Café Hop In Taipei

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 16 July 2019

Nestled in the heart of NTNU's café hub, 𝟱𝟭𝟱 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 is one of my favourite places to hang out after class, be it to study or just kick-back and unwind. The quiet atmosphere and soft lights really help to focus on your work. There's a wide selection of books and manga you can just pick up and read, and two cats may be seen wandering around from time to time (it's not a cat café though, so if they're not too keen on getting pet don't take it personally). All items on the menu are translated to English to cater to the foreign student crowd. It offers delicious coffee and a small selection of homemade snacks and food, made fresh. A healthy option is available in the form of a lightly dressed salad topped with either smoked salmon or smoked duck. It's a bit pricier than some of it's neighbours, but the perfect atmosphere has me returning time and again. Outdoor seating in the sheltered veranda is provided for smokers.

+886 2 2394 4606
No. 22, Lane 75, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
106台北市大安區永康街75巷22號
https://www.facebook.com/515-cafebooks-954340867956641/

Peloso Coffee Roasters

沛洛瑟珈琲店

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 17 July 2019

There is one place every expat has to visit (and often dreads to): the Immigration Office. Luckily, this time was a swift affair and I was soon wandering around the area looking for a good café to catch up on some studying. And that is how I stumbled upon Peloso ... who am I kidding, it was only thanks to Google's impeccable navigation I ever managed to find it, so tucked away into a side alley and surrounded by nothing (I later realized it's actually sitting one block down an arboretum housing a historical building dating back to the Qing Dynasty). Its "hidden" location means it's perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat to study or work. Plug in your pc or grab a book from the shelves. One whole bookshelf is laden with music cds so you could probably pick your own soundtrack if that's your thing, though I rather appreciated their soft jazzy music. For those planning to study there, just note that the seats towards the back of the café may be too dark for your purpose (I actually had to switch to the window table to get enough light for my comfort). The menu only offers a couple of food options, such as homemade cake and cookies, but the coffee selection is extensive. Pick your specialty brew or fold onto your drink of choice. The iced latte is delicious. Coffee powder and brewing kits are also available for sale. The service is impeccable. Water is refilled timely and I was also treated to a shot-size drip coffee (a taste I haven't quite gotten used to yet, but nonetheless a small gesture I very much appreciated). Now, the next time the Immigration Office summons me, I finally have something to look forward to. ⭐⭐⭐⭐★

+886 2 2312 2955
#40, Lane 75, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan
100 台北市中正區中華路二段75巷40號
https://www.pelosocoffee.com/

Tenshima 天島咖啡

3 saves

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 6 May 2020

𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮 is a taste of Indonesia right in Taipei. I love to go here for lunch when I'm feeling homesick of 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲, as the flavours are on par with anything you'd find in Singapore. The serene vibes and tasteful decorations of this café make it a great place to study and work too. Rick, the young owner, knows his coffee in and out (he also teaches coffee brewing classes!), so in doubt just tell him what you like and ask for his recommendation. His drip blends have never gone wrong with me (and trust it's high praise coming from someone who generally dislikes drip coffee). Despite his multiple attempts at converting me, my staple order is still the 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 (天島特調冰咖啡), with rich cream floating atop sprinkled with pink salt. If you're visiting during lunch hours, I highly recommend taking the set meal, as the 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲 is literally out of this world. The garlic cream is soo good, try keeping your mouth from watering while the heavenly fragrance wafts through the shop as it's toasted to perfection. My other favourite lunch dishes: 🔸 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 🔸 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 🔸 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 🔸 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 Desserts are sinfully delicious. If you've been craving 𝗞𝘂𝗲𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀 but have been wondering where to find any in Taipei, look no further. 💬 Chinese/English 💸 250 ~ 350 元 Visit on a weekend to try their special limited-edition dessert. You can check their Facebook page to see what they're currently serving. https://m.facebook.com/tenshimacafe

+886 2 2931 2411
No. 311, Section 6, Roosevelt Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116

Starbucks

Taipei, China • Wishlist • 22 January 2020

Want to taste the highest Starbucks in the world? This "secret" location is the destination of choice of many loyal Starbucks fans. Located on the 35th floor of Taipei 101 Tower and accessed by reservation only (at least 1 day ahead, English ok), it allows you to enjoy a sweeping vista of the city whilst sipping on your coffee. Minimum spent is 250元/pax (drinks, food or merchandise). Time limit 90min.

+886 2 8101 0701
110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Section 5, Xinyi Road, 7號101辦公大樓 35樓

YUE YUE & Co.

Taipei, China • Wishlist • 21 January 2020

☕🍰 + 📚 This bookstore / café / exhibit space housed in the former Songshan Tobacco Factory nursery, offers a quiet haven right in Taipei's CBD. It regularly hosts local bands and author meets. English book selection available.

+886 2 2749 1527
No. 133, Guangfu S Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

CAT.jpg cafe

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 20 February 2020

What kind of place does the name CAT.jpg cafe evoke in you? Surely, it must be one of those adorably cute shops where you sip on overpriced coffees in order to enjoy an abundance of feline company for a couple of hours. Well, CAT.jpg is about as far as it gets from that. The only cats you will see here are in the form of wall-decor and souvenir stationary (disclaimer for allergic people: the internet claims there have been sightings of an actual cat inside the café, but I have so far seen none). The interior feels almost random in its decoration (or lack of thereof), and the few huge counter-like tables and stools could use some improvement. So why is this café so popular with the local student crowd? Lots of power plugs and a quiet atmosphere make it a great place to spend a couple of hours working and studying. Extra points for the cheap drinks, priced in the same range as other chain shops (don’t expect any specialty coffee here). ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ★ ★ 💬 Chinese 💸 Hot Latte: 80元 (student discount available)

+886 2 3365 2865
No. 154, Chaozhou Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

Ecole Cafe

學校咖啡館

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 19 January 2020

Though on the pricier side, Ecole Cafe has much to offer. Delicious bread and coffee for all-day brunches, a wide selection of specialty teas to choose from, and a great atmosphere.

