Gulangyu’s Best Cafés & Dessert Shops: What to Try on Xiamen’s Island

It’s hard to find the right word for Gulangyu’s dessert cafés — ‘boutique’ feels too trendy, ‘quaint’ too limiting. But if you’ve walked the island’s cobbled lanes past flower-draped balconies and wondered where locals and travelers actually go for tea, cake, or a decent espresso, you’re not alone. I asked for tips before visiting, and the answers led me to some of the island’s most memorable spots.

If you’re hunting for a taste of Gulangyu, start with Zhao’s Shop: its retro-themed tea room serves four types of pies (¥20/12 pcs) and pineapple cakes (¥30/12 pcs), with sets of three pies + one pineapple cake for ¥85. The café also offers herbal jelly in large portions, though the exact price slips my mind. Delivery via SF Express is available (¥85 for 12 pies to Beijing).

Gulangyu’s Diverse Dessert Cafés

Gulangyu hosts a mix of dessert cafés, each with its own vibe. Some feel like vintage time capsules, stuffed with old trinkets and dim lighting. Others are sleek and minimalist, with clean lines and warm accents. A few lean into global motifs — think lace curtains and tiled floors — while cat-themed cafés dot the island, their walls covered in feline art. My personal favorite? Any place that lets me sip coffee while petting a friendly cat.

Inside Zhao’s Shop: A Nostalgic Treat Stop

Zhao’s Shop stands out with its deep red chairs and curtains, walls painted in a soft lavender hue, and vintage pendant lamps casting a mellow glow. The space feels peaceful, almost mysterious, and invites you to linger over tea, coffee, or one of its famous pies. The owner clearly has a soft spot for nostalgia — the décor hints at a cherished childhood in old Xiamen.

The pies here are plant-based (no lard, just vegetable oil), sold in boxes of twelve for ¥20 (three to four flavors) or ¥30 for a dozen pineapple cakes. A mixed set of three pie boxes + one pineapple cake box costs ¥85. Flavors I tried included yuzu and pineapple — both surprisingly good, despite some online skepticism. (Taste is subjective, but I found them enjoyable without high expectations.)

What to Buy & How to Share It

Zhao’s pies come in single-flavor boxes, so I mixed flavors for colleagues back home. The shop offers SF Express delivery (¥85 for 12 pies to Beijing — pricey, but efficient). My package arrived the next afternoon, and the feedback? “Delicious!” Note: The cost of shipping could buy another whole pie set, but it’s worth it for convenience.

Besides pies, don’t miss the herbal jelly — a generous bowl filled with toppings, priced around ¥15–20 (exact amount forgotten, but the pies were the priority!).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most recommended dessert spot on Gulangyu?

Zhao’s Shop is frequently highlighted for its nostalgic atmosphere, plant-based pies (¥20/12 pcs, ¥30/12 pineapple cakes), and a mixed set option (¥85 for three pie boxes + one pineapple cake box). It also serves tea, coffee, and herbal jelly.

How much do Zhao’s pies cost?

Zhao’s pies are ¥20 for a box of twelve (three to four flavors) and pineapple cakes are ¥30 per dozen. A combo set of three pie boxes and one pineapple cake box costs ¥85.

Does Zhao’s Shop offer delivery?

Yes, Zhao’s provides SF Express delivery. Shipping 12 pies to Beijing costs ¥85, with delivery possible within a day (as experienced by the author).

What’s the herbal jelly like at Zhao’s?

The herbal jelly is served in a large bowl with various toppings. The exact price is unclear (around ¥15–20), but it’s described as generously portioned. The pies were the primary focus of the visit.

Are there other café styles on Gulangyu?

Yes, Gulangyu features a variety of café styles — from vintage rooms filled with old objects to modern minimalist spaces, and even cat-themed cafés with feline decor throughout.

What should I try if I want to share Gulangyu treats with others?

Zhao’s mixed set (three pie boxes + one pineapple cake box, ¥85) lets you sample multiple flavors. You can also customize your own mix, as the author did for colleagues.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Gulangyu Cafés

For a cup that pairs well with Gulangyu’s nostalgic cafés, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yirgacheffe — bright and floral with citrus notes, ideal for sipping alongside lemon tarts or light herbal jelly. Their Ethiopia Humbera offers blueberry and jasmine tones, complementing berry-filled desserts. For something richer, the Classic Blend delivers chocolate and caramel notes, balancing well with buttery pineapple cakes or spiced pies. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.