For Cao Miao, a staff member of the Shanghai Hua Hong NEC Electronics Co, a cup of coffee provides the greatest relief during her busy working day, even it's only for a few minutes.

"I love coffee more than any other drinks," the 27-year-old confesses. "Coffee is an intimate companion. Whenever I am tired or depressed, I choose coffee because it is the medicine to kill pain and pressure in life."

Cao's coffee habit was nurtured when she was a student. At the time, she often had to stay up late preparing for various exams. Numerous cups helped her endure the torture of sleepless nights and get a decent mark in her tests.

She continued her habit after graduating five years ago.

"I think I am already addicted to coffee. Every morning I have to drink a cup as part of my breakfast. Without it I will feel lethargic all day."

At home, Cao drinks instant coffee - the least expensive Java fix. She estimates she spends over 50 yuan (US$6.03) a month on her habit.

Work is made easier as she can get free coffee at the office.

"I hope one day when I have time and money to buy a complete set of appliances and decorate my living room into a coffee bar like the style of the Starbucks I frequent."

Cao is typical of young Chinese who are passionate about Western coffee culture. They are not necessarily oblivious to Chinese culture but more so addicted to their favorite brew.

The stimulating effect and the inviting aroma of the beverage has made many a convert and ultimately, long-lasting relationships.

"I love to brew a pot of coffee and then read classic books in the dormitory," said Guo Hua, an English graduate at Fudan University. "I believe it is the most pleasant thing in the world."

For Ding Zhenyu, a male lawyer at Fangda Partners, coffee means a special taste experience.

"Bitterness fills your mouth when you drink a cup of black coffee. When you have almost compromised to the acerbity, the taste begins to change into an unexpected sweetness. It is titillating."

In 2002, national sales of instant coffee reached 837.6 million yuan, an 11 percent increase year-on- year, according to Shanghai ACNielsen Ltd.

Instant coffee brands such as Nescafe, Maxwell House and Mocca Coffee, have been the popular choice among local consumers.

At Shanghai New International Expo Center, a special coffee machine stands at the entrance, catering to people' fickle coffee needs. For 10 yuan, passers-by can quickly get a hot Italian or French coffee.

However, the market is no longer satisfied with just instant coffee.

The shelves of the Shanghai First Food Store stock such well-known beans as Blue Mountain, Brazil Santos and Jamaican. They are priced between 110 and 500 yuan for 500 grams.

Meanwhile, the city has already become a haven for a number of coffee chain outlets, both foreign and domestic. Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee International, Vancouver's Blenz Coffee and the Taiwanese trio of KoHiKan, UBC and Dante have all set up shop with progressive expansion plans.

"Chinese people have got the basic knowledge of coffee and many have accepted it as a daily part of their lives," said Lu Lian, a Western culture professor at Fudan University. "It is much easier for coffee marketers to promote their products at present than a few years ago."

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