Dont really know why this place is called Jamaica, it is a chain of cafe’s from Spain. And it certainly doesn’t have that Reggae thing going on. Whatever the name, Jamaica Cafe is good, and could be called just about anything. These guys really know about their coffee, or at least I think so, and it is served a little bit differently – an iced espresso comes hot with a chinky glass full of ice on the side. The espresso is thick like oil and smells absolutely delicious

Jamaica has some pretty good eats too – the photo here doesn’t really do it justice, but this Jamaica Club Sandwich is full of cheese, pork loin and bacon, and is oozing with mayo and butter. The bread is fresh and soft with a little chew and a crisp outside. It is definitely worth the trek to Xihu Tiandi just for that. Jamaica has several other tasties on the menu, meatballs, paella pasta and some more sandwiches.

Jamaica does not seem that busy in the afternoons, although the booze on the menu may help fill the place up of an evening. Without the Quaker-ism of Starbucks etcetc, you can smoke eat and drink all at the same time. For now anyway – there is a rumour that China is going non-smoking too.

To find Jamaica, wander into Xihu Tiandi – I prefer the northern most entrance just after the Dahua Hotel and follow the lake bank to the cafe – but there are good signs all over the area.

If somebody ever gets there at night, let me know how busy it is.

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