What does an expat need after a day's stressful work in big bustling Beijing? A few nice drinks and some good food in a cozy, friendly place not too far from home. And that's exactly what NASCACafé is offering: Excellent coffee and teas, a fine collection of high quality and yet affordable wines, and probably some of the best pizzas available in town. Just around the corner, in a friendly and relaxing setting.

NASCACafé is located on the ground floor of the Great Hyatte apartment building at North Nongzhanguan Street, Chaoyang District, in a friendly neighborhood where Chinese locals nicely mix with business people and students from all over the world.

The café's Manager Liu Yinan and his brother have thought it all out. NASCACafé is decorated with bright paintings from South America, Africa and China, has cozy corners with simple but tasteful furniture, a reading stand and internet access. CNN is silenced in favor of Katie Melua's “Nine million bicycles in Beijing". In short, NASCACafé offers a happy atmosphere that attracts a young and upbeat crowd.

Open from dusk till dawn, NASCACafé offers a very varied menu. There's modern salads, sandwiches, soups, a nice choice of pastas and BBQ ribs. And of course there's homemade pizza, NASCACafé's signature food. We were invited to sample three of NASCACafé's specialty pizzas that come in medium and big sizes and go from 60 to 120 RMB each.