DAB haus is the Future of Coffee Shops in China – Not Starbucks/Luckin Coffee
The Chinese coffee scene has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade as coffee has become the favourite drink of those in the larger cities. China has established itself as the leading branded coffee shop market worldwide, boasting a thriving coffee culture that is on par with industry giants. International brands such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee have made significant contributions to the growth of coffee consumption in China, further solidifying its status as a major player in the global coffee scene.
However, there’s been a new player in town: up-and-coming coffee chains have disrupted the market share of established brands like Starbucks. Luckin Coffee burst onto the scene in 2017 and quickly opened its first shop, capitalizing on the growing demand for specialty coffee among Chinese consumers.
But there is a yet a newer wave of coffee shops, a renaissance of sorts that is sprouting from the grass roots of coffee society, just as many a coffee drinker here grows exhausted of commercial malls and dull coffee brands. I believe things are changing.
Location (aPark)
DAB Haus (lovingly known as just Dab too many) is located at aPark, Xiameilin, Futian Shenzhen, China. Which is one the newest and coolest revamped, slash repurposed areas in Shenzhen. The site used to be an old electronics factory, but now it’s much more than that. It has become a local Mecca for fun and style.
DAB Haus
There can only be one Dab Haus. Even if they were to make second one, it would have to be different. It’s completely unique and million light years from Luckin Coffee and Starbucks Coffee clones. So what makes it special? It’s a business ran by family and friends, who still operate it on a daily basis. I don’t know how you feel about that, but that’s always a winner for me. This of course goes a long way to explain the warm friendly, albeit busy. Somehow they always manage to get drinks out on time.
Ambience
Their design is creative to say the least unlike those dull coffee chains. Shenzhen has always been behind Beijing and Shanghai in the restaurant scene, I thinks that’s going to change with Shenzhen’s coffee sector.
What I like about DAB Haus is it’s open-plan layout, devoid of front-facing walls, this manages to foster a relaxed inclusive welcoming atmosphere. At the back of the shop is ample seating,a small office where they craft hand leather made goods. Which include a whole range of leather products such as bags, belts, wallets, watch straps and dog collars.
They have a great long coffee bar,which is right at the front and virtually at your finger tips. They have a variety of seating, nothing as fancy as soft chairs though. For the most part the outside seating faces into the courtyard, which is excellent because there’s always something to look at whether it’s a model shoot, frisbee competition, craft market or dogs running around.
Coffee
DAB Haus has all the usual suspects when it comes to coffee and all at a reasonable price. Whether it’s an American or a cappuccino (ask for their boogieccino) the coffee beans are great and the staff take a great deal of pride in their work, which I believe does translate to the coffee, it certainly does with cocktails, which brings me nearly to my next point.
Real Drinks
What particularly love about DAB Haus is the selection of drinks they serve. They have some of my favourite Belgian Beer Zot, Blanche and Quadruple. They also serve my favourite brand of Gin by Oriental Distillery. There’s a small selection whiskies and other drinks too. They do some great refreshing cocktails too.
Food
At present, I would say this is their only weakness. They don’t have a good selection, pastries, cakes or snacks. But I know this is a work in progress so I’m sure this will change in the near future.
Events
Keep an eye out for their events because they to hold them. For example, I attended their Halloween 2023, party and it was a lot of fun. The energy was high, music was beating fast and virtually everyone was wearing a costume of some sort I saw more than one dog dressed up to match their owners. Needless to say, the drinks were flowing too.
Final Thoughts
I’d say DAB Haus has is a market leader in what it does, at least in Shenzhen, and the envy of their competitors in what they have managed to achieve in a relatively short time, whilst staying completely organic and uncommercial.
Although not a haven for foreigners and expats (which is not a bad thing at all) the places exudes an inclusive and friendly environment regardless or race, gender or anything else. This is my favourite coffee shop in Shenzhen. Check it out because it’s one of a kind coffee stores in China and truly the voice of the Chinese Coffee industry.
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if your are looking for something similar check out my reviews on Echo PM, Borra and Chera, or Cafe Society, and Baker’s Base, all in Futian. If your looking something different check out the review for Rongli (rockys bar) and then there is also another great spot in Lotiko in Nanshan. Although DABhaus has good cocktails, if your specifically looking for this try Cement, Ben’s bar or RMK.
Also check out my post on rednote.
