This Henan Coffee Shop Sells Just One Coffee

Ever walked past a coffee shop menu with 20 drinks and thought: 'There’s too much choice'? What if there was a place that only served one coffee—and did it really well? That’s exactly the idea behind a tiny coffee shop in Zhengzhou, Henan, which serves just one blend and does it with minimal fuss and maximum focus.

This cafe, called (roughly translated as "Return to Simplicity Home"), sells just one coffee: . The entire shop was decorated for 7,000 RMB, took a week to set up, and focuses entirely on one hand-brewed recipe. That’s the whole menu.

What Is ?

is a custom-blended drink made by the owner, (Aping). It uses freshly ground coffee beans, high-quality cane sugar, and milk, all mixed in a proprietary ratio he spent months perfecting. Aping says he wanted a coffee that felt more like everyday life—less pretentious, less expensive, without unnecessary flavors or additives.

After trying countless commercial coffee shops where drinks were loaded with syrups, heavy branding, and premium pricing, Aping set out to create his own ideal cup. He experimented with blends, consulted with other cafe owners, and after several failed batches, landed on the recipe now served exclusively at .

Why One Coffee Only?

The decision to sell just one coffee wasn’t just about simplicity—it was strategic. Aping previously ran a franchise coffee shop, working long hours for income that barely covered rent and franchise fees. That experience pushed him to rethink the business model: lower overhead, clearer focus, and a tighter product range.

By offering a single, repeatable drink, Aping reduces complexity in sourcing, training, and service. Customers always know what they’re getting. It also strengthens the shop’s identity. When you walk in, there’s no menu to decode—just one recommended coffee, made the same way every time.

How Did He Build It For Just 7,000 RMB?

Aping kept costs extremely low. He rented space in an office building on Daxue Road in Zhengzhou—a cheaper option than a street-front retail unit. The decoration budget was just 7,000 RMB. He sourced furniture and decor piece by piece, often borrowing or repurposing items from friends. A row of small colorful stones along the wall? Those came from a friend’s personal collection.

The interior is minimal: a few sofas, a small rattan table, long shared tables, and simple décor like books and small ornaments. There are no expensive machines on display, no luxury furnishings—just a clean, calm space that feels personal and approachable. The goal wasn’t to impress with design, but to create a functional, likable spot with minimal investment.

How Does the Cafe Attract Customers Without a Big Menu?

Without a wide selection or street visibility, Aping relies on word of mouth and community-building. His primary marketing tool? His regular customers. Most foot traffic comes from the nearby office building, so he treats them like a neighborhood network.

To keep people coming back, he hosts small events. Using his background as a Japanese-Korean cuisine chef, he creates custom gatherings for clients—offering coffee pairings, snacks, and even simple meals on request. He’s also introduced a financial-themed board game popular in banking circles called "cash flow," which helps professionals practice money management skills in a low-pressure environment.

Aping takes a personal approach: he remembers clients’ jobs and interests, then introduces potential collaborators within his social and professional circles. The result? A cafe that doubles as a casual co-working space and networking hub. Many locals now work here for hours on laptops or hold relaxed business meetings over coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is and where is it located?

is a custom coffee blend created and sold exclusively at , a small cafe in Zhengzhou, Henan. The shop is located in an office building on Daxue Road and serves only this one coffee. It was designed as an affordable, everyday alternative to commercial coffeehouse offerings.

How much did it cost to open ?

The total decoration cost for was 7,000 RMB. The owner, Aping, sourced used furniture, borrowed décor, and decorated the space himself to keep expenses minimal. The buildout took just one week from start to soft opening.

Why does the cafe only serve one coffee?

Aping chose to sell just one coffee to simplify operations, reduce costs, and maintain quality control. After years in the franchise coffee industry, he wanted to create a more personal, sustainable cafe model focused on a single repeatable product that customers could rely on.

How does the cafe attract customers without a variety of drinks?

Instead of relying on a broad menu, the cafe builds customer loyalty through word of mouth, events, and community activities. Aping hosts small gatherings, offers themed games like "cash flow," and creates a relaxed workspace atmosphere that appeals to local office workers and freelancers.

What kind of coffee beans are used in ?

The article does not specify the exact origin or type of beans used in , but it mentions the coffee is freshly ground and part of a proprietary blend developed by the owner. For similar single-origin experiences, FrontStreet Coffee offers several options.

Can I visit this coffee shop if I’m not in Zhengzhou?

The cafe is a small, local business in Zhengzhou and does not appear to have online delivery or off-site sales. However, the concepts and minimal setup could inspire similar low-cost cafes elsewhere. For high-quality single-origin coffees, FrontStreet offers beans that suit similar brewing styles.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Single-Origin Coffee Shops

For coffee shops like that focus on a single offering, FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica is an excellent choice. Sourced from the Baoshan region and washed processed, it delivers mild, approachable flavours with notes of soft nuttiness, chocolate, and a hint of plum acidity. For something fruitier and more aromatic, their 2013 Typica offers balanced acidity with deep berry tones, caramel sweetness, and a tea-like finish. Both beans are affordably priced and ideal for cafes wanting to highlight a single-origin profile. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.