BUND. This café, which serves light meals, coffee, and tea, is popular among area professionals and young people. An outdoor balcony offers cityscape views, while guests enjoy great Italian espressos and cappuccino drinks. Inexpensive snack options include chicken, ham, or tuna salad sandwiches. METRO: Huang Pi Nan Lu

DOWNTOWN. The Delifrance chain is well known around Europe and Asia for its fresh sandwiches, light snacks, and delicious desserts. The European café ambiance is evident in the outdoor patio, the colorful art on the walls, and the scattering of chairs and sofas throughout. Order a cup of coffee or tea along with a fruit-filled pastry or a rich éclair, or do as the locals do and have a quick lunch here. The sandwiches on French bread and the pizzas on French bread crusts are popular orders. METRO: Huang Pi Nan Lu

HENG SHAN LU. When you walk into this hip café, you might feel like you've taken a wrong turn and ended up in a funky little coffee shop in Manhattan. Business is brisk among the trendy young professionals of Shanghai, who come in for Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, espressos, and cappuccinos along with a slice of cake. Rice and noodle dishes are also available for a quick but satisfying lunch. METRO: Heng Shan Lu

Just like other large cities around the world, you can't swing your luggage without hitting a Starbucks. And it's a good thing, too; this is one of the most popular coffeehouses in the area, with the typically great coffee you expect at Starbucks as well as good vegetarian pizza and inexpensive soups and salads. Plenty of snacks, muffins, and desserts are available to go with your steaming double mocha latte. Order to go, or relax in the clean, modern dining area.

DOWNTOWN/NORTH. The authentic Singaporean cuisine draws on Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and European influences. The entrées include chicken curry served with prawn crackers and French bread and meaty pork ribs served with steamed rice. JC Mandarin is located in an upscale five-star hotel. METRO: Jing An Temple