Major Korean and International Coffee Chains in China

If you’ve ever walked into a city café hoping for a moment of calm—somewhere to sit, sip coffee, and watch the world go by—you’re not alone. Many coffee lovers seek out cafés that feel like a break from the rush, with comfortable seating, good coffee, and a relaxed vibe. But with so many chains out there, which ones actually deliver that experience?

Five major coffee shop chains have expanded across China’s major cities: Caffebene (Korea), Maan Coffee (Korea), ZOO Coffee (Korea), Costa Coffee (UK), and Pacific Coffee (US/Hong Kong). They vary in style, scale, and positioning, but all aim to offer more than just coffee.

What Is Caffebene and Where Can You Find It?

Caffebene is a South Korean coffeehouse chain that entered China in March 2012. Known in Korea as a go-to dating spot, it promotes a leisurely lifestyle. Its cafés feature wooden interiors, nearly raw wood tables, and bookshelves along one or more walls, creating a space to enjoy coffee with a book. The brand emphasizes a relaxed, almost rustic atmosphere. As of the report, Caffebene had locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other cities, primarily through franchising.

How Does Maan Coffee Compare?

Maan Coffee is a brand founded by a Korean in China. Like Caffebene, it uses natural wood furniture and built-in bookshelves, but its outlets are significantly larger—often split across two floors with steel structures. The brand pays more attention to details, such as providing power outlets under every table. Its food menu is similar to Caffebene’s. The cafés also aim for a cozy, book-friendly environment with ample seating space.

What Makes ZOO Coffee Different?

ZOO Coffee is another Korean chain, distinguished by its animal-themed decor. In addition to natural wood elements, the cafés include animal models and motifs, making them especially family-friendly and appealing to customers with children. Like the others, it offers coffee and a casual hangout environment but with a zoo-inspired twist.

Where Did Costa Coffee Come From?

Costa Coffee originated in London in 1978 and entered the Chinese market in late 2006. It focuses on locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Costa positions itself slightly above Starbucks in terms of pricing and typically opens stores near Starbucks outlets in commercial districts. Its store design and placement strategy aim to attract a similar customer base but with a perceived higher-end appeal.

What About Pacific Coffee?

Pacific Coffee was founded in 1992 by an American couple in Hong Kong and is now owned by China Resources. It entered mainland China in April 2011. Pacific Coffee also sets up in commercial areas, often near Starbucks and Costa Coffee, with comparable store designs. However, its scale and market presence remain smaller compared to those of its competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Korean coffee chain entered China first among the ones mentioned?

Caffebene was the first of the mentioned Korean coffee chains to enter China, arriving in March 2012. Maan Coffee and ZOO Coffee also originate from Korea but the article does not specify their exact entry years relative to Caffebene.

Does Maan Coffee have any unique features compared to Caffebene?

Yes, Maan Coffee tends to have larger spaces, often split over two floors with steel structures, and includes more thoughtful details like power outlets under every table. Both have wood interiors and bookshelves, but Maan Coffee is noted for its more refined design execution.

Is ZOO Coffee suitable for families with kids?

Yes, ZOO Coffee is considered family-friendly due to its animal-themed decorations, which include animal models and a zoo-inspired ambiance. This makes it especially appealing for customers visiting with children.

Where is Costa Coffee positioned in the market compared to Starbucks?

Costa Coffee positions itself slightly above Starbucks in pricing and typically opens stores near Starbucks in commercial districts. It targets a similar customer base but aims for a slightly more premium perception.

How does Pacific Coffee’s presence in China compare to its competitors?

Pacific Coffee has a smaller scale and market presence compared to Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Maan Coffee. It operates in similar commercial areas and has comparable store designs, but it remains less widespread in China.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Café Lovers

For fans of these urban coffee chains, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright, floral, and ideal for enjoying with a book. Their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a rich, full-bodied cup with low acidity, great for relaxing conversation. For something nuttier and sweeter, the Brazil Queen Manor delivers smooth cocoa and caramel notes. All three beans are expertly roasted for filter or espresso, matching the café vibes these chains aim to create. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.