Café
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
How to Taste Coffee Like a Professional
Learn how to properly assess coffee’s clarity, aroma, flavor, and texture with professional tasting terms and step-by-step evaluation steps.
The History of Espresso Coffee Machines
How a 1901 Italian engineer’s fast-brew method evolved into today’s high-pressure espresso machines with crema. Here’s how it happened.
Is This the Coffee Spot You’ve Always Wanted?
Yes — a slow-paced café where you can sip coffee, read, and enjoy sunlight without rushing. Here’s what makes such a place special.
What’s the Best Water Temperature for Brewing Coffee?
The optimal water temperature for extracting coffee oils is 93°C. Ideal brew temps range from 90–93°C, serving at 85°C, and drinking at around 62°C.
What Is Espresso Crema and Why It Matters
Espresso crema is the 3–5mm reddish-brown foam layer rich in oils, proteins, and sugars. Learn what affects its color, thickness, and role in flavor.
What Every Barista Learns in Their First Year
Behind every skilled barista is a journey of daily challenges, persistence, and growth. Here’s what it really takes to succeed in coffee.
The Fluid Dynamics Behind Coffee Latte Art
Learn how surface tension, foam stability, and milk flow create latte art patterns through fluid dynamics and coffee chemistry.
Espresso Grinding: How Fine Is Too Fine?
Find out the ideal espresso grind size, why it matters, and how pre-grinding or wrong settings ruin your shot. Backed by science and Illy’s classic formula.
How to Properly Dose and Tamp Espresso for Consistent Extraction
Learn the critical steps for dosing, distributing, and tamping espresso coffee grounds to achieve a balanced 25-second extraction with ideal crema.
How to Design a Specialty Coffee Shop from Scratch
A step-by-step guide to planning, designing, building, and maintaining a professional coffee shop space that works for both business and customers.
What Is Espresso and How Is It Made?
Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed under 9–10 bar pressure at around 90°C in 20–30 seconds, yielding 30ml with a rich crema layer. Here’s how it works.
Creative Coffee Shop Decor Ideas and DIY Projects
Discover simple yet creative coffee shop decor ideas, including DIY wall planters and cork succulent planters that add charm to your café.
8 Stylish Home Bar Counter Designs for Coffee Lovers
Explore 8 practical and stylish home bar counter designs that fit small spaces, enhance workflow, and boost your coffee station’s aesthetics.
Modern Café Tableware Design by Sonia Rentsch
Explore the sleek, minimalist café utensil designs by designer Sonia Rentsch, featuring clean lines and contemporary aesthetics ideal for specialty coffee settings.
Why Four-Leaf Clovers Belong in Specialty Coffee Shops
Discover why four-leaf clovers are a beloved plant in coffee shops — their symbolism, practical benefits, and the stories behind them.
How to Open a Coffee Shop: 10 Essential Lessons
Starting a coffee shop? Here are 10 hard-won lessons from industry veterans on budgeting, location, staffing, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Five Key Questions Before Opening a Successful Coffee Shop
Learn whether to serve food, focus on coffee quality, or pick the right location—five essential factors for launching a thriving coffee shop.
Erhai Lake: A Coffee Stop You’ll Never Forget
Discover why a stop at a coffee shop by Erhai Lake feels like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A deep dive into atmosphere, craft, and serenity.
How Shanghai Became China’s Coffee Capital
Shanghai led China’s coffee culture, blending European flair with local business smarts since the early 20th century.
China’s Coffee Market Growth and Consumer Trends
Explore China’s rapid coffee market expansion—from 800 billion RMB in 2012 to projected 3–4 trillion RMB maturity—with insights into consumption growth and consumer shifts.