Good-bye, Starbucks!

Good-bye, Starbucks!

Good-bye Starbucks, hello Wong Chun Loong! For decades the Loong-beverage franchise has dominated the Guangzhou scene, and for good reason. They serve drinks that are thirst-quenching, healthy, and taste good (sometimes). The most popular drink is Huomaren, a beverage made from crushed hemp seeds (it's the brown beverage displayed on the counter) and yezi, or coconut milk. A cup of either only costs Y2.

Wong Chun Loong also brews Chinese medicinal teas—some of the bitterest stuff you're ever likely to taste. If you'd like to try some, point to your throat and say "wo gan mao"—"I have a cold." If you're nice, they may give you a free piece of candy to cut the aftertaste.

There are about 800 branches in the city, so if you walk a few blocks in any direction, you're bound to stumble on one of them.