Shanghai is a city of contrasts – an ultra-modern smart city brimming with skyscrapers that shadow centuries-old neighbourhood alleyways and uber rich history. Adding onto that is its unmissable coffee culture that mirrors this juxtaposition beautifully. In fact, the cutting-edge city’s the epicentre of a coffee renaissance and has recently earned another accolade: the world’s coffee capital.

China’s financial capital is believed to have the most cafes in the world, boasting a whopping number of 9,533 coffee shops by the end of 2023, according to a report by the Shanghai International Coffee Culture Festival. While this cafe boom includes larger chains such as Starbucks and its Chinese rival Luckin Coffee, many of these establishments include niche, independent outlets, from charming curbside kiosks to cosy, off-the-beaten-path spots.

As someone who has strolled down Shanghai’s leafy lanes and hidden alleyways, one thing is clear: the majority of these coffee joints bring their own unique character to the table. Each one presents a vibe that is entirely its own — cool, confident, yet delightfully unpretentious. The higher competition also signifies a bigger appetite for experimentation, so there are always fresh tastes and inventive brews that await. To counter Shanghai’s high expenses, many cafes also shift gears after sunset, turning into vibrant bars with live performances, and truthfully, that’s a major plus for us.

Cue the debut of our new series, Cafe Crawl, where we create a day-long itinerary to help you explore various cities of the world one cup at a time, indulging in artisanal brews, yummy pastries, scrumptious eats, and Instagram-worthy interiors. Join us as we take you through a day of sipping, savouring, and soaking in the rhythm of Shanghai’s coffee scene.

8:00 a.m. – Seesaw Coffee

Kick off your day at Seesaw Coffee, one of Shanghai’s pioneering specialty coffee shops. Known for its minimalist decor and expertly brewed pour-overs, Seesaw offers a serene setting to savour your first cup of the day. With multiple branches across the city, each Seesaw location boasts stylish, modern interiors with a welcoming vibe that invites you to linger.

Their commitment to quality always shines through, particularly through their menu which emphasises on Yunnan coffee from their own coffee plantations and roastery. Signature drinks like the Salted Egg Yolk Latte and Longan Espresso Tonic showcase Seesaw’s creativity, and there are always freshly baked goods on offer.

Seesaw Coffee
Various locations
Opening hours: Varies depending on the store locations
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10:00 a.m. – Baker and Spice

Baker & Spice is a beloved Shanghai institution that merges the comforting charm of a bakery with the finesse of an European cafe. Here, you must not miss its artisan breads, fresh pastries, and a menu packed with hearty breakfast options. A morning paradise, the interiors comprise a warm, rustic aesthetic with large communal tables. Along with your second cuppa of the day, treat yourself to a flaky croissant, poached egg on avocado toast, or their famous cinnamon buns for a satisfying breakfast.

Baker & Spice
195 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200020
Opening hours: 06:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily

12:30 p.m. – RAC Coffee and Bar

This is one of the hottest brunch places in Shanghai, popular for its savoury galettes, sweet crepes, egg-based dishes, a wide selection of wines, and so much more. Once a takeaway coffee window, RAC has now expanded into a full-fledged restaurant, yet still retains a homey, neighbourhood feel. Featuring a courtyard secluded from the main road, it is an ideal spot to take a midday break, enjoy a cold brew, and sink your teeth into an extensive all-day brunch menu. You can also let your hair down in the evenings to sip on some wine and other boozy concoctions there.

RAC Coffee and Bar
Building 1, No.322 Anfu Road, Shanghai, 200031
Opening hours: 08:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Mondays to Saturdays), 08:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m. (Sundays)
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3:00 p.m. – 3½ Coffee

Intentionally designed by Shanghai-based design studio Some Thoughts, 3½ Coffee is a minimalist haven adored for its expertly brewed single-origin coffee. This small yet stylish spot features sleek interiors fusing industrial tones with raw natural materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly calms the senses. Pair your cup of meticulously prepared pour-over or flat white with one of their house-baked pastries – favourites include their buttery croissants and delicate financiers. It’s a great teatime stop to snap some photos for the ‘gram and recharge before continuing your cafe crawl.

3½ Coffee
No. 1, Lane 305, Taiyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031
Opening hours: 09:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m. daily

7:00 p.m. – O’mills Sourdough Bakery and Bistro

Round off your day at O’Mills Sourdough Bakery & Bistro, a cosy and elegant establishment ideal for casual dining. Revered for its artisanal sourdough breads, O’Mills also offers an extensive menu of hearty, wholesome dishes that celebrate fresh, organic ingredients. By dinnertime, the space transforms into an intimate bistro, perfect for unwinding with a satisfying meal. Signature dishes include their wood-fired sourdough pizzas, grain bowls, and vibrant salads, paired beautifully with their selection of organic wines. The ambiance strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern flair, making it a lovely space to savour both the food, the coffee, and the moment.

O’mills Sourdough Bakery and Bistro
110, Yongjia Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031
Opening hours: 09:00 a.m. – 09:00 p.m. daily
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10:00 p.m. – REi-Flower Coffee Bar

End your cafe crawl on a whimsical note at REi-Flower Coffee Bar, a one-of-a-kind spot where coffee meets art. This enchanting space that affords stunning views of Shanghai’s iconic skyscrapers from the left bank of the Suzhou River doubles as a florist and cafe. By day, it serves as a chic coffee joint, but come evening, it transitions into a delightful bar superb for unwinding. Sip on their signature floral-infused coffee creations or opt for a handcrafted cocktail that pairs beautifully with their small selection of desserts. The fresh blooms and delicate decor make REi-Flower Coffee Bar a sensory delight and an even better conclusion to a day of cafe-hopping.

REi-Flower Coffee Bar
234, North Suzhou Road
Opening hours: 10.30 a.m. – 01:00 a.m. daily

Featured image: Dynamic Wang