7 Specialty Coffee Shops in Xiamen Worth Visiting

If you’ve ever wandered into a foreign city and skipped the tourist traps in favor of quiet corners with good coffee, you’ll understand why someone would spend three days hunting down Xiamen’s best independent coffee shops. In April 2015, a self-described coffee traveler spent just that—visiting six or seven cafes in a single day, chasing the city’s lesser-known caffeine gems. Xiamen, often called China’s ‘coffee capital,’ isn’t just about volume. Its coffee scene carries a surprising depth, rivaling some Western cities in vibe and variety.

In three short days, this coffee enthusiast covered a tightly curated route of seven must-visit cafes, each offering something distinct—from antique-filled reading nooks to stylish New York-style bars. Here’s where they went, and why these spots still stand out.

1. 32how: Literary Flair with Global Beans

Tucked into a century-old building on lush, romance-filled Huaxin Road, 32how (32) feels like stepping into a European literary café. The space is part art gallery, part coffeehouse, with mismatched fine china, hanging globe lamps, and a garden entrance. Their coffee menu features single origins including beans from Myanmar, brewed with care. Paired with house-made desserts like brown sugar nut cake and cranberry cheesecake, it’s a spot where coffee and culture blend seamlessly.

2. thank you bar: Cozy NYC Vibes on University Road

Hiding behind unmarked white tiles and shaded by trees, thank you bar is easy to miss—but worth finding. Run by a fashion designer couple, this low-lit, minimalist space channels the ambiance of a West Village diner. There’s no bold signage; just the word ‘’ (thank you) on the ground. The evening menu includes creative drinks and comfort food like mint yogurt with granola and honey. It’s where Xiamen’s design crowd unwinds.

3. Finespace : A Porcelain-Lined Community Hub

This café and event space doubles as a venue for book clubs and breakfast meetings. Its standout feature? A curated collection of British-made porcelain coffee cups displayed on open shelves. Even the bathroom offers a playful surprise—a mirror reflection that reads ‘I am fine.’ It’s a reflection of Xiamen itself: quirky, thoughtful, and full of small delights.

4. : Heritage Meets Coffee on Market Street

Housed in a restored 100-year-old shikumen building in the bustling old Eighth Market , blends history with modern café culture. The ground floor serves local pastries; upper floors host a curated shop of Japanese and Taiwanese lifestyle books, a hidden garden, and a fourth-floor café with views over the market. Patrons sip coffee from retro-style glassware while enjoying the buzz of the street below—a seamless link between old Xiamen and new.

5. Barista Honor: Gritty Charm with LA Energy

This industrial-style café feels like it could be plucked from Los Angeles. Exposed pipes, salvaged lighting, and music posters set the tone. The space draws a creative crowd, and its bold aesthetic—think boxing gloves, Bob Marley prints, and repurposed plumbing fixtures—makes it a favorite for those seeking a moody, urban coffee fix.

6. : Feline-Friendly Café Near Hong Kong Plaza

A haven for cat lovers, stays open late into the evening. Soft lighting, shelves of Polaroid photos, and a collection of guitars create a laid-back mood. The real stars, though, are the resident cats that wander freely. It’s a great spot for a relaxed pour-over and some furry company.

7. Goodone + : Nostalgia in Every Corner

Set at the foot of Dongpu Mountain , this space is part vintage warehouse, part café. While the kitchen has since relocated, the memory remains of its curated collection of antique sewing machines, old signage, and community-focused events. The café served coffee alongside nostalgic newspapers and baking workshops, embodying Xiamen’s love for preserving stories in everyday spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Xiamen’s coffee scene unique compared to other Chinese cities?

Xiamen boasts a high concentration of independent coffee shops with distinct personalities—some literary, some industrial, some vintage. Unlike purely commercial chains, many cafes here are community hubs, event spaces, or creative studios, reflecting the city’s small-town charm and international influences.

Which Xiamen café is best for trying rare or single-origin coffee?

32how is known for serving single-origin beans, including Myanmar origin coffees, often brewed with attention to detail. Their focus on quality and presentation appeals to coffee enthusiasts looking for more than just espresso.

Is there a cat café in Xiamen worth visiting?

Yes, near Hong Kong Plaza is a popular late-night café filled with resident cats. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with coffee and feline companionship.

Are there any historic buildings turned cafés in Xiamen?

Absolutely. is a prime example: a 100-year-old restored shikumen building in the old market district that now houses a café with views over the bustling street below, blending heritage architecture with modern coffee culture.

What’s the best café for an NYC-style coffee experience in Xiamen?

thank you bar offers a minimalist, moody interior reminiscent of New York’s West Village. With handwritten menus and an unmarked entrance, it’s perfect for those seeking a low-key, high-quality coffee experience.

Where can I find a café that also hosts community events?

Finespace functions as both a café and event space, regularly hosting book clubs, breakfast meetings, and other gatherings. Its curated porcelain cup collection and welcoming vibe make it a local favorite for more than just coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Xiamen Cafés

For exploring Xiamen’s specialty coffee scene, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—bright and floral with citrus and jasmine notes—or Yirgacheffe, known for its delicate berry and stone fruit profile. Both shine in pour-over and highlight the kind of single-origin focus found at places like 32how. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.