must visit cafe when in chongqing🌷🍃
i found this place on xiaohongshu and it indeed did not disappoint. located in the "seongsu-dong" of chongqing, this cafe is nestled with the hill named 下浩里 (xiahaoli)
the parfait in this post is their signature menu named 苔moss (it shares the same name as the cafe), and it was so good!🫧 there was so many elements in it, from the fresh cream, to the shortbread, and the shine muscat grapes! all elements were nicely balanced, with none overpowering each other✨
the interior was also super on point, it had a minimalistic warm aesthetic. they also offer outdoor seating which will unfold the view of the hill
we arrived at about 5pm and they were close to selling out, we were so lucky to get the last few parfaits! also, the cafe was located at the very top hill so we did a lot of climbing to get to the cafe
the view in the last image is not taken at the cafe, this picture spot is located directly opposite of the cafe, which means you have to climb downhill back to ground floor then climb up again in the opposite direction (don't say i didn't warn you??) my health app says i climbed 25 flights of stairs that very day, but i still loove this place!
side note: there was also this other cafe selling souffle pancakes that 白鹿 visited in the same area, called 海棠有糖. we wished we could have visited it as well but we could not fit it into our itinerary. if you've tried it, i would love to know if it's good!!🤠
If you’re planning a visit to Chongqing, Moss Cafe in Xiahaoli is an absolute treasure. The cafe’s location atop a hill means you should expect some good exercise climbing the stairs, but the payoff is incredible. The view from the outdoor seating area offers a peaceful retreat from the city buzz and allows you to soak in the natural scenery. The parfait here, sharing the cafe’s name, is a delightful mix of textures and flavors — the fresh cream is light, the shortbread crumbly, and the shine muscat grapes add a juicy sweetness that ties it all together. I found this combination quite unique and refreshing compared to typical desserts. The interior’s minimalist warm aesthetic makes it a cozy spot for a quiet afternoon. It’s especially lovely around evening time when the cafe is winding down but still buzzing with energy. Nearby, there’s another cafe called Haitang Youtang that’s known for souffle pancakes, visited by popular locals. Though I didn’t get to try it, it’s definitely on my list for next time. If you visit both places, you get a well-rounded taste of Chongqing’s cafe scene. For those interested in exploring more, Jiefangbei Square and nearby morning markets also bring vibrant local culture to life and are easy to include in your itinerary. Just remember to bring comfortable shoes because Chongqing’s hilly terrain means walking and stairs are part of the authentic experience. Expect to climb quite a bit but enjoy some unforgettable views and food along the way!
