WANT to check out Shenzhen's nightlife?

The Overseas Chinese Town, popular as an alternative place to eat and dance the night away, is certainly worth a visit.

Nestled in the bar street in the Overseas Chinese Town, Cafe Aroma stands out with its delicately brewed coffees and exquisite ambience. Unlike bars with dim lights that hide revelers from the outside, its soft lighting and life-size windows give off a touch of warmth and friendliness.

There is no sumptuous furnishing here, but there is privacy and freedom thanks to the practical and compact layout. The seats resemble those you would normally find in a train compartment, which make visitors feel screened and protected.

The caf¨¦ is tactfully separated by walls and small round tables loaded with trendy magazines. If you like, you can pick a seat near the window, sip your cup of coffee with a book as a companion, or watch people come and go.

If you take the time to observe the cafe, you will find wooden chairs and steel tables set near the counter. The booths on the right are colored mauve and brown and are integrated with western coffee house pictures on cream-colored wallpaper.

These pictures subtly signify the tone of what a European-style cafe should be. One of them depicts Caf¨¦ Central, a social venue frequented by iconic figures like Freud in the early 20th century. With coffee as fuel, patrons are left to gossip, reflect and expand their minds.

The coffee house attracts businessmen, white-collar workers, expatriates and community residents. It's even patronized by well-known celebrities such as Phoenix TV hosts Yang Jinlin, Cao Jingxing and Dong Jiayao.

The fame of this coffee shop is hard earned. Miss Gao, who runs the cafe, explained that the reason they attract a regular crowd is that they are committed to supplying high quality coffee beans from various sources.

"We have tried hard to find suppliers who provide us with a steady flow of high quality coffee beans."

A Singaporean patron said he was delighted that coffee here gave a lingering aftertaste, and the array of coffee blends was what lured him to come back time and time again.

There are many types of coffee to choose from. Coffee yogurt appeals to women who want to stay fit and healthy. Yogurt is becoming more and more popular in China as it is a good source of calcium and can lower cholesterol levels.

Another great coffee is the Baileys Cappuccino. As the boiling water is forced through coffee powder, you can expect the typical frothy Italian coffee with chocolate powder on top.

Added to that is the rich-textured Baileys, a sweet Irish coffee cream whisky, which enhances the drink's flavor.

People opting for strong coffee can choose Caf¨¦ Aroma, a mix of Kenyan coffee with cider. Tears of love, said to be inspired by a love story, is prepared by mixing brandy with espresso coffee. The brandy is lit and poured into a cup of hot espresso. The flame symbolizes love that is vulnerable, transient and intense.

These coffee blends are priced at between 38 yuan to 48 yuan. Discounts are given to loyal visitors. The menu also offers a variety of cocktails, fruit tea and snacks.

It is rewarding to lounge here with friends over elaborately made coffee after a hard day's work. You may not be a regular customer, but there might be one day when your heart is swelled with affection for Caf¨¦ Aroma.

Editor: Wing