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3 Editors and RMB1K Later: Scoop on World's Biggest Starbucks

2018-01-14 ShanghaiWOWeng


Since opening in December of last year, Starbucks Roastery, AKA the largest Starbucks in the world, has become the buzz of the town. Located at HKRI Taikoo Hui, people queue in long lines eagerly waiting to step inside the 2,700 sqm coffee wonderland. 



Many might think the Starbucks Roastery is nothing more than a mainstream hype. We decided to submit it to the rigorious testing of our coffee connoseiurs? We held back on passing judgement until after we stood in line for over two hours, sampled three tasting menus and spent over RMB1,000 to give you, our dear readers, the inside scoop. 


Pro tip: you can skip the long queues if you show up before 10am on weekdays.



As the world’s largest Starbucks Roastery, it is  impossible try everything in their extensive coffee menu on one visit. Furthermore, with over ten different types of coffee beans combined in several ways with various preparation methods, this is a mission impossible. 



To assist Starbucks fans who want to try them all, Starbucks launched their tasting journey for customers: Discoverer (RMB298), Explorer (RMB298) and Adventurer (RMB398) passes are all designed to for different levels of coffee knowledge (beginners, intermediates and advanced).



Each journey offers 4 drinks and 1 food item, and focuses on the 5 major bars within the store: main bar on the first floor, tasting bar, bakery corner, long bar on the second floor and the Teavana zone. 



To begin your journey, get a stamp and have one of their recommended drinks. 



Even with the same tasting menu, switch up your options by trying out different coffee beans and bean combinations. 



Before making your drink, the barista will speak with you to identify the coffee bean most suited to your taste. (Coffee beans used are based on seasons and they are refreshed on a frequent basis)



Here was how our tasting journey went!


Meet Our Coffee Team


Coffee Amateur A - Discoverer


Daily coffee preference: Due to a weak stomach, her usual coffee order is a latte, and she will not take her coffee without milk. She has no prior knowledge about hand pressed coffee.


Coffee Professional K - Adventurer


Daily coffee preference: Has cup of coffee a day at least, and prefers her coffee black and simple. She is not a fan of latte, and enjoys bitter and deeply roasted beans.


Coffee Veteran L - Explorer


Daily coffee preference:  A minimum of 3 cups of self-brewed coffees a day, and keeps an open mind in trying out new coffee. Regardless of the bean’s origin, he believes that every bean has its unique in taste and odour that can be irresistable.



First stop: 1 FL Main Bar

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Discoverer:  Smoked Scotch Latte 


Similar to Scotland’s famous whiskey, Scotch, the coffee's smoked flavor is reminiescent of a scotch candy, bringing back warm and fuzzy childhood memories.



It was said that this special taste was achieved after 48 trials, so do give it a try.



Taste: A mix of salty and sweet flavors, similar to toffee. It is no wonder it reminds many of their childhood. 


Coffee Veteran L says: The milk froth beats other Starbucks shops. Indeed there is a toffee flavour and the smoked taste is interesting.


Explorer: Americano 



Who ever said you can’t add milk to an Americano? At the very first stop, Shanghai Roastery begins to challenge norms with new coffee ideas! 



The machine used to make Italian-style coffee is known as “Ferrari," and there are nine of these machines here!



A truly satisfying treat, the Americano uses orange peeled infused syrup to enhance its taste, skim milk to create a thick foam before topping it off with amber sugar bits.


Taste: Off to a good start, the drinks are well-received and liked. The black coffee stole the limelight (there is no question here that it is Americano inspired drink), as the milk froth added layers to the taste while retaining a smooth consistency.


Coffee Veteran L says: A very interesting kind of Americano, the froth has good body, and the syrup makes the drink slightly sweet.


Adventurer: Undertow 



This drink is made with a cream base, topped with the hot beverage and vanilla syrup, as a finish.



Coffee Veteran L says: A creative drink, the multi-layered texture is really fresh and smooth. Around 100 ml a cup, it feels like having a big scoop of vanilla ice-cream on a hot summer day. 


Second stop: 1 FL Tasting Bar 



Discoverer: Neuhaus Hand Brewed 

Choice of coffee bean is El Savador: San Marcelino Farm


Before making your coffee, the barista will speak with you to identify a suitable type of coffee bean. After that, they will use a Modbar to make the perfect brew. 



Because Coffee Amateur A is afraid of sour beans, the barista then recommended the El Savador from San Marcelino Farm coffee bean as the bean has notes of red tea; paired with Neuhaus 70% cocoa chocolate.



