If you have an afternoon in Guangzhou with nothing to do, why not enjoy a cup of tea or a bite to eat in this charming city. The street named Jianshe Road 6 (建设六马路), next to one of the city’s oldest five-star hotels, the Garden Hotel, is the ideal place. The area used to be a quiet residential community. Now it’s turning into a hub for Western-style cafes and showrooms owned by local designers.
You can also find exquisite cookware and books on cooking and interior decorating in these tiny shops.
Cheche: an Italian cafe
One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve experienced in Guangzhou, Cheche has its own unique flavor.
Owned by a local lady, the restaurant has two “quality directors,” one Italian and one American. The quality directors “give suggestion on the food, the service and the environment,” the owner says.
Along with traditional pasta, the international menu includes Greek salad and hamburger.
“Most of our raw materials are imported from Italy,” the owner says. “Even the way we prepare the food is one hundred percent Italian style.”
With half the seating outdoors, everything is casual and comfortable except the price. Salads start at 50 yuan (US.33), and main courses are 50 to 90 yuan each.
“That’s a dilemma. If you want to make authentic Italian food, you need to import the ingredients. But then your prices can’t compete,” said one of the Cheche staff. The lunch special including pasta and beverage costs 50 yuan.
People’s: a Korean bakery
Next to Cheche Italian cafe, People’s is easy to spot since everything is red — the signboard, the outer wall and the inner decoration. You can find the latest information on Guangzhou’s Korean communities in the bakery. Korean photos and postcards are on display.
The must-try item is the American-style cheesecake with rich cream cheese. Coffee or green tea is the perfect accompaniment to the cakes.
Benshop: design
showroom and cafe
A few steps away from the cafe and bakery, you can find this black-and-white showroom and cafe on the second floor of the building, with a large sign on the ground floor.
Ben Li, a local designer of home and office products and freelance writer, opened the small cafe two years ago. Li is now spending most of his time at the cafe, where he makes coffee for customers.
The talkative designer is more than happy to share information. Magazines with Li’s articles are available in the cafe and you can browse through books on design.
The showroom is filled with unusual tableware designed by Li and other local designers. Most of the items are locally made and range from 25 to 90 yuan.
IKEA cafe and Swedish sweet shop
Before you catch a train from the East Guangzhou Railway Station, try the IKEA cafe, next to the station on West Linhe Road.
The IKEA store, open for less than a year, is the only one in Guangdong. Before you leave the store, check the bargain tableware. Cups and bowls start at 5 yuan.
IKEA’s low prices extend to the IKEA cafe, where a huge salmon salad costs 25 yuan. The cafe is located on the store’s second floor.
The Swedish sweet shop is located on the ground floor, just past the cashier. Tiramisu and cheesecakes cost around 10 yuan. The sandwiches with cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and sliced ham are ideal for lunch at 8 yuan with a cup of rich cappuccino.