+886 2 2322 2725
No. 6, Lane 1, Qingtian Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
台北市大安區青田街一巷6號
https://www.facebook.com/pg/ecolecafe.cafetrouve

Gabee Coffee

3 saves

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 20 May 2020

After reading about this café's Signature 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 (啡你摸著) in @celine's list, I knew I had to try it. And disappoint it did not. It was just as whimsical and delicious as I expected (tip: stir all the layers together and let it sit for a while to experience the full flavour). 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 offers an extensive drink menu, overflowing with signature coffee cocktails and specialty blends. The baristas have won numerous awards, and it shows in the love and detail they put into their craft. If you are a coffee connoisseur and have been looking for a shop where you can get your cuppa brewed to your exact liking, worry no more: at Gabee you can select not only your coffee blend, but also the brewing method and the serving style (it's been a long time since I saw these many authentically Italian coffees on a menu). The food menu is not quite as long, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how good their 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗵 was: crispy seed bread, tasty sauce, and an unexpected slice of tofu adding extra texture. The coffee-bean shaped waffles flavoured with coffee-flower sauce make a good snack to go with your drinks. If you are feeling more adventurous, the 𝗛𝗼𝗷𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲 is an interesting blend of tea and coffee (which sounds like a capital sin to my Italian soul but is an actual thing in Asia, and one of my secret guilty pleasures). Enjoy some quiet conversation or delve into a work session at this café, sipping and nibbling your time away. 💬 Chinese and English menu available 🌿 Vegetarian options available 💸 100 ~ 300元 https://lemi.travel/celine/taipei-saves/gabee-coffee

+886 2 2713 8772
No. 21, Lane 113, Section 3, Minsheng East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
民生東路三段113巷12號
http://www.gabee.cc

舒服生活 Truffles Living

Taipei, China • Wishlist • 31 May 2020

A bar? A café? A tea house? An art gallery? The vintage interior of 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 could have well come out of a Miyazaki movie with its ensemble of eclectic furniture, every corner overflowing with oddities. And somehow all the pieces come together, to create a sense of 舒服生活 (𝘴𝘩ū𝘧ú 𝘴𝘩ē𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘶ó), comfortable living. Do truffles equate to comfortable living? You won't see truffle-loving me argue here. The drink menu has all the classics plus some specialty teas, the highlight for me being 𝘀ō𝗻𝗴𝗯ǎ𝗶𝗹ǐ𝗻𝗴 (松柏嶺) the rarest Taiwanese mountain tea, which produces a drink more or less the colour of liquid sunshine. The menu also has a highly reviewed selection of desserts, a limited spread of savoury dishes and a 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝘁 offering the best of the two worlds. A lot of people have commented that the food is unreasonably expensive for what you get. Then again, this café is clearly trying to capture French vibes, though the 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦 presentation style of its dishes might be mostly lost on its clientele. 💬 Chinese, English menu available 💸 Hot Latte: 130元

+886 2 2708 8961
No. 66, Wenchang Street, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan
台北市大安區文昌街66號
http://www.trufflesliving.com

Sugar man cafe

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 29 January 2020

Open from 2pm to 4am, very convenient if you need to work late

+886 2 2396 9980
No. 87-1, Section 1, Heping East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taïwan 106
台北市和平東路一段87-1號 10643 Taipei, Taiwan
https://www.facebook.com/cafesugarman/

自由溫室 Liberbox Coffee

自由溫室

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 29 January 2020

Open until midnight, nice place to work, good WiFi and great coffee / snacks. Snacks until 7pm.

+886 2 8921 0047
No. 2, Lane 21, Shuiyuan Street, Yonghe District, New Taipei City, Taïwan 234
永和區水源街21巷2號 235 New Taipei City
https://www.facebook.com/liberboxcoffee/

Xiaomijo

小米酒咖啡館

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 29 January 2020

Perfect place to read or study. Very quiet.

+886 2 2395 7617
No. 5, Lane 41, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taïwan 106
台北市大安區和平東路三段308巷37號1樓 106 Taipei, Taiwan
https://www.facebook.com/cafexiaomijo/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral

Second Floor Cafe NTNU store

Taipei, China • Recommendation • 2 May 2020

Due to a combination of proximity and deliciousness, I visit 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲 way too often for the good of my waistline, but when I'm looking for an all-day brunch on a lazy weekend, this is my go-to place. Even though the name has Cafe in it, people flock to this establishment for the food, and rarely engage in cafe-like activities such as, well, sipping on coffee or whipping out their laptops for some remote working. The warm and bright atmosphere is best suited for lively gatherings with friends or family. The menu is extensive, ranging from toasts to creative pastas, and everything in between. For brunch, nothing quite beats their 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳 & 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗳 𝗘𝗴𝗴𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘆, which are scrumptious. Their signature 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿 makes a great choice for a filling lunch. 💬 Chinese/English 🌿 Vegetarian options available 💸 250 ~ 400 元 (student discount available)

+886 2 2365 6222
No. 24號, Shida Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

巴和奈野 Brunch Cafe'