NESTLED in a quiet corner of Dongmen's Culture Park, Triple J Cafe is a great escape from the chaos and crowds of Shenzhen's busiest shopping district, serving up some of the best coffee in town. More than just a coffee shop, the cafe offers food, music, art, activities, and a relaxing environment.

First and foremost, Triple J is a coffee shop, and it certainly fills that role well with select Columbian and Javanese varieties. Free refills are offered, and this is a cup of coffee you'll want to be refilling, as its the best I've ever tasted here in Shenzhen. Unlike Starbucks, which is commonly criticized for "over-roasting" its coffee beans, Triple J's coffee is full and robust, yet smooth and refreshing. All the standard coffee variations are also available, including espressos, lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, frappes, and more. Various teas, fruit shakes, and juices round out the beverage menu. Be sure to try the herbal fruit tea, my pick of the bunch.

The cafe has a small but satisfying selection of food on offer. The bulk of this is in the sandwiches, which includes the Veggie Lovers, the Rock Star, and the Queen Ellie. Each sandwich is served on Focaccia or Croissant bread with fresh greens, select cheeses and deli meats. Also included is a side dish of either pasta salad or nachos and salsa. Whether for lunch or dinner, its a perfect meal. On top of that, the New York Cheesecake and other desserts will help satisfy your sweet tooth.

Triple J is establishing itself as the epicenter of Shenzhen's blossoming independent music scene, while also playing host to a number of international musicians coming through town on their China tours. The past several months have seen bands and performers from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Sweden, and the United States as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and of course Shenzhen. The venue is small, so it always makes for a packed house, full of energy.

Not only an important player in the local music scene, Triple J is also a gathering place for local artists, and features rotating art displays on the walls every week. Currently, local pro skater Thrasher Fu's photography adorns the walls. Other exhibits have included comic strips, paintings, figurines, and more. Sunday evenings kick start the week with an exhibition opening party. The activities don't stop there. Language lovers can come together for Tuesday night's English Square or Wednesday night's Chinese Square. Thursday follows with chill-out hip hop DJ night, Friday is film appreciation night and Saturday is live music night. All in all, there's something for everyone here.

Triple J Cafe may be hard to find, but once discovered, its one treasure you'll be glad you found. If you are a lover or good coffee, food, art, music, and people, this is the place for you.

Hint: To find this treasure, start from the McDonald's across from the Sun Plaza in Dongmen. Cross Xinyuan Road, and enter the Culture Park through the alley between Wing Wah and Suning Dept Store. Go behind the mini roller coaster and go around the corner to your left. Triple J awaits.

Triple J Cafe 嘉嘉的家

Add: Dongmen Culture Park, Dongmen, Luohu District (罗湖东门文化宫过山车后面)Tel: 13410645216