We've all seen how cafés have been changing—no longer just a place for a latte or a cappuccino. More and more of them are now serving…
local snacks! And not just cookies or cakes—we're talking about seriously nostalgic street food like scallion pancakes, fried tofu, sticky rice rolls, and even meatballs. Sounds like an odd match? Well, in cities like Hangzhou, it's becoming the new norm.
Why snacks in cafés?
Let's be honest—we don't always want to sip coffee on an empty stomach. That's why many local coffee shops are turning to traditional Chinese snacks to keep us coming back. They're warm, tasty, familiar, and pair surprisingly well with a bold Americano or a creamy latte. More importantly, for café owners, adding snacks helps attract foot traffic all day, not just in the morning rush or lazy afternoons.
A popular café experiment
We recently visited a café in the heart of Hangzhou called Men Kou You Zhan Deng (literally, "There's a Light at the Door"). Their unique selling point? Coffee plus Hangzhou-style street snacks. The menu includes local favorites like scallion pancakes with fried dough sticks, crispy fried tofu, oil-fried cakes, and fried fish. The combination may sound strange at first—but it works. In fact, after they posted the new menu on social media, customers flocked in.
The perfect local pairing
The owner shared that many customers in the morning order an iced Americano with scallion pancakes—crispy, hot, and fragrant. In the afternoon, it's all about fried tofu and oil cakes with a hot latte. All the snacks are freshly made by a chef who used to work at a well-known restaurant. It's like bringing the street market right into your cozy coffee nook.
It's not just Hangzhou
Hangzhou isn't the only place getting creative. In Shanghai, a café gained popularity by pairing coffee with jianbing (Chinese savory crepes). In Ningbo, you'll find coffee paired with sticky rice rolls and scallion pancakes. In Chaozhou, they offer coffee with taro cakes. Even in Yunnan, people are enjoying coffee with dried vegetable meat buns. The list goes on—each region adding its own local twist.
The secret sauce? Contrast
Why do these odd pairings work? One word: contrast. The more unexpected the combo, the more people talk about it online. A hot, savory snack next to an iced brew catches the eye—and the taste buds. Especially when the local flavors are nostalgic and comforting, it's hard not to be intrigued. Plus, these snacks offer strong aroma and texture, balancing perfectly with smooth or bitter coffee notes.
A clever move for cafés
For small independent coffee shops, offering snacks isn't just trendy—it's smart business. It keeps costs lower than full meals, fits perfectly into busy morning or lunch breaks, and avoids needing a big kitchen. It also helps transform the café from just a drink stop into a community hangout where people can actually stay, eat, chat, and relax.
Coffee shops open late, but we still want snacks
As cafés start opening later into the evening, snacks become even more important. Think about it—young people might not want a full dinner at 9 PM, but a small plate of crispy tofu and a warm coffee? Yes, please. Compared to expensive night spots, cafés offer a casual, affordable, cozy place to unwind. That's why this snack trend isn't just a gimmick—it's a way to turn a coffee shop into a true “third space,” like the famous Central Perk in Friends.
Hot food warms the soul
Let's not forget, we love our hot food. It brings comfort, smells great, and often reminds us of home. So adding snacks to a café not only satisfies our taste buds but also fills the space with that inviting smell of something frying or baking. It's warm, it's nostalgic, and it brings people in.
What's next for us?
So Lykkers, next time you visit a coffee shop and spot fried fish or sticky rice balls on the menu, don't be surprised—just give it a try. You might discover a new favorite combo! And who knows? One day, your neighborhood café might become your favorite breakfast or late-night snack spot, not just your caffeine fix.
Wanna share your weirdest or best coffee + snack combo? Tell us—we're curious!
