In April this year, it introduced its instant-coffee packets in China and expanded beyond coffee stores to sell consumer packaged goods in the region.

FORBES: China Takes Starbucks To Next Level

When we finally sat, however, what awaited us quickly woke us up: A box of Shreddies cereal, half a banana, some packets of decaf coffee and a piece of toast.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Walkabout: Bad & Bitter