Exploring Gulangyu Island’s Specialty Cafés and Dessert Shops

If you’re hunting down the most memorable sweet treats and coffee stops on Gulangyu Island—not just another cookie-cutter café but places with real character—then you’ve come to the right place. This isn’t about chain stores or standard lattes. It’s about finding those one-of-a-kind spots where the décor, the food, and even the atmosphere tell a story. Let’s break down the island’s most interesting cafés and dessert joints, especially for travellers looking for an authentic slice of local flavour.

The short answer? Head straight to Zhao’s Shop for traditional-style pies (¥20/dozen or ¥30 for pineapple cakes), try the herbal grass jelly (¥10–20) at any old-school teahouse, and explore both retro and cat-themed cafés dotted across the island. Each spot offers something distinct—from vintage collectibles to minimalist modern comfort.

Vintage Charm Meets Local Flavour: Zhao’s Shop

Zhao’s Shop is the go-to for anyone wanting a taste of old Xiamen. The interior is packed with nostalgic artefacts—deep red seating, vintage purple curtains, antique lighting, and an overall ambience that feels both peaceful and slightly mysterious. It’s the kind of place where you can sip tea, enjoy a coffee, try a traditional pie, or dig into a bowl of Taiwanese-style grass jelly.

The shop is famous for its (vegetarian pies made with plant-based oil only, no lard), sold in boxes of 12 for ¥20, with three or four flavours. Pineapple cakes come in boxes of 12 for ¥30. A mixed box set (three pie flavours + one pineapple cake box) is ¥85. Flavours include (yuzu/mandarin orange) and (pineapple), among others. Prices match those at Nanputuo Temple (where a six-pack costs just ¥10), but Zhao’s offers more variety per box.

One traveller noted that while some online reviews pan the pies, personal taste varies. Expecting mediocrity led to a pleasant surprise—the yuzu pie was deemed ‘pretty good’. For travellers, Zhao’s also offers SF Express shipping. A dozen pies sent to Beijing cost ¥85 in shipping (almost another full pie box!), but delivery was fast: purchased at 2–3 PM, arrived the next afternoon in Beijing. One colleague reported: “The pies were delicious.”

Sweet & Savoury Comfort: Grass Jelly and Local Treats

No Gulangyu food tour is complete without trying the island’s signature grass jelly . Described as a large bowl with ‘quite rich’ toppings, it typically costs around ¥10–20. Though the exact ingredients weren’t specified in detail, it remains a beloved local dessert, often enjoyed after sampling savoury pies or as a refreshing treat on a warm day.

The article doesn’t go into preparation details, but the emphasis is on the generous portion and the overall satisfying experience. It’s the kind of dessert you remember not for complexity, but for comfort and familiarity.

Café Culture: From Quirky Cat-Themed Spots to Minimalist Hangouts

Beyond Zhao’s, Gulangyu hosts a mix of cafés that range from quaint and cat-themed (with feline motifs everywhere) to stylish, minimalist spaces designed for relaxation. Some embrace an old-world vibe with vintage furnishings, while others offer a more contemporary, cozy aesthetic. The island’s café scene is as diverse as its architecture, catering to every mood—from nostalgic to ultra-modern.

The author also shared a personal anecdote about meeting a friendly traveller from Nanjing at their international youth hostel. Together, they explored the island, shopped, ate, and took photos—highlighting how the café and dessert trail is as much about social discovery as it is about food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zhao’s Shop known for?

Zhao’s Shop is known for its vintage interior decor, traditional (vegetarian pies made with plant oil), pineapple cakes, and Taiwanese-style grass jelly. The shop has deep red chairs, purple curtains, antique lights, and a mysterious yet calming ambience. It’s a great spot to relax, eat, and shop for local flavours.

How much do Zhao’s pies cost and what flavours are available?

Zhao’s pies come in boxes of 12 for ¥20, with three or four flavours including yuzu/mandarin and pineapple . Pineapple cakes are ¥30 per box of 12. A mixed set of three pie flavours and one pineapple cake box is ¥85. Flavours match those at Nanputuo Temple but with more pieces per box.

Does Zhao’s Shop offer delivery?

Yes, Zhao’s Shop provides SF Express shipping. A dozen pies shipped to Beijing cost ¥85, with next-day delivery possible. One traveller confirmed receiving their order the next afternoon after placing it in the afternoon.

What is grass jelly and how much does it cost?

Grass jelly is a traditional Taiwanese-style dessert served in a large bowl with various toppings. On Gulangyu, it generally costs around ¥10–20. It’s a popular, comforting dessert often enjoyed after savoury snacks like pies.

What kinds of cafés can you find on Gulangyu?

Gulangyu features a variety of cafés, including vintage-style shops with antique decor, modern minimalist spaces, cat-themed cafés, and cozy hangouts. Each offers a different atmosphere, from nostalgic to trendy, catering to diverse tastes.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pairing with Gulangyu Desserts

For pairing with Gulangyu’s traditional pies and grass jelly, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright with citrus and floral notes, balancing the sweetness of yuzu pies—or the Yirgacheffe for juicy berry tones that complement fruity fillings. For a deeper contrast, the Classic Blend offers chocolate and nutty undertones that work well with the earthy flavours of grass jelly. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.