Exploring Beijing’s drip coffee scene

Soloist Coffee

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

What I had: Dry Process Sidamo Lion King – Ethiopia – 55 RMB

Soloist is as classic a third-wave coffee shop as they come. The spacious, two-story interior is decorated with neat antiques and curios, and the exposed brick wall is painted over with their logo. Because they roast their beans in-house, that rich coffee smell hits you right as you walk in the door. It’s fun just to watch the baristas roast, grind and prepare the coffee. They’re that skilled.

I was extremely pleased with my Sidamo Lion King here, which was brewed in a Chemex. This clean cup of coffee was slightly acidic and citrusy. At 55 RMB, this cup of coffee was on the pricier side, but it wasn’t the most expensive beverage on the menu (that honor goes to a Hawaiian coffee that came in at over 100 RMB.) The value here is fine, though; it is pretty competitive with other specialty coffee shops around Beijing and you’re paying for quality. My coffee took on different flavors as it cooled, which made for a really unique and enjoyable coffee drinking experience.

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