Coffee Amateur A says: The barista recommended coffee bean is indeed not sour and I could taste the red tea flavour, easy to drink and together with the chocolate, the taste is just nice. Overall, it defines afternoon tea very well.


Neuhaus chocolate display is attractive as well


Explorer: Local Coffee Hand Brewed  

Choice of bean: Mixture of Pantheon Blend Vintage 2017 bean and Colombia Narino bean



In this stage, the adventurer can pick up to two different origins of coffee beans and the barista will use the Modbar to specially brew the coffee to “taste”.



Coffee Professional K chose sour Colombia Narino bean and the Roastery-exclusive Pantheon Blend Vintage 2017 bean. Although the names of the beans are difficult to remember, fret not, the selection process is very similar to choosing your favourite “story."


Every coffee bean has its own flashcard featuring origin story and farming methods.


Flashcards used as store decoration


Taste: According to the barista’s recommendation, we tasted the lightly roasted Narino first followed by the medium roasted Guatemala. The former was as expected, clear fruity sourness with a bit of white chocolate. The latter is slightly more roasted, and has a floral smell. It was truly an unforgettable experience.


Adventurer: Kenya Brewed Draft Beer  



Unique and done only at this Starbucks Roastery, this coffee and beer drink is great as an after-work treat. 



From a choice of 3 types of beer, we chose the lightest colored one with a fruity flavor.



Taste: A very strong orange taste with a light alcohol taste. It will be a suitable daytime drink as well.


Coffee Veteran L says: During the beer making process, it is said that Kenya coffee beans were added, however there was no trace of coffee in the beverage. As someone who does not enjoy alcohol, the beer had a floral and sweet smell, with a smooth taste. 


Third stop 2 FL - Teavana



Discoverer: White Tea


That’s right, Starbucks sells teas as well. Using advanced technology, the brand makes tea look young and cool again, and is well-received among the masses. 



More than a drink, it was a beautiful spectacle when the drinks were created as the sweet and sour strawberries bubbled when flushed with the White Hair Silver Needle Tea, and the drink turn in to a pink hue. 



Taste: As someone who drinks tea more regularly, Coffee Amateur A feels that the strawberry flavor comes off pretty strong and may have overpowered the white tea flavor.


Explorer: Matcha  


The 0 calorie matcha is great for those who are watching their waistline. Even with a sweet flavor, the "milk cap" is actually made from oxygen!



The tiny bubbles create a smooth texture to the drink, giving a twist to the regular matcha.



Taste: Using advanced technology and equipment to recreate the milk cap is definitely an eye-opener. While it tastes as good as the Japanese matcha, nothing beats the hand whipped traditional matcha.


Adventurer: Snow Melted Indian Chai Tea 


At the Roastery, try something new like the Snow Melted Indian Chai Tea! 



Made with cinnamon, ginger and black pepper, and topped with milk froth, the heavy drink actually has a great texture and sits well even for non-cinnamon lovers. 



Coffee Veteran L verdict: A very unique Indian tea, it is definitely my first time trying such an interesting combination. According to the barista, the tea has ginger, pepper, butter and cinnamon, and it definitely taste great. The drink also has a slight cooling and refreshing effect. 


Fourth Stop: 1 FL Main Bar & 2FL Long Bars



Discoverer: Hazelnut Latte  


Finally, the cold brew has made it's first appearance.



The base is filled with hazelnut chocolate milk, and the middle layer is filled with Italian coffee, and the top layer with froth.



The barista explained that different tasting methods will bring about a different experience, and it is left to the individual to identify the taste of the drink. 


Taste: The first two sips are the best but when reaching to the end of the drink and with only a layer left, it tends to have a strong milky taste and be on the sweet side. The drink is best drunk in one gulp.


Explorer: Melrose


The most anticipated drink of the day, the Melrose is known to be founder, Howard Schultz, favorite drink. 



This coffee cocktail, was inspired by the classic Manhattan. It is mixed with cold brew coffee and topped with a cherry. 



The barista recommends drinking a sip of alcohol then eat a cherry before enjoying the next sip. 


Taste: Despite being a cocktail, Melrose is tastes like a cup of coffee, so fret not about getting drunk over the drink. Right? The drink has a well-balanced flavor and playful twist. 


Adventurer: Fog at the Bund 


Located in the heart Shanghai, it is no surprise that Starbucks named one of its drinks after the famous attraction. 



Using a cold brew made from a 20-hour long dripping process, the coffee is topped with vanilla syrup, and topped with a sugary froth mimicking the fog at the bund.



