Coffee is more than just a hug in a big mug
In the front of TX Huaihai, a new brick-and-mortar landmark for shoppers, you’ll find KOLs, fashionistas and photographers. A giant model of a dinosaur in a water cube is stunning enough to stop and take a closer look. But often there are exhibitions and events held in the front of the mall too. Once you get into the mall, you will find a perfect place to kill the time and get some nice treats. Yep, let’s call it: a new offline experience for everything you might like.
For an alcohol kick
RTD by Taste Buds
Tired of milk teas and normal coffees? Well, this is a place where you can get a fancy drink and a drop of alcohol with a bit of DIY fun. RTD is a permanent store, so don’t worry that it will be gone when you come to visit here next time.
The hidden store is actually opposite to machi machi, the famous milk tea brand. You can choose your own mixture for fun and adventure or listen to the professionals for advice.
The glass cube looks like a magic lab with a lineup of taps and brown glass bottles filled with a variety of “flavor” extracts. Regular mocktails are priced at 25 yuan (US$3.62) while a large one is priced at 28 yuan.
The best-selling mocktail is Rose Cranberry+Kiffin Lime Gin. Although there are non-alcohol versions available, the owner still recommends you try one with a kick of alcohol. But if you drive then why not try a freshly mixed mocktail sachet (keep chilled) as a takeaway.
There are eight different classic flavors on offer. Once you get home, shake well and pour in a glass with ice. Enjoy! The sachet should keep refrigerated and be used inside 10 days.
Info:
Address: 1/F, TX Huaihai, 523 Huaihai Rd M.
Time: 11:30am-9:30pm
For a nice view
Innersect FACT. COFFEE
Founded by Patrick Pesch in 2017, FACT. COFFEE now has three establishments across the city with the latest one located on the first floor of TX Huaihai. The coffee shop has a spacious seating area indoors and a round-shaped open bar.
The motorcycle is a symbol of the coffee brand, which you may have seen at several exhibitions. The big “COFFEE” sign composed of aluminium tubes is a framed decoration against the wall. In front of it, there are three glass-proofed figures. Two of them are Yoda from Star Wars and the Bearbrick collectable Japanese toy. There is a nice view outside of the coffee shop’s picture frame windows, which resembles a countryside scene.
Innersect FACT. COFFEE provides not only coffees but also desserts and pizzas, which means you can get your lunch or enjoy afternoon tea.
On a nearby shelf there are a few books if you fancy a good read with your coffee. Pour over coffee is recommended though the price varies based on the choice of beans. At the moment, there are three different beans available, Geisha, Colombia, and Brazil.
Info:
Address: 1/F, TX Huaihai
Time: 11am-9:30pm
For inspirations
Visionaire Presents at Stark
If you’re looking for a new venue to take some interesting photos, then you can’t go wrong with Visionaire Presents for fresh ideas. Every item on display is intriguing.
The shop certainly catches your eye as you walk past it. It has a retro familiarity and is filled with funny posters and icons from the 1990s.
Many people may burst into laughter when they see the commonly seen photographs from a popular tourist attraction in China. The setting looks exactly the same as you would see in real life.
The shop also sells a wide range of products, from cosmetics to accessories, but some of them are quite expensive due to limited editions.
From time to time, exhibitions are curated and held here too.
Info:
Address: 2/F, TX Huaihai
Time: 12pm-7:30pm (Monday to Thursday), 11am-8pm (Friday to Sunday)
By the roadside, there are three cafes with outside seating areas. It’s interesting to be part of the street scene in others’ cameras and memories.
CARINO BAKERY & CAFE
This is a bakery that provides a number of beverages.
The street-facing open bar is quite welcoming though you need to go inside to get any cakes/pastries to go with your cuppa.
The 4-inch (10.16-centimeter) cakes are attractive, great to share with friends and not so calorific. By the roadside, there are three cafes with outside seating areas. It’s a great venue for special occasions.
Info:
Address: 1/F, TX Huaihai
Time: 7:30am-10:30pm
NO COFFEE SHA. CHINA
No COFFEE SHA. CHINA is a brand from Japan. When it officially opened last December, there was a long queue outside the store but now it’s better — you can get a cuppa without too much waiting.
It’s not a big place but it still offers a range of branded apparel. The co-founder is a world latte art champion, so get him to create the artwork when you order.
Info:
Address: 1/F, TX Huaihai
Time: 10am-10pm
machi machi
If you are a fan of Jay Chou, you will know about this brand, which was founded by the popular Chinese singer-songwriter.
The main bar is hidden in the mall. With more locations set up, you don’t need to queue for long to get a cup of tea now.
The highlight of machi machi is a new drink — the Lemon Mousse with Strawberry Smoothie. The lemon-flavored mousse topping is fluffy and light with a mixture of shaved ice, strawberries and jasmine green tea — perfect to chill down during the heat.
Info:
Address: 1/F, TX Huaihai
Time: 12pm-8pm
