How Much is a Cup of Coffee in China?

If you’re a tourist or expat wondering “how much is a cup of coffee in China?”, in an instant shop or fast-food restaurant, a cup of coffee goes for about ¥7, while in a higher-end shop like Starbucks or Luckin Coffee it will cost you about ¥40. Prices are higher or lower depending on what tier of city you are in. Big cities in China like Beijing or Shanghai have higher costs. Prices are generally affordable and are one reason coffee consumption in China has skyrocketed over the last several years. Coffee drinking is a recent trend that many Chinese, especially millennials, have taken up, with consumption rising mostly in urban areas as the go-to beverage for a quick fix any time of day.

Where to Buy The Best Coffee in China

Have you ever wondered where you can get the best coffee in China? As a tourist or foreigner, you’ll be surprised that Chinese people drink tea more than coffee. The Chinese tea culture dates back thousands of years, and in most households people start their day with tea, especially in rural areas. But if you are an avid coffee drinker, here are some recommendations:

• Starbucks (over 3,600 locations in 150 different cities)
• Luckin Coffee (on its way to over 4,500 locations in China)
• McDonald’s, KFC, or other fast-food restaurants serve coffee throughout the day
• Many small local cafés will usually serve coffee

Coffee In China

In the beginning, there was uncertainty about whether China would adopt coffee-drinking culture, as it was viewed as Western. Thanks to Starbucks and other brands, that has changed. In major cities, instant coffee is widely sold, and most consumers are young, trendy, working-class professionals. Consumption has tripled in just five years. Starbucks is at the forefront of this emergence; it’s reported that a new coffee shop pops up every 15 hours, underlining the rise of coffee culture catering to the urban middle class. In most rural areas, many people are still unfamiliar with coffee, as consumption is still centralized in major urban centers. The Chinese coffee market has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for international coffee chains and growers.

Can I Drink Coffee in China?

In China, especially in urban areas, you’ll find plenty of multinational coffee shops and cafés. Most coffee is drunk on the go, especially during the morning rush hour, and is increasingly seen as the perfect alternative to tea. The development of coffee culture is viewed as a blend of Westernization and local Chinese culture; in many restaurants you’ll find menus with cherry blossom lattes and red bean lattes, symbolizing the acceptance of coffee into Chinese culture.

Is it Safe to Drink Coffee in China?

China has some of the strictest food-safety regulations in Asia, so it’s completely safe to enjoy your cup of coffee. The only difference is that Chinese people prefer their drinks warm or hot, as it’s believed to be better for digestion. There are many established cafés and coffee conglomerates that source beans from the richest, most fertile parts of the world. For visitors, you should familiarize yourself with the local language or have an interpreter with you who can help you order coffee to suit your taste.

Reasons Why The Chinese Coffee Market Matters

As the economy continues to grow, Chinese consumers are more likely to explore new products and services, especially coffee. China is not yet a coffee-drinking nation and still has low consumption rates (three cups a year compared to 250 cups in the UK and 363 in the US). Over the last decade, average consumption increased by 16% per year. The coffee craze in China resembles what was experienced in Japan in 1963-1973. The Chinese middle class driving coffee culture is set to grow into the hundreds of millions, and there is still a lot of untapped potential as more Chinese seek contemporary urban lifestyles that sync with their culture.

Cultural Differences To Be Aware of as a Visitor

Most Westerners are used to solo coffee runs. If you are in China, or visiting for the first time, note some cultural differences. In China, it’s customary never to drink alone; it’s always advisable to drink with a group of friends. If you’re traveling with family, grab a coffee with them, or invite a friend.

Conclusion

Hopefully you now understand how much a cup of coffee in China costs and know where to buy one. There are plenty of coffee shops and cafés that brew some of the best beans in the world, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.