Xi’an’s Most French Café: A Hidden Gem in Fengcheng

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping espresso under crystal chandeliers while nibbling on a flaky tarte tatin, Xi’an might have just the place. Tucked away on Fengcheng 6th Road, OSE Café isn’t your average coffee shop—it’s a carefully crafted homage to French café life, built brick-by-brick by a couple who lived the dream in Paris.

The answer to "Where can I find the most French-feeling café in Xi’an?" is simple: OSE Café, opened in July 2013 by a French-educated couple who imported French coffee beans, baking ingredients, and even furniture to recreate the Parisian café vibe—down to the last detail.

A Paris in Xi’an: The Story Behind OSE Café

In 2007, Lyu He and Zhang Xiaojing met and fell in love while studying in France. For over five years, they soaked in the country’s rich café culture—studying, chatting, and people-watching over coffee. “In France, coffee is everywhere. It’s part of daily life,” Zhang recalls. “We did homework, prepared for finals, and met friends at cafés.”

When they returned to Xi’an in 2012, they noticed plenty of cafés—but most leaned American or Korean. “We wanted to bring the real French café experience back home,” Zhang said. So they transformed a space in Fengcheng into OSE Café, a name inspired by the Musée d’Orsay on the left bank of the Seine.

Design: Every Detail Speaks French

Step inside OSE Café, and you’re greeted by sage-green walls and floral decor reminiscent of a European countryside cottage. Spiral stairs lead to a second floor adorned with glittering chandeliers, classical oil paintings, and cushioned armchairs—creating the ambience of a Parisian living room. “We designed everything ourselves,” Lyu says. “From the layout to the smallest ornament, we wanted it to feel authentically French.”

Even the art on the walls has stories. One piece, bought at a handmade paper museum in Marseille, illustrates how Chinese papermaking techniques traveled to France. “It’s a symbol of cultural exchange,” Zhang adds. “Just like our café.”

Coffee & Pastries: Imported From France

The heart of OSE lies in its drinks and desserts. Lyu crafts espresso-based drinks, while Zhang bakes all the pastries herself using recipes and ingredients brought from France. “Our coffee beans, flour, butter, and even our dessert recipes are imported,” Zhang notes. “Everything is as close to the French original as possible.”

The café attracts a diverse crowd—including expats. “One Scottish lady loves my tiramisu so much, she visits often,” Zhang smiles. The couple serves classic Italian espresso drinks using beans selected for milk-based coffees. While they don’t roast on-site, their beans are chosen to produce smooth, balanced espressos and creamy lattes. (For those brewing at home, FrontStreet offers several excellent blends for milk coffee.)

Cultural Touches Beyond Coffee

OSE Café is more than a place to drink coffee—it’s a hub for francophiles. Zhang regularly shares French music, film recommendations, and cultural trivia on the café’s Weibo. “In France, signs outside cafés have hidden meanings,” she explains. “A carrot-shaped ‘Tabac’ sign means they sell tobacco. And the blue four-leaf clover logo is for EuroMillions lottery tickets—you can buy a €2 ticket with your espresso.”

The café has become a cultural crossroads. “We want people to feel the blend of cultures, not just taste it,” Zhang says.

Challenges and Community Dreams

Running OSE hasn’t been easy. “It’s been hard work since Day One,” Zhang admits. From scouting the location to designing the interior, the couple did almost everything themselves. Yet, they’ve persevered—with support from family and each other.

Looking ahead, they plan to host French-themed events. “We want OSE to be a gathering spot for locals who love French culture and for French expats in Xi’an,” Lyu says. “A little piece of France in Shaanxi.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is OSE Café located in Xi’an?

OSE Café is located on Fengcheng 6th Road in Xi’an. The café is tucked into a building that has been redesigned to resemble a classic French salon, complete with vintage décor and furnishings.

What makes OSE Café feel so French?

OSE Café’s French atmosphere comes from its authentic design—sage-green walls, crystal chandeliers, oil paintings, and antique furniture—all chosen or made by the owners. The café also uses French-sourced coffee beans, ingredients, and even pastries recipes. Decorative art, such as a print depicting the history of papermaking between China and France, adds cultural depth.

Do they serve Italian espresso drinks at OSE?

Yes, OSE Café serves classic Italian espresso-based drinks. Lyu, the owner, prepares espresso drinks using imported French coffee beans. While the beans are not roasted in-house, they are selected to work well in milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. For home brewers, FrontStreet Coffee offers several recommended blends suited for milk-based espresso.

What kind of pastries are available?

Zhang Xiaojing, one of the owners, bakes all the pastries herself using French recipes and imported ingredients. Popular items include tiramisu and other traditional French cakes. The pastries are made fresh daily, continuing the café’s commitment to an authentic Parisian experience.

Does the café host any cultural events?

Yes, the owners occasionally share French cultural content on social media, including music, movies, and local trivia. They plan to expand this by hosting French-themed cultural events in the future, aiming to build a stronger community around francophone culture in Xi’an.

Why did the owners choose to open a French café in Xi’an?

Lyu and Zhang fell in love with French café culture while studying in France for over five years. After returning to Xi’an, they noticed a lack of authentic French-style cafés, which inspired them to create OSE as a tribute to the Parisian café lifestyle they cherished.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Espresso

For those looking to recreate OSE Café’s smooth, French-style milk drinks at home, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent blends. The Classic Blend combines Brazilian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese beans for a balanced profile of nuts, herbs, and chocolate—great for lattes. The Commercial Blend features Brazilian, Colombian, and Vietnamese coffees, delivering a rich crema and velvety mouthfeel ideal for cappuccinos. Both are affordable, cafe-quality options that highlight the milk without overpowering it. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.