New Opened Greybox Coffee is Tranquil But a CBD Rip-Off

Although the newly-opened Greybox Coffee is located at the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District in the Kerry Centre, the reasonably sized café seems unbothered by the bustle of city life. Its big windows let natural light stream through the establishment and its modern-minimalistic parquetry interior design give Greybox a tranquil atmosphere.

Conveniently placed amongst towering office buildings as well as popular shopping malls, destinations where people from all over Beijing often flock to throughout the week, Greybox definitely presents a charming spot to tear yourself away from work and take a breather.

The food menu only offers a few items, including an all-day brunch selection of salad and sandwiches and an assortment of pastries and cakes. The salad and sandwiches are all priced between RMB 58-88 whereas the dessert items are cheaper ranging between RMB 16-52. Their drinks menu is more extensive, with a special section for quality, imported coffees, which will set you back; the most expensive option being the Panama Esmeralda Geisha Washed coffee, coming in at a costly RMB 108.

Looking forward to a healthy dose of caffeine via a flat white (RMB 36) but were disappointed by how weak the resulting coffee was. It had a strong burnt odor, was lacking a healthy caffeine kick, and the body was watery. Compared to the larger and stronger version at Starbucks just across the road, this one comes served in a pricier, smaller glass, and even the fancy La Marzocco machine used to make it couldn’t save the flavor.

Another signature drink – the red velvet latte (RMB 38) dropped the ball completely. Ignoring the fact that it was The Rug who were first to launch the red velvet latte to us, Greybox claims that it was they who “introduced the first red velvet latte to Beijing.” Apart from the unsubstantiated bragging rights, the flavor was also pretty rough, and in my opinion, this may just be the worst red velvet latte (of the three I've had) that I’ve ever tasted. As if to distract you from the taste, the latte is pinkish in color and has a quirky rabbit drawn into it, which was cute enough. However, it tasted like Ghirardelli white chocolate or protein powder mixed with five additional spoons of sugar or liquid bubble gum. Slightly confused, we asked the waiter what was in it. “Something pink … let me ask.” “Beetroot,” came his answer. No words.

We also tried their signature tuna croissant sandwich (RMB 78), which took them over 25 minutes to serve, not really making for a quick dine-and-dash breakfast. The sandwich was just sad – it looked like your average croissant, yes, with a flaky exterior, but its innards were nowhere near as moist as they should be, and when we picked it up to eat the whole structure became paper thin. "But what about the fillings?!" you ask. Well, canned tuna, a sliced boiled egg, tomato, and lettuce, made for a particularly dry mix that was even devoid of mayonnaise. On the side sits dry mashed potato, sweetened yoghurt, and a small salad. There's no salvaging this beast.

The only redeeming factor perhaps was the plain croissant (RMB 16), which was was flaky and buttery perhaps on account of it not having been cut open and left to sit out. On the other hand, the imported Australian milk (RMB 38), despite the higher price tag, did not boast any distinctive taste. Milk is milk, apparently.

Sadly, despite the beautifully laid out interior and strong location, Greybox Coffee is not a café that we will be working into our daily routines anytime soon, that is unless they can improve their coffee an food to match the hefty price tags.

Greybox Coffee
Daily 8am-10pm. 1/F, Kerry Center, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6500 6757)
朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心商场

Photos: Carmel Moersalim, Tracy Wang