A Starbucks outlet in Shanghai has garnered attention due to the spontaneous gatherings of Go enthusiasts who come to play the game. Every week during fixed time slots, over 30 people participate, with the community growing to nearly 400 members. As the number of visitors increased, the store put forward requirements for maintaining quietness and moderate consumption, sparking public discussion on the boundaries of using public spaces and civilized coexistence. This article delves into the interaction model between the café and the Go community, and offers practical suggestions for the coexistence of third spaces. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts attempt to make butter lattes at home but often run into the "pasta presser" issue by trying to save time—simply mixing the butter directly with coffee grounds and tamping them together. This article provides a detailed account of a real-world user test that went wrong, analyzes common mistakes in making butter lattes, and offers practical advice and precautions to help you avoid pitfalls and enjoy the rich flavors safely. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts wonder why some siphon-brewed coffee results in a coffee bed that forms a small mound, which is said to indicate good extraction. However, in actual practice, most people only see a flat coffee layer. This article will delve into the principles behind the formation of a mound in the siphon coffee bed, offering detailed guidance—from the steps of operation, the timing and technique of stirring, to key extraction parameters—to help you master the trick of making the coffee bed rise and enhance your coffee's flavor profile. [more…]

Have you ever noticed tiny black particles left at the bottom of your cup after drinking an espresso or Americano? These are actually extremely fine coffee grounds produced during the extraction process. This article delves into the sources of these fine grounds, including factors such as grind size, portafilter basket mesh, and equipment cleanliness, and provides four practical solutions to help you reduce sediment at the bottom and enhance your coffee drinking experience. [more…]

Faced with the long-term drought crisis causing water level issues in the Panama Canal, a 15-year coffee planting and reforestation project is underway in the Cárpa district on the western side of the canal. The initiative encourages farmers to plant Robusta coffee beans, restores soil and water ecosystems through tree planting, and provides technical training and economic support to farmers. This article delves into the details of the plan, its practical outcomes, and its deeper significance for the global coffee supply chain and sustainable water management. [more…]

Want to know why Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is hailed as the “Rolls-Royce of the coffee world”? This article dives deep into the history of Blue Mountain coffee, official grading standards, and focuses on the highly acclaimed Clifton Estate Blue Mountain No. 1. From regional environment, coffee variety characteristics, processing methods to the best brewing recommendations, we’ll guide you through the essence and flavor profile of this top-tier coffee. [more…]

On the eve of the Spring Festival, Luckin's lychee daifuku sparked consumer doubts due to discrepancies between the group purchase promotional images and the actual product, raising issues about brand responsibility and marketing ethics. This article delves into the loopholes in the review process behind the incident, explores the tactics used by influencers to drive traffic, and offers practical advice on identifying accurate product information to help readers avoid similar consumer traps. [more…]

The issue of whether adding milk to a Starbucks Americano incurs an additional charge has sparked discussion — from policy details such as “a fee for more than 4 ounces” to inconsistent practices across stores. This reflects a communication gap in the brand’s customization services. This article clarifies the scope of the policy, actual implementation status, and offers key ordering tips for consumers to help you avoid misunderstandings and better understand the hidden rules of coffee drink customization. [more…]

Robusta coffee from Sumatra, Indonesia, has seen its prices surge with premiums rising steadily due to volcanic activity and prolonged drought in the producing regions, compounded by global climate anomalies and rising shipping costs. This article takes an in-depth look at the key factors currently impacting Indonesia’s coffee supply chain, helping you understand the real reasons behind Robusta’s price trends, as well as the potential risks and opportunities that lie ahead. [more…]

Although an island nation, Papua New Guinea boasts exceptionally favorable conditions for coffee cultivation, particularly in its high-altitude mountainous regions where uniquely flavored Arabica varieties thrive. This article takes you on an in-depth exploration of the country’s coffee development trajectory—from the rise of early estates to today’s smallholder-driven industry structure. It also focuses on the Sigri Estate in the Western Highlands Province, analyzing the growing background and refined flavor profile of its flagship product, the “Bird of Paradise” washed bean, and offering practical guidance for bean selection and brewing. [more…]

