Why You Don't Need Starbucks to Drink Coffee

Ever caught yourself asking why everyone seems to default to Starbucks when they want a decent cup of coffee? The truth is, your search for a good brew doesn’t have to begin and end in a global chain. In fact, understanding how coffee took root in China reveals a much richer — and more varied — coffee culture than you might expect.

If you’re wondering whether you need to trek to Starbucks for a proper coffee experience, the short answer is no. China’s coffee journey began as early as the late Qing Dynasty, with terms like 'black wine' and 'kāi féi' used before the word 'coffee' officially entered the language in 1915. Since then, coffee has evolved from a foreign luxury to a symbol of taste — and you have more choices than ever, both in cafes and at home.

The Early Days: When Coffee Was ‘Black Wine’

Long before ‘coffee’ was a word in Chinese, the drink went by other names. Before the late Qing period, Chinese people referred to it as ‘black wine.’ By the Tongzhi era (1862–1874), a Western cooking guide called 《》 called it ‘kāi féi.’ It wasn’t until 1915, with the publication of 《》, that ‘’ became the standard Chinese term. From that point on, drinking coffee signalled sophistication — even revolutionaries like Deng Xiaoping brought coffee gear with them during hard times.

Coffee Culture Tiers in China

Over the decades, coffee culture in China has splintered into distinct tiers, each with its own vibe, clientele, and aesthetic. These aren’t just places to get caffeine — they’re identity markers.

1. The Budget Option: Chain Cafés Like Shangdao and Liang’an

Before Starbucks arrived, urban trendsetters flocked to Taiwanese-style coffee shops such as Shangdao and Liang’an. These spots served cheap meals alongside coffee, bathed in dim lighting, with background saxophone music and private rooms for cards. They became go-to spots for middle-aged daters and aspiring literati. Even if you didn’t like the coffee, you could pretend to enjoy the ‘ambience’ while quoting Qiong Yao or Yi Shu on QQ Zone.

2. The Artistic Crowd: Independent Cafés

More style-conscious coffee lovers gravitated toward independent cafés tucked into old buildings. These spots were curated with vintage bric-a-brac: travel photos (especially from Lijiang or Tibet), faux movie posters, broken typewriters, globes, and often a perpetually sleepy fat cat. French jazz or soft jazz played non-stop. Here, female patrons ordered cappuccinos, lattes, or flavoured mochas, cared more about latte art than flavour, and posted filtered photos with open English books to social media.

3. The Connoisseurs: Home Brewers and Cupping Pros

The highest tier of coffee enthusiasts skips the café altogether. Their homes or offices are equipped with siphon pots — gear that demands skill and patience. Many take it further, learning to cup coffee, evaluating dry and wet aromas, acidity, body, sweetness, and aftertaste. Mastering these steps gives them the confidence to discuss origin, processing, and roast profiles with authority.

What This Means for You

You don’t need to follow the crowd to Starbucks to enjoy a meaningful coffee experience. Whether you’re sipping budget brews in a retro chain, snapping latte art in an indie café, or experimenting with a siphon at home, there’s a coffee lifestyle that fits your taste — and your budget. Understanding the history helps you make better choices today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was coffee called in China before the word ‘coffee’ existed?

Before the term ‘’ was established in 1915, Chinese people referred to coffee as ‘’ (black wine) and, during the Tongzhi era, as ‘’ (kāi féi). These terms predate the modern Chinese word for coffee.

Were there coffee shops in China before Starbucks?

Yes, before Starbucks entered the Chinese market, Taiwanese-style coffee shops like Shangdao and Liang’an were popular. These venues offered coffee alongside cheap meals, dim lighting, and a lounge-like atmosphere, often with entertainment options like card tables.

What are independent coffee shops like in China?

Independent coffee shops in China are often located in historic buildings and decorated with vintage items like old cameras, typewriters, travel posters, and sometimes resident cats. They cater to an artistic crowd, focus on latte art, and are popular for social media photo backdrops.

What do serious coffee drinkers do differently?

Serious coffee enthusiasts often brew at home using advanced gear like siphon pots. They learn to cup coffee, assessing attributes like aroma, acidity, body, sweetness, and aftertaste. This expertise allows them to evaluate beans by origin and processing method.

Do you need to go to a coffee shop to enjoy good coffee?

No, you don’t. Good coffee can be enjoyed in various settings — from budget chain cafés to stylish indies or your own kitchen using proper equipment and techniques. The setting is a matter of personal preference, not quality.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Brewers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, ideal for pour-over fans who appreciate clarity. For siphon users, their Yirgacheffe offers juicy berry tones and a tea-like body. Both showcase the nuance that home brewers can highlight. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.