Sipping Coffee with a View: Head to Polonio for a Good Cuppa in Baitasi

Yufei Zhang | May 16, 2023 10:17 am | Add a comment | 510 reads

The area around Baitasi, aka White Dagoba Temple, is no stranger to coffee shops, with many boasting a terrace overlooking the massive stupa that gives this area of Xicheng district its name. But we're here to talk about one specific cafe situated down a small hutong lane west of Baitasi with a terrace that we'd consider a must-visit: Polonio.

If the laid-back, beach and surf-inspired aesthetics of Polonio seem familiar, it's because the cafe is technically the third branch of another popular beach-themed cafe, Cabo, which has locations near Temple of Heaven and 798. As with Cabo, Polonio's character doesn't stop at style over substance, boasting an impressive selection of coffee and coffee cocktails.

One such drink is the Plum Wine Espresso (RMB 45), a cold coffee infused with a nice tang from sour plum. Its sour and sweet undertones can also help stimulate the appetite, making the Mei Xiang Hao a great option to enjoy with Polonio's cakes and snacks.

Another must-try drink is the 白塔 Dirty (RMB 40), a seasonal offering which boasts a green bean flavor. It has a smooth and complete taste, and the barista uses thick milk to draw the outline of the White Dagoba over the coffee. When on the terrace looking up, you can see the dagoba against the skyline which looks just like the dagoba in your coffee cup, making this one Insta-worthy cup of joe.

With the weather finally warm but not too hot, it's the perfect time to go sit out on Polonio's terrace with a cup in hand and admire the big Baita in the distance, with the winding hutongs below, and cacti that dot the terrace in the foreground, all combining to make one picturesque view.