We might all be hunkered down at home for now, but it helps to have something to look forward to, or a place to visit after all of this is over. Let's take a look at some of the most beautiful Starbucks outlets in Asia!
Sentosa Island, Singapore
Let's start from where we are, which is right at home. Located in Resorts World Sentosa, this Starbucks Reserve™ outlet definitely isn't your typical Starbucks, as they only carry the rarest, most extraordinary roasts and blends from around the world. Whether you’re a coffee geek or just a casual café hopper, this Starbucks Reserve™ is definitely worth a visit. (Once the circuit breaker is over, of course.)
SoHo, Bangkok
Starbucks SoHo is an elevated Starbucks store in Bangkok, Thailand. The two-storey outlet is a replica of a traditional Thai home, complete with rich wood details and encaustic cement tile floor, along with large scale art pieces and wallpaper to add a modern touch. Each chamber on the second floor can easily be mistaken as someone's cosy living room.
Ubud, Bali
If you find yourself in Ubud, Bali, you should definitely stop for a coffee break at this Starbucks, where its usual green logo has been replaced by one that is intricately carved into wood, paying homage to the Balinese culture. This Starbucks is built in an old storehouse and has an outdoor patio for patrons to soak up the picturesque view of a temple and a gigantic lotus pond.
Kuan Zhai Alley, Chengdu
This Starbucks in Chengdu, China exudes traditional Chinese tea house vibes and blends right in with its oriental architecture. Boasting a curved, upturned-style Chinese roof, it would be hard to distinguish it from its neighbouring Chinese stores if not for the Starbucks logo suspended on its storefront. All in all, a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese culture and Starbucks’ sleek touch.
Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya, Kyoto
Starbucks clearly has a knack for marrying a country’s unique culture to its store designs, and this is also showcased in its outlet at the Ninenzaka district of Kyoto, Japan. The exterior of the store beautifully blends in with the traditional architecture of the district, and its peaceful scenery is best enjoyed on the tatami floors of this two-story coffee shop.
Kad Farang, Chiang Mai
With a bold white wall pillars, sloping roofs and rich gold murals, this Starbucks in Chiang Mai, Thailand is inspired by traditional Lanna temples. Its interior is equally unique, with high bamboo ceilings, rustic wooden floorboards, warm lightning and walls covered in murals and carvings that depict traditional Northern Thai culture.
Hualien City, Taiwan
Not only does this outlet feature a drive-through service, but it is also the first Asian Pacific Starbucks to be built from 29 recycled shipping containers. Located at Hualien Bay Mall, this stunning Starbucks faces the Pacific Ocean and is in line with Starbucks’ sustainability movement. The geometric space also features a brightly-painted mural which represents the aboriginal Amis peoples.
Famille Park, Seoul
Built in 2014 to celebrate Starbucks Korea's 15th anniversary, this spectacular outlet comes complete with a glass dome structure and fleeting metal birds suspended from the ceiling. The greenhouse-like structure drives the eco concept with its wooden décor made of eco-friendly materials, and potted coffee trees to help create a natural space.
The Intramuros, Manila
Right inside the old walls of Manila sits a rustic looking Starbucks store which is literally a former tunnel. The 16th-Century adobe walls from the Spanish days embrace the entire coffee shop, curving from floor to ceiling and back to the floor again. If not for the modern furniture and paintings on the wall, you'll be hard pressed to tell that this is a coffee shop.
Bell Tower, Xi'an
Looking like a futuristic spacecraft, this Starbucks in Xi’an, China marries traditional Chinese style with modern architecture. Its sharp angles and symmetrical wood panelings make for a stand-out-in-the-crowd design. A great place to have a coffee break or read a book before exploring the rest of the city!