for combining thick matcha cheese milk cap, matcha jelly, and thick matcha glutinous rice, drawing a large crowd of matcha lovers eager to try it. However, this hot-selling drink has become a nightmare for employees at the store level. The thick matcha glutinous rice looks like it only requires stirring matcha powder, glutinous rice flour, milk, and condensed milk into a sticky paste, but in reality it is extremely arm-tiring to make, and if you are not careful it can burn at the bottom and smoke, ruining the entire pot of topping. During peak sales, employees stir until they can no longer lift their arms, and some even hope the brand will discontinue it. At the same time, some consumers are not buying it either, complaining that the glutinous rice fills the stomach and has a gluey texture. This article examines both the employee and customer sides to break down why this drink—"hard for staff to cook, hard for customers to enjoy"—remains so controversial. [more…]

Heytea has brought its popular matcha drink "Triple Thick Matcha" from China to the U.S. market, rolling out a limited-time buy-one-get-one-free promotion, but a small line of English text on the promotional poster—"only lives 3 hours"—sparked widespread discussion. The phrase, which literally means "only lives 3 hours," left many consumers puzzled: does it refer to the drink's optimal flavor window, the duration of the promotion, or the shelf life of the matcha mochi topping? Netizens each had their own interpretation, with some even questioning whether the brand's copywriting review process was inadequate. Hours after the controversy escalated, Heytea's official customer service contacted the original poster to explain, and the poster in question has since been corrected. This article provides a complete rundown of how the incident unfolded and the various viewpoints involved. [more…]

Blackpink member Lisa inadvertently showed off a cup of Heytea's Triple Thick Matcha on social media, quickly sparking global fan attention. Multiple Heytea overseas official accounts swiftly claimed it and seized the moment to launch a "Lisa Custom Edition," then further rolled out a buy-one-get-one-free matcha series promotion at stores worldwide. However, on the day of the promotion, consumers in many parts of China found that the matcha drinks were sold out early, and some even received incorrectly made beverages. Stores explained that ingredients were consumed too quickly and prep took time, but some fans were not buying it, arguing that if the brand wanted to ride a celebrity's hype, it should have prepared adequately in advance. [more…]

Luckin Coffee recently launched a new product, "Triple Cheese Thick Matcha," featuring a combination of thousand-mesh-grade matcha and a daily freshly whipped matcha cloud top, attracting a large number of matcha lovers to place orders and try it out. However, shortly after the new product hit the market, many consumers received notices that stores had canceled orders or showed it as sold out. The reason was not that demand exceeded supply, but that the matcha cloud top prepared in advance by stores developed an abnormal solidification after refrigeration—the milk cap that should have been fluid turned into a solid texture resembling dry choking yogurt or matcha cement, and even when the container was turned upside down, it did not move at all. Management in many places had to urgently notify stores to suspend sales depending on the situation. Was it a formula problem or an error in the operation process? Luckin's R&D department was also collectively criticized by frontline employees because of this. [more…]

Recently, a netizen posted on social media reporting a significant quality gap between the same drinks bought at HEYTEA franchise stores and directly operated stores. Using the "Thousand-Mesh Matcha Triple Thick Matcha" as an example, the customer ordered delivery from a directly operated store; although delivery took over 20 minutes, the drink arrived still hot, with a rich taste and generous toppings. In contrast, at a franchise store for self-pickup, the drink was picked up within three minutes but had a pale color, bland flavor, and scarce toppings. Later, at another franchise store for self-pickup, the volume was actually one-third less, and the chewy texture was poor. The post resonated widely, with netizens complaining about inconsistent quality at franchise stores, which led to a guide for identifying store types through business licenses. The incident reflects the challenges of quality control under HEYTEA's rapid expansion. [more…]

Luckin Coffee's weekly Thursday operational notice once again put store employees on edge, as the company officially announced several new products, including "Triple Cheese Thick Matcha," "Coconut Trio Latte," and "A Whole Coconut." Among them, the preparation method for "A Whole Coconut" completely overturns previous operating habits. Employees need to wear gloves to take out frozen coconut eggs and pour the prepared coffee liquid into the coconut shell for serving. The process involves more than ten steps, prompting many workers to call it absurd. What troubles them even more is that these new products may be launched nationwide, and morning shift staff must complete a large amount of prep work within half an hour. Many worry that they simply cannot handle it when running the store alone. [more…]

