The Place
Making its first foray into southern China, Gloria Jean's Coffees means business. At least, that’s what we gathered from spending a couple of hours getting loaded on caffeinated drinks, sugary thirst-quenchers and pub-style bites.
Occupying a decent corner block on Xingsheng Lu right next to the W Hotel (and coincidently across from Starbucks), the brand originates from Australia. With nine local shareholders at the helm of this franchise, it is clear that they’ve put all their beans into this pot of joe. And we’re here to spill.
Image via Gloria Jean's Coffees
The Food (and Drinks)
It’s a coffee shop, so naturally, start with a hot cuppa. The latte (RMB32) is particularly good, especially if you like your cup of joe dark, hot, strong and foamy. If your tingling tongue needs a cold pick-me-up, opt for their chillers; the signature cookies and cream (RMB34) is recommended, and we can see why. It’s rich and thick, with bits of chocolatey goodness swimming around under a dollop of velvety whipped cream. Coffee gourmands will like the alternative coffee brewing options, including the cold drips and pour over varieties.
Image via Gloria Jean's Coffees
Product localization seems to be a feature here, with drinks you wouldn’t normally find in their overseas franchises. Favorites include the matcha red bean chiller (RMB39), cranberry tea with chrysanthemum and goji berries (RMB29), and the milk tea (RMB29), which taste much like those you get in local cha chaan tengs for half the price down the road. With options for add-ons like soy, Gloria Jeans is a good alternative to coffee brands who appear to be sitting on their laurels (read: popularity) and dishing out liquids they like to call coffee. It’s a family-friendly place too; if you happen to have a child below 10 (we’re really not sure how they’ll check for age), babycinos are free with every beverage purchase. For those not in the know, it’s simply steamed milk and a dollop of milk foam in a piccolo cup. Yum.
Image via Lena Gidwani/That's
To wash down those liquids, there’s food too. Whilst it cannot be considered anything other than ordinary, the prices and taste are decent. We sunk our teeth into some angry chicken wings (RMB28), eight little bits marinated with some Sichuan pepper powder. It’s a tad spicy for the little ones, so if you are looking for something less numbing, try the spaghetti bolognese (RMB43) or the Aussie dad’s beef burger with fries (RMB58).
Image via Gloria Jean's Coffees
Desserts fare better than meals; we relished the strawberry napoleon (RMB68), with layers of fresh fruit and light cream. The other desserts looked decent too, although we didn’t get a chance to try any.
Image via Lena Gidwani/That's
The Vibe
Spread over two floors with plenty of seating and open spaces, the specialty coffeehouse has a tranquil vibe for meetings, co-working opportunities or that catch-up you’ve wanted to do for a while. With free (and speedy) Wi-Fi as well as table service, it’s obvious that folks who come here actually want to enjoy a well-deserved caffeine hit, rather than to take cute selfies with their cups.
Price: RMB50-80
Who’s going: those who don’t like Starbucks, cookie and cream fans
Good for: quiet meetings, warm lattes, cute orange bears named Gloria
Nearest metro: Liede (Exit D), 10 minutes
[Cover image via Gloria Jean's Coffees]
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