Shanghai's Middle Huaihai Road is bustling with several coffee shops that form the largest coffee hub in the city where enthusiasts can easily indulge in a variety of caffeinated experiences while strolling down the road.

Below is a list of 15 must-visit coffee shops, along with a suggested walking route starting from Middle Huaihai Road.

 

1. Parking Coffee

The brand's first store in Shanghai, which is operated by the winner of the China finals of the 2021 World Barista Championship, offers a range of winning coffee experiences including hand-drip, Americano, and milk coffee. The various combos featuring competition-grade beans and milk, providing a diverse range of flavors, are menu highlights. Additionally, the shop collaborates with Lutetia, offering sporadic performances by champion-level baristas.

Address: No 1220 Middle Huaihai Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8 am - 6 pm

 

2. Metal Hands

Metal Hands is one of the "Top 50 Coffee Shops Worldwide" and the only one from the Chinese mainland to be included on the list. This shop offers a variety of high-quality coffees, including Italian, American, cold brew, and hand drip, with its Egg Latte being a long-standing favorite.

Address: No 234 Nanchang Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

 

3. Cun Kou Da Shu

Cunkou Dashu is known for its seasonal and innovative coffee creations, with the latest theme revolving around spring and love. The shop's small space often sees queues stretching outside. Customers are treated to an in-depth introduction to the stories behind each creative coffee offering.

Address: No 368 Changle Road, Ruijin Road (No 2) Subdistrict Number Two

Open: Monday to Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm

 

4. Hu Shui Bei Jian Shi

Hu Shui Bei Jian Shi is a well-known coffee spot that exudes a nostalgic vibe, with a collection of Jay Chou's tapes and CDs, as well as vintage items from the last century.

Address: No 108 Danshui Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 9 am - 6 pm

 

5. BLACKSHEEP ESPRESSO

BLACKSHEEP ESPRESSO is a prominent figure in Shanghai's coffee community, boasting a bean roastery. The shop is known for its distinctive brand of beans and a range of coffee offerings, including the popular cinnamon roll and the unique sheep-shaped latte.

Address: No 124 South Maoming Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8 am - 6 pm

 

6. Rader Coffee

Rader Coffee gained sudden popularity as a mini coffee shop a few years ago. Despite its small size, the shop attracts a steady stream of customers due to its owner's exceptional barista skills, with a selection of seven to eight types of beans available daily.

Address: No 27 Sinan Road

Open: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am - 5 pm

 

7. Kukur

A Japanese tea house tucked away in an alley, the shop offers a cozy setting with a handwritten paper menu, featuring eight tea drinks and a close-up view of the tea-making process.

Address: No 140 Lane 927, Middle Huaihai Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 1 pm - 6 pm

 

8. YEAST

YEAST is a coffee shop affiliated with a renowned Guizhou cuisine restaurant. The shop's unique creations include three Guizhou-style specialty drinks, incorporating regional ingredients like prickly pears, Guizhou glutinous rice wine, and magnolia flowers.

The shop's owner, the winner of the 2014 World Latte Art Championship China, is known for his love of fermentation, which is reflected in the shop's unique offerings.

Address: No 25 Yanqing Road

Open: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9 am - 6:30 pm

 

9. Liveliness Coffee Shop

This coffee shop is a Chinese-style attic nestled in a corner, offering classic coffee choices and the owner's signature hand drip, all in a charmingly retro setting.

Address: No 12B South Chongqing Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm

 

10. Yi Mu Jia

Yi Mu Jia is a beautiful two-story attic coffee shop in an old Western-style building. The shop boasts a serene environment, a rooftop balcony, and delicious scones, making it a memorable destination.

Address: No 32 Xiangshan Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

 

11. FOJO CAFE·BAR

FOJO CAFE·BAR is a coffee shop with a high pet presence, often resembling a small animal party. The shop is known for its stable coffee offerings, including classic coffee, flavored specialties, and hand drip options. The cozy space and unique "little tiger" theme make it a popular choice among the younger generation.

Address: No 135-1 South Maoming Road

Open: Monday to Friday, 8 am - 2 am; Saturday to Sunday, 10 am - 2 am

 

12. San San Coffee

This highly praised community coffee shop offers a variety of classics, flavored lattes, and specialty drinks, such as the Camellia Latte, along with homemade desserts.

Address: No 179 Ruijin Road Number One

Open: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5:30 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9:30 am - 6 pm

 

13. WANDERER

WANDERER is a low-key community coffee shop with a game-themed interior, offering a wide selection of beans and reasonably priced hand-drip coffee. The shop's owner is a dedicated game enthusiast and the shop's ambiance and offerings reflect his passion.

Address: No 161 South Maoming Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8 am - 6 pm

 

14. NO PUSH CAFE·BAR

NO PUSH CAFE·BAR is a trendy coffee shop with a distinctive purple storefront and a combination of metal and repurposed aesthetics. The shop's menu includes a variety of classic and specialty coffees, as well as unique offerings such as "drinkable desserts" and "MBTI coffee”.

Address: No 153 Ruijin Road Number One

Open: Monday to Wednesday, 9 am – 6 pm; Thursday to Sunday, 12 am - 2 am

 

15. Proaster Bean

Proaster Bean is a unique coffee shop and bean retailer, where the owner personally roasts and grinds the beans right at the store. The shop offers an affordable breakfast set and a wide selection of beans for sale, catering to a diverse customer base.

Address: No 119 South Xiangyang Road

Open: Monday to Sunday, 7 am - 5:30 pm

 

Whether you're a resident or tourist, embarking on a coffee walk along Middle Huaihai Road is a delightful way to explore Shanghai's diverse, vibrant coffee culture. Gather your friends and set out on a journey to discover the best of Shanghai's coffee scene, one cup at a time.

 

Source: "shanghaichihuo" WeChat account, "shhply" WeChat account

Photos by Liu Chuanfeng