The Untold History of Cat Villa Coffee Shop

When aspiring baristas tell me they want to learn coffee, I always ask: do you know how to wash a cup properly? Because in my experience, mastering coffee starts with the fundamentals—just like life. Many assume brewing means pulling pretty latte art, but truly great coffee begins with discipline, focus, and the willingness to start small.

The short answer? Cat Villa, a now-iconic Xiamen coffee shop, was built on over a decade of learning—from home experiments with a Yama siphon pot in 2010 to competing in China’s first national barista championship. Every spilled cup, every broken espresso shot, and even the disappearance (and return) of a rescue cat named Xiao Wo shaped its foundation.

The Accidental Beginnings: Home Brewing & Early Mistakes

My coffee journey started humbly in early 2010 with a Yama siphon pot and a small home espresso machine (a “Little Eagle”). I experimented with various brewing methods, but my first real step into espresso was using a Santek 1819—a budget machine I didn’t even understand. Back then, I thought espresso meant frothing milk by hand, pouring it over concentrate, and topping it with chocolate syrup art. It looked good, but it wasn’t meant to be drunk.

Learning the Craft: From Retail to Competition

In late June 2011, I worked at Old Sai Mobile Cafe, mastering every non-coffee drink in just 20 days. While takeaway coffee compromises flavor, it taught me about speed and service. By July, I encountered my first real espresso at Xiamen Coffee Grid, thanks to my first boss at 4399 Micro Coffee. Even though most customers preferred their milk teas, I urge software park visitors to try their coffee.

The real turning point came in October 2011. Encouraged by friends A Lian from Zhu Garden and Niu Xiao Hu, I entered the first China International Barista Championship in Xiamen. To my surprise—I won second place. I had gone in as a casual participant, but the training I received at Coffee Grid made all the difference. That competition wasn’t just a win; it laid the groundwork for my understanding of coffee beans and roasting, knowledge I still rely on today.

Building Cat Villa: A Cafe with Purpose

Winning gave me the confidence to open a coffee-focused cafe. In early December 2011, construction began on Cat Villa—a cat-themed space built on the belief that coffee should come first, not milk tea. Friends who followed me on Weibo from the start kept me going during the brutal two-month renovation, a dark period marked by personal struggles.

Then came Xiao Wo. I found him at Wo Time Cafe (hence the name) and believed he was a gift. Every night, he curled up beside me as I worked late into the morning, helping me build the cafe brick by brick. Tragically, he disappeared the night before Chinese New Year, squeezing through a balcony gap. I searched the entire neighborhood but found nothing. The next day, he reappeared on my balcony, meowing loudly. By the third day of the Lunar New Year, I brought him to the nearly finished Cat Villa.

On February 1, 2012, we soft-opened. Those early days were grueling—I spent countless nights with Xiao Wo until 4 or 5 AM, refining every detail. The shop became what it is today because of the people who joined us during that time, especially one person whose birthday it is today. Without her, Cat Villa wouldn’t be what you see now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What machine did the author first use for espresso?

The author’s first espresso machine was a Santek 1819, a budget model they didn’t fully understand at the time. They used it to practice basic espresso techniques, though initially they made drinks by frothing milk by hand and adding chocolate syrup on top.

Where did the author get their foundational barista training?

The author credits Xiamen Coffee Grid for their foundational barista training. They worked there in mid-2011 and learned the basics of espresso preparation, which later helped them win second place in the first China International Barista Championship in Xiamen.

What competition did the author enter in 2011, and what did they place?

In October 2011, the author entered the first China International Barista Championship in Xiamen. They competed alongside others after being encouraged by friends and unexpectedly won second place, a result they hadn’t anticipated.

Why is the cat Xiao Wo significant to Cat Villa’s story?

Xiao Wo was a rescue cat found at Wo Time Cafe, and he became a daily companion during the late-night cafe setup. He went missing on the eve of Chinese New Year but returned the next day, and the author brought him to the newly opened Cat Villa. His presence was a key emotional anchor during the cafe’s early days.

When did Cat Villa officially begin soft operations?

Cat Villa began its soft opening on February 1, 2012. The author and their team, including the cat Xiao Wo, worked through many late nights to prepare the space and refine the coffee offerings before the official launch.

What lesson did the author learn about learning coffee?

The author believes that learning coffee is like learning how to be a good person—it starts with the basics, such as washing cups and working the service counter. Without mastering fundamentals and showing dedication, one can’t truly excel in making great coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Basics

Start your espresso journey with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright and floral with citrus and stone fruit notes, perfect for learning extraction balance. Pair it with FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling for a heavier body and spicy sweetness, ideal for practicing grind adjustments. Finally, try the Brazil Queen Manor for a nutty, chocolatey base to explore milk drinks. These beans cover the spectrum from light to dark roasts and teach you how origin, roast level, and brew ratios affect flavor. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.