How MAAN COFFEE Became a Chinese Café Chain Icon

When you’re searching for the story behind one of China’s first lifestyle coffee chains, you’re likely asking how MAAN COFFEE went from a concept to a familiar name in cafés across the country. You want the timeline, the brand vision, and what made its coffee and food offerings stand out in the early 2010s café boom. This is that origin story—fact by fact, detail by detail.

MAAN COFFEE launched officially in 2011, with its first location, the Lido store in Beijing, opening on January 5th. Brand development began as early as 2010. The name comes from the Chinese character ‘’ (meaning ‘romantic’), reflecting the founder’s vision of creating cozy, modern urban retreats.

The Brand Vision: A Korean-Inspired Urban Escape

Founded by Chairman Xin , MAAN COFFEE was designed to be more than just a place to drink coffee. The goal was to build “comfortable resting spaces in modern cities,” where people could enjoy a moment of romance during their day. This vision shaped everything from the interior design to the service approach and food pairings.

Coffee & Food: Sourced and Prepared to Standard

MAAN COFFEE’s coffee drinks are made using imported coffee beans, roasted and prepared under strict guidelines from Korean roasters. The brand emphasized professional brewing techniques to ensure freshness in every cup. Beyond coffee, two standout food items defined the MAAN COFFEE menu:

• Waffles: Made fresh on-site by Korean-trained pastry chefs. Golden-brown waffles are served with fresh fruit, ice cream, and whipped cream for a simple yet nutritious dessert.
• Toast: Baked with precise control over time and temperature to achieve a golden crust. Topped with aromatic cinnamon powder and caramelized sugar for a unique sweet and crunchy experience.

Commitment to Quality and Service

From the beginning, MAAN COFFEE committed to providing an elegant environment, high-quality coffee and desserts, and well-trained service staff. The brand positioned itself as a high-end café option. After the launch of its first store, the quality of both coffee and service earned widespread recognition, and the company pledged to continue growing with honesty and consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did MAAN COFFEE first open?

The first MAAN COFFEE location, the Lido store in Beijing, opened on January 5, 2011. Brand preparation began in 2010.

What does the name MAAN COFFEE mean?

The name comes from the Chinese character ‘’, meaning ‘romantic’. Founder Chairman Xin wanted the cafés to be relaxing urban spaces where people could enjoy romantic moments.

Where was MAAN COFFEE founded?

Although a Chinese brand, MAAN COFFEE was heavily inspired by Korean café culture. Its first branch opened in Beijing, China, in 2011.

What food items is MAAN COFFEE known for?

MAAN COFFEE is known for its freshly baked waffles topped with fruit, ice cream, and whipped cream, as well as its golden toast with cinnamon and caramelized sugar.

What kind of coffee does MAAN COFFEE serve?

MAAN COFFEE serves coffee made from imported beans, roasted and prepared under strict direction from Korean roasters using professional brewing methods to ensure freshness.

What was MAAN COFFEE’s original concept?

The original concept was to create comfortable, stylish urban spaces where people could relax and enjoy high-quality coffee and food in a premium setting.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café-Style Drinks

For cafés like MAAN COFFEE that focus on both coffee quality and a cozy atmosphere, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers bright floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—perfect for pour-overs or signature espresso blends. The Brazil Queen Manor provides a nutty, chocolatey base ideal for milk drinks, while the Yirgacheffe brings vibrant berry tones that shine in lighter roasts. These beans match the premium, fresh-focused ethos of MAAN COFFEE. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.