Kunming

The ice cream, excellent coffees, hot chocolates, western-style food and a nice environment that appeal to a foreign palate. They also offer many enticing options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This longstanding Western-style cafe is an all-around great find: located in lively Wenlin Street, they serve exceptional coffee and a pleasant selection of both local and international food. The menu is in both English and Chinese, and features photos.

This sleek little cafe is almost Scandinavian in its minimalist design, and serves up a beautiful selection of cakes and pastries that are equal parts delicate and decadent. There's great coffee and tea, and staff speak English.

Following the resounding success of its namesake coffee house in the same street, Salvador's Loft recently opened its doors to multiple accolades from instant regulars. The cafe specialises in clean vegetarian fare, but serves up a wide selection ranging from tuna poke bowls to pasta and quesadillas. There's the usual coffee and tea, plus a selection of wine and even cocktails.

Led by a French expat, À table! is as authentic as it gets: Vincent – the chef – arrives in the shop early every morning to get the day's baguettes in the oven, and personally ensures the quality and freshness of all ingredients and final products. There is a wide variety of French cakes and pastries on offer, plus a selection of savoury meals.