Exploring Beijing’s drip coffee scene

Voyage Coffee

[Photo by Ian Callison/chinadaily.com.cn]

What I had: Red Cherry Brewed Coffee – 35 RMB

Located right of Beiluoguxiang, Voyage Coffee feels right at home in the hutong. Though unassuming from the outside, this quiet little coffee shop is a true gem.

Inside, the coffee shop is stark and clean looking, with cement floors and hardwood paneling. Big glass windows along the wall and a window in the hutong-style ceiling allow the interior to be lit by natural light. It is big enough inside to relax comfortably, but the one-story space is still pretty small.

A few things stand out here. First, the coffee is absolutely outstanding, and lovingly made. I had their Red Cherry Brewed coffee, which had a bright, fruity flavor with notes of black tea. When I chose my drink from their admittedly small menu, the barista offered a sniff of the beans before they were ground and brewed to help me with my selection. Baristas then brew it in the center of the shop.

The price here, too, is actually pretty good. All of their brewed beverages come in at 35 RMB, while their seasonal picks are all at 38 RMB. They also boast a handful of espresso beverages, and cold brew, if you’re not into drip coffee like I am.