By Christina Sin Hoi Man
Five bustling weekdays have gone. The dynamism of the younger generation brings energy to the monotonous Macao city during weekends. It is not hard to see groups of teens who are gathering around tables, chatting with a cup of coffee in hand in small café houses at the corners of streets.
The history of coffee drinking can be traced back in the middle of the 15th century. The coffee plant originated in Ethiopia, and coffee was first expanded in the Arab countries. Today, coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.
In Macao, the coffee drinking habit is obviously different among the post-80s. Coffee is no longer a drink once enjoyed mostly by adults. The young generation has an increased demand for coffee, not only for physical satisfaction, but it’s just a lifestyle. Rocky Chan, a 21-year-old student, says, “I spend every Sunday afternoon at the corner of the café house. I really enjoy reading novels, listening to the jazz music and tasting the cup of coffee in such an adorable atmosphere.”
Coffee is no longer a commodity, and yet, it is now tagged with words like a lifestyle, experience and enjoyment. “It’s a very popular thing. Most of my friends like hanging out on the couches in the café for two or three hours, chit chatting while we are drinking cappuccino or lattes,” says 24-year-old Hiro Chan, who has been drinking coffee since she was about 17.
Coffee is a drink that is ubiquitous in daily lives. It brings people together. A cup of coffee is a time for people to enjoy a short break from their busy lives. Carmen Chan, a post-80s accounting clerk, says, “I work 9 hours per day. The office makes me sick, and I need a place to release my stress. I am longing for the weekend to recharge my fatigued mind. I go out with friends to have ‘high tea’. A relaxing café house, a group of friends and a sip of coffee taste is my best choice.”
Coffee consumption has become very common in Macao in recent years. The post-80s is the potential target groups for café shops nowadays. Cora Tang started her café house La Comódie Chez Vous in 2000. She witnessed the obvious difference between customers and their habits. “Only foreigners came to have a cup of coffee ten years ago, but not local Macau people. They used to finish the coffee in 30 minutes and then left right away. But in these three years, more and more young customers come in a group, order a cup of coffee and then sit for two hours or even more,” she says.
The café houses are part of a new and fast-growing coffee culture among the post-80s in Macao. They began popping up in every quiet corner along the streets. Well-decorated in a modern style with heavenly perfume, lively melody, comfortable sofas and artistic pictures are the hallmarks of unique café houses. Some of them are even embedded in other western cultures so as to target young customers.
“I put much time in designing my coffee shop. The innovative young generation is looking for a stylish atmosphere,” says Don G. Costa, the owner of Mugs Talk café house. “I realize that young customers do not care about prices. What they are concerned about are the atmosphere (of the café house) and quality (of the coffee). They usually come on Friday nights or Saturday, staying here two hours maximum for coffee,” he added.
The term “post-80s” has been popular in media and society recently. It is important to explore the characteristics of this group of young adults aged between 20 and 30. While some consider this young generation as problematic and rebellious, others believe that the negative labels of the post-80s are just a false generalization established by the mass media.......
