A family-run café in Lhasa of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region continues to charm visitors by blending coffee with traditional Tibetan flavors, offering a creative fusion of cultures.
The popular coffee shop is currently operated by Yeshe Chodren, a Tibetan anthropologist who has a PhD from the prestigious Peking University, and who took over the long-running business from her mother several years ago.
During the peak summer travel season, Yeshe's café is always bustling with customers. Now in its 25th year, it attracts both locals and tourists eager to try its delicious ice cream and unique coffee blends -- all infused with distinctive Tibetan flavors.
Coffee inspired by four traditional Tibetan festivals celebrated in each of the four seasons around the year are among the most popular products at Yeshe's café, which also integrate elements of traditional Tibetan food.
"There are many festivals in Lhasa, and I choose four representative festivals. And I wish that everyone who comes here can enjoy our coffee and have a good rest, and then also know more about Tibetan festivals and the Tibetan way of life," said Yeshe.
The origins of the café came a quarter of a century ago when Yeshe's mother attended a food expo and became particularly enchanted by the taste of Italian gelato, which gave her the inspiration she needed to open the café. Yeshe said her mother is a very open minded lady and was the first female in Lhasa to run such a business.
In 2016, after completing her PhD in Beijing, Yeshe made the deliberate choice to return to Lhasa, saying destiny brought her back home.
Yeshe also believes the professional knowledge she has obtained through her anthropology studies has given her the ability to better observe clients and have a better understanding of what they need and what they like, ensuring she can cater to customers more successfully.
"It really helps, because one of the main research methods of anthropology is field research, and the researcher needs to stay in that field for a year to observe what the local people are doing daily, yearly, and then to see how they treat others, how they treat animals, nature, and things," she said.
Guided by her own business philosophy, Yeshe expanded her mother's brand three years ago by opening another branch called Sakura Coffee -- an elegant café that embodies her personal values.
In Yeshe's world of flavors, customers can savor the café's signature treats, including nutty tsampa cookies and rich cheese-residue cake, before ending with their classic ice cream.
Given her background and attentive nature, Yeshe says she is gradually seeing the changes in the Tibetan people's way of life, and hopes to welcome even more people to share in the joys of her hometown.
"I think I witnessed great dramatic changes. People’s lifestyles are changing very quickly. The way we eat, the way we dress, the places we go, everything is changing. And Lhasa is becoming an international city I think," she said.
Family-run café charms visitors with fusion of traditional Tibetan flavors
