The bean of American third-wave coffee has taken root in Baishizhou’s soil, sprouting in the form of Banxian Cafe.
Organic coffee beans and musical jam sessions set the shop apart from other nearby hole-in-the-walls. Run by Lu Lu, a freelance scriptwriter from Guizhou, Banxian feels cozy and a bit bohemian – like the inside of a refurbished VW Bus. Striped dark blue sheets hang from the walls and ceiling in the back room while Christmas lights and bare filament bulbs illuminate the interior in an amber glow. A small, white sheet is draped on the back wall as a screen for Monday and Tuesday movie nights.
Random instruments and associated equipment are tucked into corners of the shop – a keyboard, ukulele, guitar, amp and microphone – waiting for someone to pick them up and start strumming. Customers can also store their musical gear inside, so they can play anytime they want. Though there’s no open mic night, the venue would be excellent for one, especially a poetry reading. It will soon start featuring DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, too.
Lu knows the concept of coffee connoisseurship is new in Baishizhou and uses mostly medium-quality (but all organic) beans to keep costs down, but hopes to change that over time as regulars develop a more refined palate. Curious residents can currently purchase single-origin, hand-brewed coffees for RMB38.
We recommend the Panama single origin, a sultry brew of dark chocolate, oak and cherry flavors. For espresso options, the hot caramel macchiato (RMB25) stays foamy for every sip with a hint of chocolate grafted into the flavor. Though the mocha (RMB25) is smooth and strong, the cheap cream on top detracts from it, along with an overabundance of chocolate syrup.
Though not sufficient for lunch or dinner, Banxian has snack foods like the tuna sandwich (RMB25), filling with fresh vegetables, and the tiramisu (RMB25), which is small and flavorless.
Other happenings here include a book exchange and a Saturday night language exchange. The literature reflects the customer base and is mostly in Mandarin. However, that’s due to the cafe’s tucked-away location near exit A of the Baishizhou MTR station. Once you know the way though, it’s simple: straight out of the station, then take the second left you can into a small alleyway. Just look for the guitar, flower pots and sign that says, “Coffee.” Cheap single origins and good times await.
Price: Approx. RMB25-38 for a coffee
Who’s going: Young professionals, college students, musicians
Good for: Third-wave coffee, jamming, catching up with friends
// Listing.
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