Shanghai

Kansas City’s Tea Scene: Where Culture Meets Cup

Kansas City’s Tea Scene: Where Culture Meets Cup

Here’s what you need to know: Kansas City’s tea scene is a hidden gem, blending tradition, innovation, and cozy vibes. From the smoky aroma of a well-brewed pu-erh to the floral whisper of a hibiscus blend, these shops are more than just places to sip—they’re portals to global flavors and local craftsmanship. Start at Shang Tea, tucked beneath Crown Center’s glass dome. Owner Shang, a self-taught tea sommelier, curates white teas that feel like a quiet rebellion against caffeine. His Aged Wu-Long, a 2012 harvest aged for 18 months, is a study in subtlety—sweet, nuanced, and packed with antioxidants. For…
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Why Emerging Markets Are Rewriting the Rules of Specialty Coffee

Why Emerging Markets Are Rewriting the Rules of Specialty Coffee

If you’ve ever wondered why coffee shops in Shanghai are booming while European cafes struggle to keep customers, the answer lies in a quiet revolution. Emerging markets are redefining what specialty coffee can be—by blending passion with pragmatism, they’re proving that creativity outpaces competition. In places like India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural conversation. These regions are growing at double the pace of Western markets, with India’s coffee shops expanding at twice the rate of their US counterparts. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s rise as a global coffee hub shows that novelty, not just quality, still…
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