For anyone who has traveled to Korea, the endless string of coffee shops there was likely a surprise. In recent years, coffee has become the country’s fourth trademark after kimchi, k-pop and roasted meat.
Entering Guangzhou earlier this year, Tom N Toms Coffee is Korea’s number-one coffee chain with over 400 branches worldwide. We assumed the cafe’s owner was someone named Tom, but the staff informed us that Tom is simply a common English name and therefore used as a synonym for the general public. In other words, Tom N Toms welcomes every average Joe to enjoy an afternoon of roasted beans.
Located in a not-so-thriving neighborhood near Liede metro station, the brand’s first outpost in the city has an understated entrance. Don’t be fooled by the outside, however. The interior of the shop is capacious and decorated in laid-back furnishings and harmonious colors. In general, Tom N Toms debunks many common stereotypes surrounding Korean cafes, avoiding busy wallpaper and tacky background music by high-haired K-pop idols. The hour we spent in the cozy shop was accompanied by Katy Perry’s smash hits – who could say no to that?
The coffee selection is similar to what one would find in an average cafe, with choices of Americano, latte, mocha and espresso. The difference lies in the coffee beans – all are roasted and ground in Korea to a level between cinnamon and medium roast. Coffee is therefore guaranteed to be light, smooth and well balanced on the palate; easy to drink even for an amateur. The caffe mocha (RMB35), for instance, is served with a thick layer of whipped cream and culminates in a rich, gooey aftertaste without being saccharine. It is the dash of salt sprinkled on top that makes the magic.
Though the soul of Tom N Toms lies in its coffee beans, non-caffeinated drinks such as fruity smoothies and tea are also vended. The sweet potato latte (RMB32) is a fragrant afternoon delight, with a lingering milky aroma that tickles every nerve.
We were most thrilled to spot the freshly baked pretzels (RMB34-55), which are made in an open kitchen behind the cashier desk. Customers can watch as everything from sweet potato, to seasonal fruits, to barbecued meat is stuffed into each doughy tube. As the pretzel is made upon ordering, it does take a while to be served, but the time you spend waiting is well worth it after one bite of piping-hot, chewy dough.
The only shortcoming of Tom N Toms is its plastic forks and knives – not exactly the environmentally friendly sign that most coffee snobs look for. Otherwise, it’s a decent hideout (unless your name is Tom) and the high-speed Wi-Fi is certainly a plus.
Price: Approx. RMB60
Who’s going: Relaxation seekers after coffee and a snack
Good for: Slow enjoyment of a gently roasted brew
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