Coffee Amateur A says There is quite a few layers to the drink, but it nonetheless has a smooth, cold-brewed taste. It does not have an overly sour or bitter taste, which I appreciate.


Coffee Veteran L says: Just the name itself  is very Shanghainese. It is an amazing drink, with great aesthetics and is photographic. While the taste is not very surprising and similar to a cold brew, the overall experience was great.


Fifth Stop: 1 FL Baking @Princi



The last stop is the food stop. End the journey with the premium Italian bakery brand, Princi, and choose from the ham, cheese and egg croissant, any pizza or chocolate tart.



Taste: We tried the ham, cheese and egg croissant which is to die for. Just like a great croissant, it had a crispy crust and a fluffy interior. Delicious!


1 FL: Specialty Shop



Of course, a visit to the Starbucks Roastery is not complete without a trip to their gift shop and indulge on some limited edition collectable items.



Just a tip, when shopping here, due to the extensive range of products, do reach out to their service staff for recommendations. 


This is a specialty shop that focuses on coffee beans, coffee equipment, cups and gifts. 


Diagonally cut cups, which doubles up as great decor pieces.


Stackable cups, of which the golden one is a Roastery-exclusive!


Coffee flask which can be directly heated when making your morning cup of hand-pressed coffee. 


Coffee flask designed by renowned designer, Tom DIxon.


Shanghai exclusive product series.


Limited edition, Roastery-exclusive cups.


Roastery trendy iron-ons.


Jacket made from coffee bag.


Starbucks themed poker cards.


Quality hand crafted leather bags.


Final Thoughts

The end of the tasting journey and Starbucks Roastery experience



What do you think of Starbucks Roastery after trying the sampler?


Coffee Amateur A: Initially, I never liked queuing for commercial products and thought that coffee is best made in boutique cafe. The entire experience changed and mind, and the new Roastery is like the Disneyland for coffee. All the staff here, from the barista to the cashier are really friendly, and classics like latte, Americano and even a white tea, have a different flavor to them. It is definitely worth the trip (especially if you don’t have to queue).


Coffee Professional K: When here, I think you have to pull yourself away from your common understanding of Starbucks. The entire experience felt more like an experiential one, where individuals can learn more about the high-tech coffee making machines, and be inspired by new flavors. Not only that, the lovely and patient staff really added points to my time here, and made the entire journey worthwhile, and worth the price tag and queue. Will definitely be back!


Coffee Veteran L: Apart from being surprised, I think I was a little upset as such a massive project will affect the entire industry and mean a more difficult time for independent coffee brands to establish themselves in future. 



Which is the most memorable drink? What will you recommend?


Coffee Amateur A: It will have to be the Americano, as I never expected Americanos to have such an interesting taste. The thick milk froth, smooth texture and great aroma makes this my perfect Americano.


Coffee Professional K: It will have to be the Americano and Snow Melted Indian Chai Tea. When here, do not go for your usual, but try out something new. 


Coffee Veteran L: It will have to be the Undertow, as it wins in terms of aesthetics, size and novelty. The drink ties in with the latest trends and development in artisanal coffee, and is definitely a must-try.


Quick Facts about the Starbucks Roastery



It is said that before this roastery, beans used in China’s Starbucks shops were all imported. With this new opening, Starbucks Roastery will be responsible for providing beans to over 120 Starbucks shop in the country. 



After the roasting and cooling process, the beans will be packed and shipped or kept, and after 7 days, those used here will either be used to make beverages or packed for sale. 

 


Anyone visiting this store can open Taobao APP and scan any of the ovens to learn more about the roasting process. 



The 8m high cylindrical pillar is used to store the roasted beans, and they are made to ensure the maximum flavor of the beans when they are being used by the baristas. 



These Chinese engravings relate to Starbucks history and also Chinese history. Feel free to have a closer look and find out for yourselves! 


Starbucks Reserve Shanghai Roastery

Address: N110 - N201, Xingye Taikoo Hui, 789 Nanjing Xi Lu

When: Daily, 7pm-11pm


Useful Tips:

  • For lesser traffic, visit on weekdays from 7am-10am

  • Go on a coffee learning journey, observing how coffee are made and processed. For a great gift for a friend or colleague, purchase one of Starbucks’ three tasting menus: Discoverer at RMB 298, Explorer at RMB 298 or Adventurer at RMB 328. 

  • Turn on Taobao APP and experience an augmented reality within the store to learn about the coffee roasting process


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