A cuppa invasion

A cuppa invasion
By Harold Kok (City Weekend)Updated: 2007-04-06 09:17

Costa Coffee, a British coffee chain run by hospitality giant Whitbread, has landed in Shanghai. The new outlet sprawls across the mezzanine level, where an inviting cakes and sandwiches display is prominently placed in the center of the store's semi-circular layout.
Costa has the perfect location, but its food and coffee, however, are less than flawless. The mocha frescato (RMB 28-35) suffered from a slightly sour aftertaste. The chocolate truffle (RMB 15) was dry and flaky, although the lemon cheesecake (RMB 19) was tart and satisfying. In addition, Costa offers a number of hot panini and focaccia sandwiches, wraps, muffins, pastries and baked goods. Starbucks should still be worried, because Costa's parent company has deep pockets and plans to become ubiquitous in China.
The chain opened its first outlet in December, but it has plans for 300 Costas across the country in the next few years. Perfect For: an afternoon of catching up.