Charming 31 Cups Café in Tianjin with a Signature Caramel Macchiato

Looking for a tucked-away coffee spot where time slows down and the ambiance wraps around you like an old sweater? In the quiet streets of Tianjin’s Changde Road, there’s a small café that’s been quietly drawing regulars for years—not for flashy trends, but for its compact charm, personal touches, and a caramel macchiato that strikes a balance between bitter and sweet.

31 Cups Café, nestled on Changde Road, is a petite but stylish coffee spot offering comforting drinks like its signature caramel macchiato for around ¥30. The name reflects the idea of enjoying one cup a day, every day. The interior includes retro décor, a giant map of the Five Great Avenues, shelves of Hello Kitty toys, and a black-and-white mug art installation spelling 'I ♥ 31'.

A Cozy Nook with Personality

Step inside 31 Cups Café and you’re greeted by an interior that feels both curated and lived-in. Despite its small size, the café is packed with character: soft armchairs invite you to sink in, while walls showcase a large hand-painted map of Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues, a collaborative effort by the staff. It’s the kind of place where you can curl up with a coffee and let the hours slip by unnoticed.

The Iconic Caramel Macchiato

The café’s standout drink is the caramel macchiato, made with imported coffee beans. According to the owner, it delivers a flavor profile that’s both bitter and sweet, with a lingering acidic richness. Priced affordably around ¥30, it’s a go-to for regulars who’ve watched the café change hands but remain loyal to its consistent style and comforting recipes.

Nostalgia on the Walls

Beyond the coffee, 31 Cups Café is a haven for retro and pop culture fans. A prominent feature is the large color illustration of Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues painted on the right wall—a staff-created mural. Even more eye-catching are the numerous Hello Kitty dolls and other collectible toys. The left wall features an artistic display: black and white mugs arranged to form a heart around the number 31, while shelves are lined with handwritten customer wishes on delicate bookmarks. There’s even a friendly black cat that roams the space.

Why People Keep Coming Back

Despite having changed ownership, 31 Cups Café has maintained its core charm. The café is a favorite among locals, many of whom are Hello Kitty enthusiasts or simply looking for a quiet moment away from the city’s bustle. With free Wi-Fi and plenty of nooks to settle into, it’s a place built for lingering—over coffee, conversation, or nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 31 Cups Café known for?

31 Cups Café is known for its cozy, compact atmosphere, nostalgic décor including Hello Kitty toys and a hand-drawn Five Great Avenues map, and especially its signature caramel macchiato made with imported beans.

How much does a coffee cost at 31 Cups Café?

Most coffees at 31 Cups Café cost around ¥30, including their popular caramel macchiato which balances bitterness and sweetness.

What is the meaning behind the café’s name, 31 Cups?

The name 31 Cups represents the idea of enjoying one cup of coffee a day, fostering a daily ritual of happiness and companionship through coffee.

Does 31 Cups Café have any themed decorations?

Yes, the café features a large mural of Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues, a 'I ♥ 31' installation made of black and white mugs, and numerous Hello Kitty dolls and nostalgic toys throughout the space.

Is there a signature drink at 31 Cups Café?

The signature drink is the caramel macchiato, noted for its balanced bitter-sweet flavor profile made with imported coffee beans.

Can you bring a laptop or hang out for a while at 31 Cups Café?

Yes, the café offers free Wi-Fi, comfy seating including soft sofas, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for lingering with a coffee and a book or laptop.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk Coffees

For a caramel macchiato or other milk-based drinks like those at 31 Cups Café, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend, which combines Brazilian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese beans for notes of black chocolate, hazelnut, and caramelized sweetness. The Commercial Blend also works well, offering a smooth, well-balanced base with Brazil’s nuttiness and Colombia’s cocoa. For a more premium option, the Brazil Queen Manor SOE brings milk-friendly flavors like milk chocolate, roasted nuts, and creamy caramel. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.