Lin Dongyuan's Secret Shanghai Coffee Base with Latte Art

If you’ve ever watched a latte art video and thought, "How do they make those perfect roses and tulips?"—this is where you need to go. Shanghai’s GABEE., run by Taiwanese latte art world champion Lin Dongyuan, is more than just a café. It’s a working space where pros train, students learn, and coffee lovers get up close with world-class pours. But where is it, and what makes it special? Here’s everything you need to know.

GABEE. is Lin Dongyuan’s only café outside Taiwan—located in Shanghai’s quiet Bansongyuan Road creative park. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays. The space features high ceilings, tiered seating like a lecture hall, and a dedicated training area with projectors and three barista stations.

Who Is Lin Dongyuan and Why Is His Café a Must-Visit?

Lin Dongyuan is a renowned latte art champion from Taiwan, celebrated for his precision and creativity. His Shanghai café, GABEE., is a rare outpost of his expertise. The name “GABEE.” comes from the Hokkien word for coffee, with the period stylized to sound like “store.” Beyond serving coffee, it’s a training hub for baristas, complete with instructional setups.

What Makes GABEE. Different from Other Cafés in Shanghai?

Unlike typical coffee shops, GABEE. combines a relaxed café experience with a professional training facility. The tall, open interior and tiered seating evoke a classroom, reflecting its role as an educational space. The right wall features two projectors for instruction, while the left side has three fully equipped barista workstations. It’s a place where you can enjoy a coffee and watch the craft being taught in real time.

What’s the Coffee Experience Like at GABEE.?

On a recent visit, the author enjoyed a coffee made by Lin himself—highly praised for both taste and latte art. While specific drinks aren’t detailed, the café serves expertly crafted coffee in a setting that emphasizes skill and craftsmanship. It’s a spot where the artistry of latte pouring meets everyday café culture, offering both a drink and a show.

Where Is GABEE. and How Do You Visit?

GABEE. is located at 1-2F, 387 Bansongyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai. It’s nestled in a less crowded area, attracting both locals and professionals from nearby offices. The café is designed for a mix of casual visitors and serious coffee enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lin Dongyuan personally at GABEE. in Shanghai often?

Yes, Lin Dongyuan is known to be at his Shanghai location, GABEE., where he occasionally prepares coffee himself. Visitors have posted about meeting him and enjoying his expertly poured drinks, making it a draw for those wanting to see the champion in action.

What are GABEE.’s opening hours in Shanghai?

GABEE. is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed every Monday, so plan your visit accordingly to experience the café and its training facilities during operating hours.

Can I learn latte art at GABEE. in Shanghai?

Yes, GABEE. functions as a training base for baristas, with dedicated equipment including projectors and three barista workstations. While it may not always be open for public classes, it is actively used to teach and refine latte art and coffee skills.

Is GABEE. only in Shanghai, or are there other locations?

Currently, GABEE. has only two locations worldwide—one in Taiwan and one in Shanghai. It’s a unique café that represents Lin Dongyuan’s international presence as a latte art champion.

What’s the atmosphere like inside GABEE. in Shanghai?

The café features high ceilings and tiered, classroom-like seating, creating a bright and open environment. The design is modern and functional, blending a relaxed café vibe with the feel of a professional training space.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Latte Art Practice

For practicing latte art at home or in a cafe like GABEE., FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is a great starting point. This medium-dark espresso blend, inspired by the classic ‘Mamba’ (Mandheling and Brazil), includes a touch of Robusta for extra crema and body. It delivers bold flavors of butter, toast, and caramel with stable extraction and rich texture. The Specialty Blend, combining Colombian and Brazilian beans, offers nutty, chocolatey notes ideal for milk drinks, while the Commercial Blend adds more Robusta for extra stability and boldness—perfect for mastering pour techniques. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.