Oldie but Goodie is a monthly column where we feature noteworthy restaurants, cafes or bars that have been open at least six months and are worth a try.
Inside megacities like Shenzhen, views, like sunlight, come at a premium. Therein lies the appeal of Kong. With an entire westward-facing wall lined in glass, this 38th-story cafe gives a rare feeling of spaciousness in the crowded city.
From uncomfortably low window seats, we spot two children pulling a flimsy white kite in the shadowed space between two apartment buildings. In another direction, grade school students, still in their uniforms, are visible dribbling and shooting on a fenced-in court.
The view is so good it’s almost voyeuristic. But basketball games and kite-flying aren’t what we’re here for. Instead we take in the sky greedily as the sun, a coppery disc, sinks slowly towards a distant shoreline.
It turns a deep red before being abruptly swallowed by a thick bank of smog. Phone-wielding watchers lining the window turn away, disappointed. There will be no sunset snaps today.
Luckily, Kong offers comfort during these dark times in the form of slightly over-priced refreshments.
The Earl Grey mousse (RMB35) is a delicate gray mass concealing milk tea-soaked cake within, while a showy Totoro roll cake (RMB35) filled with grapefruit-flavored cream bears the face of everyone’s favorite cuddly cat creature.
Cold brew coffee (RMB38) and lattes (RMB36) are available, but instead we choose a pour-over brew of Volcano beans, priced at RMB38.
It’s as strong and smooth as advertised (“Preferred by men,” a staff member said), a welcome pick-me-up after a long day spent indoors.
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