Why Italian Espresso Is Gaining Popularity in China

Walking into a café in a Chinese city today isn’t just about grabbing a caffeine fix—it’s about choosing an experience. As French-style coffee feels overly ornate and American coffee leans too fast, a more deliberate approach is winning over drinkers: Italian espresso. With its precise rituals and rich texture, it echoes the meditative quality of Chinese tea culture, making it an unexpected hit.

The key to a great Italian espresso? Seven grams of freshly ground coffee, extracted at 91°C under nine bars of pressure for around 25 seconds, yielding about 30ml of coffee topped with a layer of reddish-brown crema. That’s the standard backed by decades of research and still widely accepted today.

What Defines a Great Italian Espresso?

A truly excellent espresso goes beyond the numbers. The crema—an essential feature—should be thick, crimson-brown, and filled with tiny bubbles. Yet the real test is in the cup: no bitterness, smooth body, and a lingering aftertaste that remains pleasant for over 30 minutes. These sensory markers, along with properly ground fresh beans, clean water, precise temperature and pressure, and skilled barista work, define quality.

The Science and Craft Behind the Perfect Shot

Dr. A. Illy, in his book Espresso Coffee: The Chemistry of Quality, defined the ideal espresso using repeatable parameters: 7g coffee, 91°C water, 9-bar pressure, 25-second extraction, 30ml yield, and a crema layer. Though not everyone needs a PhD to pull a great shot, these benchmarks are now the industry norm—and why espresso is often called the “holy grail” of coffee. The balance of science and craftsmanship is what elevates it from mere beverage to artform.

Why Caffe Pascucci Stands Out in China

Among the historic Italian coffee brands, Caffe Pascucci stands apart with over 130 years of heritage. Its espresso recipe has remained stable for decades, delivering the bold, full-bodied profile Italians expect. In its home country, regular customers bond with baristas over the consistency of their favorite espresso. “Our high-quality espresso is a big reason why we’ve been well received in China,” a brand representative shared. The company also emphasizes that whether you’re in Rome or Shanghai, the coffee experience should be uniformly excellent.

Founded in 1883 and family-run by the Pascucci family for over a century, the brand has focused on authentic Italian coffee culture. It helped popularize traditional latte art and now operates more than 1,500 stores across 50 countries including France, Russia, and South Korea. “No matter where you are, you’ll get the same exceptional coffee, service, and experience at Caffe Pascucci,” the company promises. Their motto—“A perfect place to start your day”—reflects a commitment to perfection in every cup.

How Italian Coffee Culture Took Root in China

While Chinese consumers initially embraced Western coffee trends, many have grown to appreciate the ritual and depth behind Italian espresso. The style’s meticulous preparation resonates with the same mindfulness found in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. As a result, Italian coffee culture is flourishing in urban centers—not as a fleeting fad, but as a respected craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard recipe for a classic Italian espresso?

The widely accepted standard is: 7 grams of freshly ground coffee, brewed at around 91°C, under 9 bars of pressure for 25 seconds, yielding approximately 30ml of espresso topped with a reddish-brown crema layer. This specification was detailed by Dr. A. Illy and is still used as the benchmark today.

What makes a good crema on espresso?

Good crema should be thick, crimson-brown in color, and consist of millions of tiny bubbles. It contributes to the espresso’s aroma and mouthfeel, and is considered a key indicator of a properly extracted shot. Lack of crema or a pale, thin layer usually signals issues with grind, pressure, or freshness.

Why do people compare espresso to tea in Chinese coffee culture?

Espresso appeals to Chinese consumers because its preparation involves care, precision, and ritual—similar to the mindfulness and tradition found in Chinese tea drinking. Unlike fast American coffee or ornate French styles, Italian espresso offers a slower, more artisanal experience that aligns with local values.

How long has Caffe Pascucci been operating?

Caffe Pascucci was founded in 1883 and has been family-owned and operated by the Pascucci family for over 130 years. It has maintained a consistent espresso recipe for decades and currently runs over 1,500 stores in more than 50 countries.

What makes Caffe Pascucci’s espresso different?

The brand’s espresso formula has remained largely unchanged for decades, preserving a bold and full-bodied flavor profile typical of traditional Italian espresso. Customers often develop a preference for the consistent taste, which contributes to its popularity and loyal following both in Italy and abroad.

What role does crema play in espresso quality?

Crema is a critical component of espresso quality. It not only affects the visual appeal and aroma but also contributes to taste and mouthfeel. A rich, stable crema typically indicates proper brewing technique, fresh coffee, and correct grind size and pressure.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Authentic Italian Espresso

For brewing classic Italian-style espresso at home or in a café, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is a top choice. Designed specifically for espresso machines and moka pots, it produces a rich, velvety crema even with non-professional equipment—ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, and Dirty drinks. Its balanced, full-bodied-style profile appeals to both new and experienced coffee drinkers. For a more affordable yet flavorful option, the Black Cocoa Blend offers deep, smooth taste with generous crema at a lower price point, perfect for high-volume settings. Both blends highlight the qualities that define a great Italian espresso: body, balance, and a luxurious crema. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.