Recently, a number of cafes have opened in town that aim to offer their clientele a wider range of items than just hot beverages and snacks, such as main meals and even cocktails. The Global Times visited three to see what they bring to the table.

Twosome Coffee

Riding the increasing popularity of South Korean TV series in China, South Korean cafe brand Twosome Coffee has expanded quickly in the Chinese market over the past two years. Recently, it opened a larger flagship store Twosome+ in Wheelock Square in Jing'an district.

Welcoming customers with posters of the handsome face of its brand ambassador, South Korean star Lee Min-ho, that are everywhere in the cafe, the establishment aims to impress customers with both its warmhearted service and healthy recipes.

The cafe is divided into one public area and three differently sized private rooms. One of these is themed after Lee, with giant images of the star printed on walls and windows.

This flagship store is distinguished from other Twosome branches by its menu, as it offers more than 260 choices, including a good selection of salads, brunch sets and freshly baked breads.

Twosome Coffee flagship store in Shanghai offers more than 260 food and drink choices. Photos: Courtesy of the cafe

Grilled Veggie & Lentil is one of the signature salads, featuring aromatic vegetables combined with high-protein lentils. Quinoa salad is also a healthy option, as the grain is rich in protein and makes a good alternative to dairy products. As a Korean cafe, Twosome+ also offers some Korean specialties such as a salad with roasted beets. Besides the recipes on the menu, customers can also select their own ingredients for inclusion in their salads.

For fans of Korean pop culture, the cafe offers a range of products featuring Lee Min-ho, who won the Prime Minister Award at the 2014 South Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards.

Business hours: 7:30 am to 10:30 pm

Add: 1/F, South Block of Wheelock Square,

1717 Nanjing Road West

南京西路1717号会德丰广场南院1楼

Tel: 6227-7821

Essence Cafe

Located in Xintiandi, the newly opened flagship store of Essence Cafe invites people to slow down and relax among subtlety and refinement.

The elegant atmosphere of the cafe is created through the texture of the red leather seats, the mellow glow from the red crystal lanterns, the light penetrating inside through the French windows and the pleasant view of potted flowers giving vitality to every corner of the store. Not to mention the snow-white spiral staircase that links the two spaces of the first and second floors.

The newly opened flagship store of Essence Cafe invites people to slow down and relax. Photos: Courtesy of the cafe

Essence Cafe claims to be the first coffee brand in China that only sells specialty coffee accredited by the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

But beyond specialty coffee, the cafe also offers a wide range of cocktails and mouthwatering dishes. Spanish chilled soup, tender oysters imported from France, as well as spaghetti flavored wth mantaiko from Japan are all signature dishes here.

Each Wednesday and weekend, the cafe hosts DJs for evening performances.

Business hours: 8 am to midnight

Add: Room 105/206, 245 Madang Road

马当路245号105室/206室

Tel: 5383-2201

Greyhound Cafe

Derived from Thai fashion brand Greyhound, Greyhound Cafe has stood out for its classy approach to providing coffee since its establishment in 1997. It has become so popular in its hometown that Fortune magazine named it one of the "hottest seats in Bangkok."

Recently, the brand opened its second branch in Xintiandi. Featuring lush green plants and enthusiastic servants dressed in fashionable uniforms, the new branch has introduced the modern and stylish spirit of the brand into the local market.

The cafe celebrates the concept of fusion in its menu with a wide range of drinks and dishes. A refreshing acid lime iced tea is one of its signature drinks.

The cafe imports 80 percent of its ingredients from Thailand to give its dishes an authentic taste. Recommendations here include Thai spiced salmon carpaccio, cuttlefish ink spaghetti garnished with tender shrimp, and dessert options such as stratiform cake made with fresh coconut and banana.

The restaurant is being refurbished and will reopen on December 31.

Thai spiced salmon carpaccio

Cuttlefish ink spaghetti garnished with tender shrimp Photos: Courtesy of the cafe

Business hours: 11 am to 10:30 pm

Add: 02A Unit, Bldg 22 and 23, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Road

太仓路181弄新天地北里22和23号楼02A单元

Tel: 5383-5008