Uncover Beijing's Most Bizarre Coffee Sensations
Let's be honest, for a majority of us, a cup of coffee is more than just a beverage -- it's a vital energy booster that kickstarts our day or acts as a midday pick me up. While the purists might lean towards a classic Americano or simple espresso, there are those who relish more adventurous tastes. We've compiled a list of some of the most bizarre and quirky coffee flavors you can discover in the city -- from a surprising 皮蛋 pídàn to unconventional 豆汁儿 dòuzhīr, and beyond!
Zaijiuye Coffee
This establishment boasts a curious collection of coffee concoctions, each twinned with a nostalgic nod to a Beijing childhood treat. The sesame paste-laced coffee, when coupled with a 双棒儿 shuāng bàng er (a milk-flavored ice cream pop with two sticks -- hence the name), makes for a lovely treat. Everything combines to create a hazelnut-like taste, as the sesame paste and ice cream soften the coffee's bitterness.
Have you tried the heavenly combo of coffee and Shuangbang'er?
The place also dares to pair a douzhir-infused Americano with 焦圈儿 jiāo quānr (a deep-fried dough circle similar to a 油条 yóutiáo). Douzhir, a fermented Beijing specialty marked by a subtle sourness and an egg-like scent, may not be to everyone's liking. However, for any Beijing local worth their salt, it's a twist they can't resist exploring.
How about a douzhir-flavored Americano paired with Jiaoquan?
Zaijiuye Coffee 再就业咖啡
16 Shatanhou Street, Dongcheng district
东城区沙滩后街16号
Hours: 11am-7pm
Phone:184 1100 7574
Liquid House
If you think douzhir and sesame paste coffees are crazy, then let us introduce you to pidan (aka century egg) and 酱豆腐 jiàng dòufu (fermented tofu). Dreamt up by Liquid House, this drink features a pidan skewer resting atop your latte. The owner recommends taking the skewered century egg resting atop the brew, mashing it up, and mixing it all together to get the most out of it. It's a delight for those with a palate for pidan, but might not be the preferred choice for those unaccustomed to its distinctive flavor.
Fancy a sip of this Pidan Latte?
Liquid House 后院儿
Room 314, 3/F, Building 2, Huafangxintiandi, Courtyard 27, Qingnian Road, Chaoyang district
朝阳区青年路27号院华纺新天地2号楼3层314室
Hours: 10am-7pm
Phone:186 1812 0103
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Phoenix Café
Imagine the sensation when your coffee mingles with the zest of hotpot flavors. At Phoenix Café, prepare to have your perceptions about coffee challenged with their distinctive creation termed 油碟儿 yóu dié er. Drawing inspiration from the traditional youdie'er, which is a chili-oil-based dipping sauce savored during hotpot sessions, particularly in Chongqing, this coffee blends the most unconventional ingredients. It features chili strands, tangerine peels, and a dash of white vinegar, ingredients you'd least expect in a cup of coffee.
Get ready for a taste adventure with this Chongqing Hotpot-inspired beverage!
Phoenix Cafe 梧桐咖啡
69 Dongsibei Street, Dongcheng district
东城区东四北大街69号
Hours: 10am-7pm
Phone:186 0120 8175
Tongrentang Zhima Health Coffee
A café founded by the centuries-old laozihao (time-honored brand) Tongrentang, a name synonymous with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), recently garnered online popularity for its coffee offerings. Their brews blend TCM ingredients such as wolfberries, tangerine peel, and motherwort into the mix. Against expectations of a staggering bitter concoction, reviews on Dianping reveal that these TCM elements subtly enhance the coffee's flavor without overwhelming it, thereby ensuring it doesn't resemble a medicinal potion. For those who, like me, appreciate the potential health benefits of TCM, this café is a must-visit destination.
Craving a TCM-inspired brew?
Tongrentang Zhima Health Coffee 同仁堂知嘛健康咖啡&养生BAR
No.2-1, Building 2, No.10 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang district
朝阳区朝阳公园南路10号院2号楼2-1号
Hours: 8.30am-8.30pm
Phone: 6587 1397
HK+
Have you ever sipped a coffee infused with pepper? At HK+, they're challenging traditional coffee norms with their signature pepper-seasoned brew, enriched with the nutty undertones of black sesame. Its presentation mimics a fried egg floating in coffee, achieved through skillful latte art using milk and a touch of turmeric. Despite its unconventional key ingredient, it highlights the taste of the coffee. So, if you're intrigued by the idea of a peppery, salty coffee, HK+ certainly warrants a visit.
Ever sipped pepper-spiked coffee?
HK+
274 Xiaobaobei Street, Tongzhou district
通州区小堡北街274号
Hours: 10am-8pm
Phone: 134 3664 3842
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Images: Irene Li, courtesy of the venues
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