Beijing

Tucked inside a historic annex of Xishiku Church, 1901 Café sits in a 1901-built villa that immediately stands out from its Hutong surroundings, even without a sign. Inside, three creaking wooden floors are linked by narrow staircases and furnished with mismatched armchairs, old bookshelves, and a mix of vintage décor that gives the place a lived-in charm. It’s long been a favourite with expats looking for a quiet corner near Houhai. The menu features Western dishes along with a few Chinese ones, and the drinks range from coffee to beer.

Named after the writer Lao She and his classic play Teahouse, Laoshe Tea House is one of Beijing’s best-known places to experience traditional tea culture. The setting feels theatrical in itself: carved wood, lantern light, and a steady hum of teapots being refilled, and the menu mixes classic teas with small desserts and snacks drawn from both imperial and everyday Beijing traditions. Most visitors come for the performances, which rotate throughout the evening and can include snippets of Beijing Opera, bianlian (face-changing), acrobatics, and traditional magic acts. If you’re planning to go, it’s worth booking ahead, especially on weekends, as seats fill up quickly.

Maan Coffee doesn’t look especially remarkable from the outside, but inside you’ll find one of Beijing’s more atmospheric café chains. The interiors lean towards vintage industrial, with tall bookshelves, exposed brick, soft lighting, and oversized chandeliers. It’s a Korean-owned chain with multiple locations across the city, popular with students, remote workers, and anyone who wants a relaxed place to linger. The menu is known for its waffles and honey toasts, often served with fruit or ice cream, along with a wide range of coffees and teas.

In the heart of Dongcheng, Voyage Coffee is the kind of café that wins over serious coffee people. The space itself is bright and minimal, with huge windows that let in streams of natural light and a clean, modern design that feels instantly calming. Voyage is known for its meticulous approach to brewing, whether you’re ordering a hand-pour, a robust espresso, or their excellent cold brew. If you’d like something sweet on the side, their house-made desserts, especially the tiramisu and cheesecake, pair perfectly with a cup.

Inspired by New Zealand café culture and named after the popular Aussie-Kiwi coffee beverage, Cafe FlatWhite was founded in China and now has several locations across Beijing, including a flagship in the 798 Art District. The café specialises in carefully brewed coffee, with a rotating selection of single-origin and blended beans. The menu also includes simple Western-style food such as sandwiches, salads and pastries.