[Shenzhen] MR. WALDEN COFFEE feels almost like someone built a wooden reading room in the middle of MixC World 万象天地, complete with books, leather armchairs and plenty of corners where you could easily lose track of time.
Located on Level 4 of the popular mall in Shenzhen, this was one cafe where the interior caught my attention even before I reached the coffee counter.
The name and concept take inspiration from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, his account of living simply in a cabin beside Walden Pond.
Designed by Pure & Wild Studio 朴野设计, the 248 sqm cafe translates that idea into a modern-day retreat using reclaimed timber, old tiles, stone and a house-like wooden framework.
What I liked was that the theme did not feel overly literal.
Instead, the pitched timber structure, brown leather chairs, old wooden flooring and triangular bookshelves created the feeling of a well-used study or living room, which is quite a contrast to the bright retail spaces just outside.
There are enough sofas and comfortable armchairs here that you may end up staying much longer than intended, especially if you get one of the seats further inside.
Coffee remains the main draw, with Espresso, Americano, Latte, Oat Latte, Flat White, Dirty and Cold Brew, alongside a selection of single-origin hand drips.
Popular choices include the Hot Latte (¥35), Oat Latte (¥38), Iced Americano (¥28), Dirty (¥38) and Ethiopia Guji hand drip (¥38).
The cake display deserves a look before you order, with Basque cheesecakes, layered cakes, Tiramisu and seasonal flavours lined up behind the counter.
The Pistachio Basque 开心果巴斯克 (¥42) is easily the most talked-about item here and ranks first among the cafe’s Dianping recommendations.
Mine came in a pale green wedge topped with pistachio cream, chopped nuts and a slice of fig, looking rather rich even before the first bite.
The Dianping reviews were right about the pistachio coming through clearly, while the cheesecake itself was creamy and dense without becoming cloying.
For a cafe inside a major shopping mall, MR. WALDEN COFFEE manages to create a surprisingly convincing sense of escape, helped by the warm wood-filled interior, comfortable seating and cakes worth slowing down for.
MR. WALDEN COFFEE
Shop SL407, Level 4, MixC World, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
深圳市南山区华润万象天地4楼SL407商铺
Opening Hours: 8am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
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