The world of coffee is as vast as the sea, and every classic carries the terroir of its origin and the wisdom of blending. This article will guide you through a tasting journey of the world's most iconic coffee drinks—from the noble and elegant Blue Mountain and the rich, powerful Mandheling, to the rare and unique Kopi Luwak, and further to espresso-based specialties like Espresso, Cappuccino, and Mocha. Whether you prefer pure black coffee or are drawn to creative drinks where milky smoothness meets vinous notes, this flavor compendium will help you find your favorite. Front Street Coffee has always been dedicated to selecting high-quality beans, ensuring every cup delivers an authentic taste. [more…]

Matcha and coffee may seem to belong to two different worlds, but what kind of flavor collision would occur if we borrowed the brewing logic of matcha to make coffee? Before getting hands-on, Front Street Coffee will first take everyone back through the historical origins of matcha—it began with the whisked tea method of China's Song Dynasty, and after localized evolution, became part of Japanese tea ceremony culture, which emphasizes the spirit of "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility." Traditional matcha brewing requires a small amount of matcha powder with 70°C~80°C warm water, first blended in a bowl with a tea whisk, then a measured amount of warm water is added and whisked to create foam, producing a thick, delicate layer of foam. This article unfolds around the origins of matcha, key brewing points, and the specific method for making matcha coffee, while preserving relevant images and recommendation information in appropriate places. [more…]

Matcha lattes have recently become popular again, which reminded Front Street Coffee of a unique coffee-making method we shared in the early years—whipping coffee liquid with a matcha chasen to create a dense foam. This method was created by actor Hiroshi Fujioka, inspired by his mother's tea ceremony, transplanting the whisking action used in matcha preparation onto coffee. It not only enhances the aroma and mouthfeel but also carries a distinctively Japanese character. This article will provide a complete introduction to this method: from background knowledge on matcha and the whisking method of tea preparation, to coffee bean selection, brewing parameters, chasen whisking technique, and finally an actual tasting comparison. Front Street Coffee used Blue Mountain coffee beans and a Kono dripper for the brewing demonstration, and recorded the noticeable differences in flavor before and after whisking, making it suitable for trying at home. [more…]

Matcha lattes have recently become popular again, which reminded Front Street Coffee of a rather unique coffee-making method we shared in the early years. The inspiration for this method comes from matcha preparation in Japanese tea ceremony: using a chasen to beat the coffee liquid until it produces a dense foam, thereby enhancing the aroma and mouthfeel. Its creator was not a professional barista, but the actor Hiroshi Fujioka. While traveling the world, he was inspired by coffees from various places, and after returning home, inspired by his mother's tea ceremony, he incorporated the whisking technique into coffee making. This article will give a complete introduction to this distinctive method: from matcha basics, bean selection, and brewing parameters to whisking techniques and tasting comparisons, along with Front Street Coffee's hands-on experience and suggestions, suitable for coffee lovers to try in their spare time. [more…]

This time Front Street is going to share a rather unusual brewing method—it breaks out of the framework of conventional pour-over and grafts the matcha whisking technique from Japanese tea ceremony onto coffee extraction. The person who created this "Way of Coffee" is none other than Hiroshi Fujioka, star of the original Kamen Rider. He favors Peruvian beans, Japanese-style dark roast, and coarse grinding, pouring water in a steady drip throughout, then using a chasen to whisk the coffee liquid into a dense foam. Front Street couldn't resist trying it out personally, recreating it once with a medium-dark roasted Blue Mountain bean. What kind of aroma and mouthfeel can this method actually bring? And why must it be drunk against the clock? The following will reveal all. [more…]

On August 27, while releasing its 2024 interim results report, Haidilao announced a striking appointment: Zhang Junjie, founder of Chagee, will join the board as an independent non-executive director for a three-year term with an annual salary of 1.2 million yuan. This cross-industry collaboration quickly sparked heated discussion among netizens, with some speculating whether the two companies might merge, while others pointed out that the two parties had already collaborated through Shuhai Supply Chain. Zhang Junjie is only 29 years old but has over 13 years of experience in the catering industry. His founded Chagee achieved a store growth rate of 233% in 2023, with total sales exceeding 10.8 billion yuan. Haidilao's move is interpreted as an important step in its product diversification strategy, particularly in exploring the handcrafted tea beverage sector. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the background of this appointment, the origins of the collaboration between the two parties, and Haidilao's ambitions in the beverage market. [more…]

Luckin Coffee has amazed everyone in recent years with its rapid product iteration and endless stream of new releases, but have you noticed that prices actually differ from store to store? This article compiles Luckin's latest 2023 price list, covering classic coffees, the Little Black Cup SOE series, the Coconut Latte family, Velvet Latte, and other popular products, and also ranks the top ten drinks most worth trying. At the same time, it provides an in-depth analysis of phenomena such as price differences caused by store tiering and self-pickup being more expensive than delivery, combining media investigations and statements from store staff. In addition, the article also retains related recommendations from Front Street Coffee for coffee lovers' reference. Whether you are a regular Luckin customer or a coffee beginner, this article can help you choose that cup more wisely. [more…]

