北風社 — Restaurant in Datong District

A popular local cafe recommended by a local friend. 北風社 is a beautifully furnished cafe that looks like a splash between a traditional Chinese medicine shop, an old Chinese book store, and a traditional tea shop. It is indeed unique in its own way.

Was recommended to try the Sicily coffee, and was pleasantly surprised. It tasted like lemonade with coffee, while it sounds bad, but it is actually refreshing, and both flavors actually complimented each other while you taste it.

The cheese cake with salted egg was an interesting take to the classic cheese cake. A dessert worth trying for sure. It accompanies well with the sour profile from Sicily coffee.

There might be a queue, but we were lucky to get seats while patrons were vacating. Cafe is located at a great spot with loads of boutique local retail brands too. A perfect spot...

Not sure why it’s so hard to get into this cafe — yeah it’s hip, there’s relatively limited seating, but I could name other cafes in the area with similar criteria that don’t require queuing downstairs and awkwardly waiting, unsure if you’ll get in. Twice I’ve lined up near opening time (1 pm) when ~ 1:10-1:15 someone finally came down to open the door — seems like the employees are just too cool for school. Once in, it’s fine, but honestly 浮光書店 next door has a similar industrial hipster vibe, same loft style, more natural light, opens an hour earlier + no wait — if you just wanna sip some ☕️ or 🍵 + chill or do work. Haven’t tried the bites here, but the iced 🍋 ☕️ was good. I’m sure peeps line up for a reason, but prepare to wait in line or not even get in (full capacity sign hanging on the...

Just like the independent bookstore right next door, this coffee shop is now leading the trend to transforming (or adaptive re-use) the Zhongshan urban core area from industrial roots (such as car mechanics shops) into cultural space for the young trendsetters. The cafe is converted from the upper floor of a typical row house called Shophouses built in the Japanese occupation era. Their thoughtful use of the space and added lightwell and open-air balcony area give this place a positive vibe. It’s the perfect hidden spot to take a breathe while exploring the city. It’s just next to the Zhongshan Linear Park (a new green open air walkway park that links a few major subway stations from north to south), making it an ideal stop when roaming around either on foot, riding...