Pu’er Coffee

 Toward the end of last year, I went to Shanghai for the CAFEEX exhibition. This edition was held at the Shanghai International Sourcing Exhibition Center, an area that, for me, was still an unexplored corner of the city. Before setting off, I did what I always do: opened my saved list of Shanghai cafés and searched for spots near my destination. Almost instantly, a café I’d bookmarked ages ago rose to the top— LE PARLOR , located at 629 Zhongjiang Road in Putuo District. With Changfeng Park as a reference point, it’s an easy walk away. One trip, two pleasures: the expo and a long-awaited café visit. Even thinking about it felt perfect. Sure enough, the saying “when the time is right, you’ll naturally arrive” felt more true than ever. On weekend mornings, the street where LE PARLOR sits is unusually quiet. What surprised me was that several neighboring shops all shared a distinctly American retro vibe. A nearby barber shop set the tone immediately, pulling me straight into a time ...

 For many people, that first cup of coffee in the morning is the switch that turns the brain on. But more and more coffee lovers are noticing a frustrating change: You used to handle three or even four cups a day without breaking a sweat. Now? Half a cup and your heart is pounding, your chest feels fluttery, and you start wondering: “Is something wrong with my heart?” “Am I really just getting old?” The good news: you don’t need to panic. Coffee-induced heart flutters are usually not a sign of disease. They come from how your body interacts with caffeine. Today, let’s break it all down clearly—so you can keep enjoying your coffee with peace of mind. 1. Heart palpitations after coffee = caffeine doing its job First, let’s get one thing straight: feeling a bit jittery or noticing a faster heartbeat after drinking coffee doesn’t usually mean something is wrong. It’s simply caffeine doing what caffeine does. The main effect of caffeine is activating your sympathetic nervous s...

 Dirty, also known as “dirty coffee,” became the signature item of many cafés because of its unique look, flavor contrast, and drinking experience. After tasting its charm in a coffee shop, many people instantly become diehard fans. And once they buy their own espresso machine, the first thing they want to recreate at home is—of course—a Dirty. Even though Dirty coffee requires only two ingredients—milk and espresso—making it isn’t as simple as pouring one into the other. There are many key details involved. And these details aren’t just for show; they are what make a Dirty truly a Dirty. They are what separate it from any regular milk-based coffee drink. Many people struggle to capture that layered, contrasting experience simply because they overlook these details, which is why their homemade Dirty tastes nothing like the one at the café. So today, I’m going to walk you through the mistakes beginners often make when making Dirty coffee—and how to fix them—so you can create a versi...

 An Americano is one of the simplest black coffees you can make—just add a certain amount of water to a shot of espresso. No rare ingredients, no complicated steps. It’s so easy that many people think there’s nothing to it. And honestly… they’re not wrong. But if you want your Americano to taste good —balanced, flavorful, and enjoyable—then there are a few things that matter. Everything from your ingredients, to how you brew, to how you mix them affects the final cup. Each choice may look small, but it can make or break the taste. Today, let’s break down the three key things you need to pay attention to when making a great Americano. 1. Choose the Right Ingredients Most people assume that the only thing that matters is the coffee beans. And yes, beans are incredibly important. But when it comes to an Americano, water matters just as much . Water may look and taste neutral, but not all water is created equal. You’ve probably noticed that different bottled water brands have diff...

 The world of coffee never lacks innovation. We’re constantly seeing new and creative combinations made from familiar ingredients. Take coffee and coconut, for instance — this pairing alone can produce countless variations: coconut water + espresso becomes a refreshing coconut Americano ; thick coconut milk + espresso makes a creamy coconut latte ; and coconut + cold brew creates a tropical iced drink. All of these drinks take simple ingredients and layer them into something new and interesting. But just yesterday, I stumbled upon another “experimental” crossover — brewing coffee with coconut water . And no, I don’t mean adding coconut water to already brewed coffee, nor using it to mix with instant or freeze-dried coffee. I mean replacing regular brewing water entirely with coconut water when making pour-over coffee. At first, I frowned at the idea — it sounded a little crazy. But then I thought, if we can boil chicken in coconut water for soup, why not brew coffee with it? Plus...

 What does it really mean to drink good coffee? For many people, coffee isn’t just a beverage — it’s a daily ritual, a source of comfort, and sometimes even a quiet reflection of who we are. Yet beyond the aroma and the caffeine rush lies a deeper world: one where flavor, memory, and mindfulness meet. This article explores how to define quality in coffee and how to taste it with intention — so every sip becomes a discovery. Introduction Everyone has their own taste when it comes to food and drink — and coffee lovers are no exception. Each of us has a personal preference for certain coffee flavors, often tied to a feeling, a memory, or an emotion that connects us to a particular moment in life. Drinking Good Coffee Is the First Step into the World of Coffee “Coffee always tastes bitter, but its aroma is irresistible.” “Chain café coffee tastes good, but it’s mostly milk and sugar — I can’t really taste the bean’s character.” These are the thoughts many coffee drinkers share. E...