As a well-known coffee chain brand in China, Starbucks' rich coffee aroma has long been woven into many people's daily lives. This article compiles Starbucks' nationwide standard prices, covering the Frappuccino coffee series, the sugar-free Frappuccino coffee series, the iced drink series, and the pastry and bread series, making it easy for coffee lovers to look things up quickly. At the same time, the article also draws on recommendations from Front Street Coffee to explore which Starbucks coffees are more worth trying. Whether you prefer a bold black coffee or are drawn to the thick, creamy texture of a Frappuccino, this price and recommendation guide offers practical reference. [more…]

Luckin Coffee's latest 2023 store price list has been announced, clearly listing prices for series such as the Classic Latte, SOE Little Black Cup, and the Raw Coconut Family. However, consumers have recently discovered that the same drink is priced differently at different stores, and in some cases the pickup price is even higher than the delivery price—a phenomenon that has sparked widespread discussion. Luckin Coffee officially responded that, due to differences in logistics and operating costs, stores may apply for price adjustments, with a maximum increase of 3 yuan. This article compiles the complete price list and reviews the changes in Luckin's pricing strategy and their impact on consumers. [more…]

Pukka is a well-known organic herbal tea brand from the UK that blends the ancient wisdom of Indian Ayurveda into its teas, advocating harmony between herbs and nature. Its entire line of teas uses 100% organic ingredients, is certified by the Soil Association, and its tea bags are fully recyclable, with the printing ink also made from plant-based materials, all in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. Because it is caffeine-free, Pukka's teas are suitable for the whole family to enjoy, offering a calming rather than stimulating experience. This article selects several popular teas for flavor reviews, from after-meal tea to goodnight tea, from cinnamon to matcha, analyzing their aroma and taste characteristics one by one, and includes Front Street Coffee's recommendations and practical brewing suggestions to help coffee and tea lovers find their ideal choice. [more…]

For many people, drinking coffee is an elegant affair, but there is a type of coffee that started out "dirty" and became famous for being "dirty," to the point that even germaphobes would find it unbearable to watch. There are mainly two schools of Dirty coffee on the market: one involves extracting espresso directly onto the surface of cold milk, creating the visual effect of "tainting" the milk; the other pursues "filth" in the truest sense, deliberately letting the liquid overflow the cup and saucer, sprinkling on cocoa powder and the like, to create a state of "messy filth." In London, England, a brand called "Italian Bear Chocolate" has launched a "Triple Chocolate" series of drinks. Whenever someone orders a coffee and adds the "chocolate triple," the barista first picks up a ceramic cup with a saucer, moves it over three large tubs of chocolate in different colors, then uses a large ladle to scoop them up one by one and pour them over the rim of the cup—white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate—striving to let the cup fully "bathe" under each kind of chocolate sauce. Finally, after the barista takes this cup, dirtied to the extreme, to receive hot water and espresso liquid, this specialty coffee is complete. [more…]

Matcha, a tea beverage originating from the Tang and Song dynasties, is once again gaining popularity among young people. The new tea beverage brand Heytea recently announced its return to the matcha product line, launching two new products, "Marlmoli" and "Rich Matcha Green Beauty," featuring custom thousand-mesh matcha and a rotating cup lid design, and specifically recommends that consumers drink it at a 45-degree angle. This article introduces the features, pricing, and consumer feedback of Heytea's new matcha products, as well as the craft knowledge behind matcha powder mesh counts. At the same time, Front Street Coffee, a brand familiar to coffee enthusiasts, will also interpret the matcha trend for you from a professional perspective. [more…]

After the beginning of summer, lemon tea drinks enter their peak sales season. Luckin took the opportunity to launch two lemon teas, a classic one and a matcha one, and the vibrant green matcha lemon tea quickly attracted matcha lovers to place orders and try it with its distinctive appearance. However, many consumers reported that although this drink looks great, its taste is dominated by a sweet-and-sour lemon flavor and noticeable sweetness, with almost no trace of the expected matcha aroma. Some also found that after sitting for a while, it separates and forms sediment, and while matcha particles can be felt when drinking it, the flavor and the lemon taste remain separate. Around this new product, there is both joking and defending, and this article walks you through its formula, taste controversy, and netizen reviews, with a perspective from the Front Street Coffee brand familiar to coffee lovers. [more…]