Introduction:After Shanghai lifted its lockdown, the long-missed aroma of coffee returned to the streets. Both chain and independent coffee shops resumed operations, with a surge in delivery and pickup orders. This article takes you to the scene on the first day, capturing everything from the enthusiasm of citizens rushing to buy coffee to the urgent adaptations by shop owners, as well as the deep longing for freshly brewed coffee during the pandemic — a testament to how the city is rediscovering its rhythm, one cup at a time.
June 1st was not just Children’s Day for Shanghai, but also a pivotal turning point in the city’s full recovery. After more than two months of lockdown, the rich scent of coffee once again filled the streets. Citizens could finally step into shops in person or order through delivery platforms to once again savor that much-missed cup of freshly ground coffee.
Whether it was major chain brands or niche independent coffee shops, they gradually resumed business. Many stores were flooded with customers as soon as they opened their doors. Some shops were still calibrating their machines or getting ready to open, yet even in their "soft opening" state with half-raised rolling shutters, they managed to sell hundreds of cups of coffee within just three hours.
On social media platforms, many netizens shared comments expressing their deep nostalgia for the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Some said that even if they could only take out their coffee and enjoy it outside the shop, that familiar taste instantly brought back a sense of normalcy in life.
Looking back two months ago, the phrase “I want to drink coffee” resonated widely online, reflecting how coffee had already become an indispensable part of many people’s daily lives. As the pandemic eased, this "flash-frozen" demand for coffee quickly rebounded, and the market sprang back to life.
Moreover, some citizens shared that hearing the sound of a delivery person ringing the doorbell brought an indescribable sense of relief, because it meant they could enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee without having to risk going out.
According to footage captured by Global Times, Shanghai’s streets gradually saw the removal of lockdown facilities, shops reopened one after another, children played with pigeons outdoors, and young people sat outside cafés, enjoying hard-earned moments of leisure. By evening, many citizens even stepped out of their homes and took to the streets to celebrate — some chatted with friends on the steps outside M Stand, while others took their pets out for a stroll.
The renowned specialty coffee chain brand SEESAW COFFEE announced on its official Weibo account that more than 40 of its Shanghai locations had gradually resumed operations. Meanwhile, Economic Observer Network also reported on the morning of June 1st that some Luckin Coffee stores already had queues of people waiting to pick up orders, with takeaway coffee bags placed on the tables.
In addition, some netizens personally visited M Stand and Manner stores to experience the scene firsthand and shared photos on social media. The images showed that although some stores had opened, they were primarily offering takeaway and delivery services, with dine-in options still temporarily unavailable.
Some citizens even remarked that it was their first time going out in three months, making them feel especially excited — even the coffee tasted exceptionally good. On the Weibo trending topic “What I want to do most after Shanghai reopens,” many netizens echoed the same sentiment: what they wanted most was to go outside and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