As a popular choice in recent years’ fat-loss diets, bulletproof coffee has garnered significant attention due to its unique formula and satiating effects. But what is the fat-burning mechanism behind this “fatty coffee”? Can it really help control weight as rumored? This article delves into its three core ingredients—black coffee, grass-fed unsalted butter, and MCTs—exploring its origin inspiration, actual efficacy, and potential risks. It also provides detailed preparation steps and precautions to help readers rationally assess whether it suits their individual needs. [more…]

The piccolo latte is often mistaken for a mini latte, but in the eyes of baristas, it’s actually an espresso-based milk drink that demands more technical skill and better highlights coffee flavors. This article dives deep into the key differences between a piccolo and a latte in terms of ratios, preparation methods, and pricing, explaining why the piccolo is small in size yet relatively higher in price. It also provides useful details to help readers better understand this classic espresso beverage. [more…]

From Paris street graffiti to China’s rural red-brick walls, OATLY oat milk has once again captured public attention with its Spring Festival-themed “village wall advertisement,” drawing mixed reactions from netizens. This article delves into how the brand combines internet memes with heartfelt copywriting, explores its creative highlights and market controversies, and shares practical advice on pairing oat milk with coffee to help readers understand the underlying marketing strategies and consumer feedback. [more…]

Once Thailand’s “national coffee,” Cafe Amazon (Amazon Cafe) has recently drawn a temporary curtain on its China market presence. From its entry into Guangxi in 2019 to announcing a strategic contraction in early 2025, how has this world’s sixth-largest coffee chain brand made a strategic pivot amid price wars and cross-industry competition? This article provides an in-depth analysis of its three-year development trajectory in China, its parent company’s realignment toward Southeast Asia, and offers practical insights for brand survival in today’s competitive coffee landscape. [more…]

Thanks to their portability, drip bags have become the go-to choice for many people’s daily coffee consumption. However, there are still many misconceptions about how to use them. From mistakenly steeping them like tea bags to assuming they can dissolve quickly like instant coffee, these practices can severely affect the flavor experience. This article will delve into the background and design principles behind drip bags, break down four common misuse scenarios, and provide expert-level recommendations for proper brewing along with key parameters. It also compiles five representative drip bag products. [more…]

The Hoop filter cup has won the 2023 SCA Product of the Year award thanks to its unique ring-shaped pouring design. Compared to the traditional V60, it completely separates the pouring path from the coffee bed—water flows horizontally through 12 small holes in the outer water crown, delivering a stable extraction similar to immersion brewing. This article provides an in-depth look at practical techniques for using the Hoop, explaining key parameters such as grind size, water temperature, and brew time one by one. It also includes hands-on testing with three coffee beans—Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Mandheling—to compare their flavor profiles. [more…]

The global coffee market is facing multiple challenges: abnormal weather in Brazil, a stronger Brazilian real, and tight Robusta stocks have led to a continuous rise in coffee bean prices. Transportation difficulties in the Red Sea and Panama Canal have further aggravated the global supply chain. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the actual impact of these factors on the market, helping readers understand the key drivers behind coffee prices and future trends. [more…]

Dive into the origins and impact of the Panama BOP competition, explore the unique terroir and coffee characteristics of the Volcán region, and take an in-depth look at the environmental advantages of the Hartmann Estate and the allure of the Geisha variety. This article will guide you from the history of the competition, regional features, to actual brewing flavors, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the essence of Panama’s specialty coffee—perfect for readers interested in pour over coffee and high-altitude beans. [more…]

Learn about pre-infusion techniques before extracting espresso, and discover how to enhance flavor stability and extraction efficiency through low-pressure water injection and appropriate soaking. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the principles of pre-infusion, compares it with the blooming process in pour over, and offers practical operational suggestions to help you achieve stable extractions manually, even without a machine that has a built-in pre-infusion function. [more…]

On the eve of the Spring Festival, a latte featuring the Fortune God launched by a Hangzhou café went viral for its creative design but also sparked debates over food safety and religious etiquette. This article delves into the edibility and safety of rice paper decorations, analyzes related regulatory risks, and details professional barista techniques for hand-carved coffee art, offering festive beverage solutions that honor tradition while embracing creativity. [more…]