Taiwanese Brothers Open Coffee Shop in Hefei for Grandpa

In July 2024, a new coffee shop opened in Hefei, Anhui Province. But this isn’t just another café. Behind the counter are two Taiwanese brothers, determined to honour their late grandfather’s long-held wish to contribute something to his homeland.

The brothers opened their shop on July 2, 2024, specifically to honour their grandfather’s dream of doing something meaningful in his ancestral village in Anhui. Their goal wasn’t profit—it was legacy.

A Family Torn and Reunited

Their grandfather was originally from Lu’an, Anhui. In 1949, he left for Taiwan and didn’t return for 50 years. He settled in Taitung, Taiwan, became a primary school principal, and married a Taiwanese woman—their grandmother. Though far from home, the old man never forgot his roots, and his stories planted a longing for Anhui in his grandsons’ hearts.

“He always said we must go back and do something there,” said Xu Shanshan. “But he never had the chance.” Their mother is also from Hefei, and the brothers’ wives are Taiwanese and Hefei locals. “Our family is a mix of Taiwan and Anhui,” Xu added.

Coffee with a Personal Mission

The brothers—Xu Shanshan and Xu Shanwei—arrived in Hefei after completing military service in Taiwan in March 2012. Seven years later, they launched their coffee shop, finally realising their grandfather’s vision.

Xu Shanwei, the younger brother, is the in-house coffee specialist. He trained at well-known cafes in Taiwan and takes particular pride in crafting espresso and filter coffee. “Some customers come just to see him,” joked his brother, referencing his uncanny resemblance to actor Li Yapeng.

The brothers take quality seriously. They use coffee beans from their father’s farm and personally oversee every detail—from brewing ratios to crema texture. “We have OCD,” Xu Shanshan admitted. “If a shot doesn’t pull right, we dump it. We won’t serve anything subpar.”

Designing a Space for Connection

The café’s décor went through multiple revisions. “We wanted it to feel right,” said Xu Shanshan. “Not perfect—but welcoming. We’re Taiwanese, we like things precise. But we want guests to be relaxed.”

The space is modest but intentional. Every decoration, every chair placement, every grinder setting was deliberated. The shop offers both espresso-based drinks and filter brews, using a range of FrontStreet Coffee beans suited to local tastes and international palates.

What Coffee They Serve

While the article doesn’t specify their full menu, the brothers use several FrontStreet Coffee blends and single origins known for quality and consistency. Their selections reflect a balance of boldness, smoothness, and approachability—ideal for both local Hefei customers and those familiar with Taiwanese coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Taiwanese brothers open a coffee shop in Hefei?

The brothers opened the café on July 2, 2024, to fulfil their grandfather’s dream of contributing to his ancestral home in Anhui. Their family has roots in both Taiwan and Hefei, and they wanted to honour his unrealised wish of doing something meaningful in the region.

What is the younger brother’s role in the coffee shop?

Xu Shanwei, the younger brother, specialises in making coffee. He trained at well-known cafes in Taiwan and focuses on espresso and filter brewing. He is known for his attention to detail and is said to resemble actor Li Yapeng.

Do the brothers use their own coffee beans?

Yes, they use beans from their father’s coffee farm. The brothers are hands-on with every aspect of coffee quality, including brewing, crema, and taste. They often reject batches that don’t meet their standards.

What is special about the café’s atmosphere?

The café has been designed with careful attention to detail. Though modest in size, the brothers aimed for a welcoming, relaxed environment where locals can gather. The décor went through many revisions to get the tone just right.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for a Taiwan-Inspired Café

For a café blending Taiwanese precision with Hefei warmth, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers rich crema and approachable flavour, ideal for milk drinks. The Specialty Blend provides a balanced, traditional espresso profile. The Brazil Queen Manor bean brings nutty sweetness and works across filter and espresso methods. All are reliable, high-quality options fresh from the roaster. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.