Syrian-Style Cafes Become Influencer Hotspots, Condemned by Foreign Media

The Rise of Minimalist Design Trends

Following the trends, the design world has lately embraced minimalist styles. From the "decluttered minimalist aesthetic" to the "strong metallic industrial style" and the "dominant Black Mamba" look, all of them reflect people's ultimate pursuit of "retro feel," "simplicity," and "sophistication." More recently, this has evolved into a "casual and wild poverty chic."

(Image source: Xiaohongshu)

The Controversial "Syrian Style" Cafes

Mottled concrete walls, original building structures, exposed beams, interiors steeped in the flavor of reinforced concrete, distressed flooring, passages carved through walls... This style, defined by a dilapidated, primitive, simple, casual, rough, and unadorned aesthetic, has gained popularity among the younger generation, and coffee shop decor is no exception. Such a free-spirited look naturally draws plenty of people to visit, take photos, and share them online. Some have dubbed this decor style "Syrian style."

Recently, French media published a report condemning this kind of cafe, titled "Dilapidated decor and 'refugee zones': 'Syrian style' cafes become China's new photography trend." The report stated that people are posing in front of crumbling walls, with cups on nearby tables resembling ammunition boxes. On Chinese social networks, everyone is showing off decorations reminiscent of war-ravaged scenes, calling them "Syrian style." Although these are called "Syrian style" cafes, the establishments do not serve hummus or baklava, the foods Syrians favor. Instead, they feature dusty red brick walls and exposed pipes, betraying everywhere an intention to imitate Syrian architecture ravaged by war.

(Image source: Xiaohongshu)

The report also pointed out that some cafes of this style are not content with the dilapidated decor and go further, playing sad music while offering distressed toys or everyday items. The owner of one "Syrian style" cafe said in an interview that he knew the terminology was inappropriate, but explained that "it allows me to attract many customers through social networks."

Public Backlash and Ethical Concerns

Once the report was published, netizens from various countries began discussing the issue. Some believe this behavior is like rubbing salt in others' wounds; some think it offends the very term "Syria" and is deeply impolite; some feel it artificially promotes and imagines the hardships and disasters brought by war; and others expressed that if our own country were at war and foreigners were seeking inspiration from it for photos, we would not be happy either.

(Image source: Xiaohongshu)

When this decor style first appeared domestically, some netizens said, "I don't understand this style, but everyone's aesthetic is their own choice. Personally, I don't think this style represents a positive idea; instead, it makes people feel a chill down their spine." Others commented, "Scenes from after the Syrian war have become an influencer style in our country, using others' suffering as entertainment. How will others view us?"

Reflection on Art and Sensitivity

As one writer put it: "Others' suffering is the source of your art, and when you suffer, you become the source of others' art." Everyone's aesthetics may differ, and perhaps the original intention behind this style was not malicious, but simply a way to express individuality. We should not oppose creating trends, but we must learn to oppose creating trends by means that harm others for pleasure. Some things need to know when to stop, and cannot be excessively exaggerated.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Whatever the decor, a cafe still lives or dies by what is in the cup, and that is where a solid entry-level bean earns its keep. For a bright, floral starting point, FrontStreet's Ethiopia offerings are hard to beat: the washed Gududing Cooperative brings jasmine, lemon-like acidity, and berry notes, while the sun-dried Sidamo Huakui leans into tropical fruit, floral, jackfruit, melon, and honey flavors.

If you want something rounder and sweeter for milk drinks or everyday brewing, the FrontStreet Brazil Cerrado Red Bourbon delivers creamy, peanut, and cocoa notes with a gentle, balanced body. The FrontStreet Queen Estate takes it a step further, grown at a higher altitude from the rare yellow Bourbon variety and carrying buttery, sunflower-seed, macadamia, and almond aromas with a sugarcane-like sweetness.