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C sation. — Metal Hands China, and to Hu T

Chinese on your tongue Night Jasmine (Ye Lai Xiang) is the name of an old should represent (the spirit of) globali- ong. Therefore, it As a foreign product, coffee came to
Chinese song. This song was first released in Shanghai during
There are two types of black latte. One is made from the second world war and is always considered as a symbol
charcoal powder and called charcoal latte, which is a popu- of the culture and history of the city. To people from other
lar healthy drink served in many trendy specialty coffee countries, Shanghai represents the diverse and modern side
shops in western countries. The other one is more oriental. of China; and to many Chinese, it is the city flower, Yulan
It is made with black sesame paste, an ingredient that is Magnolia, that represents Shanghai.
adored by most Chinese for the rich taste and nutrition. When first expanding the brand from Beijing to Shang-
When mixed with espresso and steamed milk, a cup of hai, the team wanted to create a special drink to celebrate the
coffee that tastes Chinese is ready to serve. move. According to Ding Jiangtao, the founder of Metal Hands,
Such coffee drinks with Chinese ingredients added can during the process of finding the first location in Shanghai,
now be found in many cities. Similar to the welcoming and it was the fragrance of Yulan Magnolia accompanying him
comforting effect a Chinese styled space can bring customers, the whole time. Every spring, when the flower season starts,
this type of coffee drink can do the same. In addition to black there will be a lot of flower ladies selling Yulan Magnolia on
sesame, other Chinese ingredients, such as Chinese rice wine, many street corners across the city.
Osmanthus flower honey, even Chinese coconut chicken soup, “As soon as we opened, (we) believed that the special
have all been added into espresso-based coffee drinks. drink for Shanghai should be it (Yulan Magnolia coffee).”
Suzhou is a city well known for its rich culture and After months of R&D, Night Jasmine was finally ready.
history. Now it is known for an interesting drink, the Gor- It is a short milky coffee drink served cold, and mixed with
gon Seed coffee. Gorgon seed is a typical local ingredient Yulan Magnolia honey. Just as the flower itself, Night Jasmine
used in many dishes, including stew, congee, and Chinese is only available during the flower season.
desserts. Now with 11 stores in 3 major cities, Night Jasmine is
Tiny Coffee is a micro local specialty coffee chain. Both still Metal Hands’ most successful Chinese inspired coffee
of their two shops are decorated as traditional farmhouses, drink. Metal Hands’ interpretation of Chinese fad through
and the menu works well with the concept. Innovatively, they Night Jasmine is subtle yet powerful. Night Jasmine is served
added gorgon seed in both latte and americano. The result is in a normal glass tumbler, and their first Shanghai cafe on
not only inviting on the eye, but also joyful on the tongue. Nanyang Road looks modern inside out. Nevertheless, a
Half an hour on the train can take you from Suzhou to unique experience will be unfolded with just one sip. In an
Shanghai. There you can find Metal Hands, which is one of instant, you are surrounded by Yulan Magnolia. The fragrance
the top specialty coffee brands in China, and Night Jasmine is not only on your tongue but also in the air. At that very
(Ye Lai Xiang) is a coffee drink only served in their Shang- moment in spring, thanks to Metal Hands and Night Jasmine,
hai shops. the essence of Shanghai is gently blooming on your tongue.

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