12 Cool coffee shops in Taipei

Adrien Mgy

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Taipei Twelve

5 min readMar 19, 2018

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[Note from the author : This list has been posted in 2018, a lot of things have changed since then. You can find an updated version of this list in our ebook.]

Tons of coffee shops exist in Taipei, and tons of lists about coffeeshops also exist (just have a look on some good ones here, here, here, here, here, here and here).

Here is another one. Actually I just want to provide you a straight to the point and up-to-date list of coffee shops.

Here is the flow of this article :
👉 coffee shops map
👉 my 12 favorite spots (link + short description + Google Map link).
👉 where to go if you … (are an early bird or a night owl, have a meeting)
👉 (33) other cool spots to try.

Few facts about taiwaneses coffee shops :
(1) most of them are not open in the morning
(2) they don’t have a proper website but a well updated FB page
(3) a coffee late and a cappuccino are pretty much the same thing here
(4) at least half of them have big, fat and lazy (but lovely) cats

Keep in mind that I’m not a barista or coffee expert. The taste of coffee matters of course, but I give way more credits to the space and its atmosphere.

If you have any questions or feedback, or even some recommandations, just let me know!

Discaimer : I will update this article the 12th of every month, so don’t be surprised if the content changes. I will add new spots and challenge the main selection.

Map

Here is my personal coffee shop map.
It’s a public one, so feel free to save it.

My 12 favorites spots :

Home Roast coffee // Cat.jpg // Le Park Café

Homey’s // Sugar man cafe // Yue yue &co

Home Roast Coffee

Pretty small spot with a cosy and greeny outdoor space.
The owner, Steve, is a generous and curious guy, you can easily chit chat with him.
How to get there?

Cat . Jpg

Cool name isn’t it? Nothing fancy or either exceptional, but one of the very few spot that is open in the morning. Also one of the cheapest. Two funny cats hang around and spend most of their time on a toast-like pillow.
How to get there ?

Le Park Café

Le Park café has something both stylish and intimate. Can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it as the coffee and bakeries taste really good. Ask for a table upstairs.
How to get there ?

The Folks

Probably one of the best espresso in town. Tiny and cosy place (only 5 seats) with a luminous atmosphere. Lovely and passionate owner. Perfect for a short break.
How to get there?

Fika Fika Cafe

In short : big windows, high ceiling, good food and located in the center of the city, so, very convenient. Slightly fancy, can also be crowded and a bit noisy. Actually this place is great for meetings, or even for first dates…
How to get there?

Ruins Café Roaster

Raw and crafty atmosphere due to a unique mix of concrete, wood and plants. Pretty far from downtown, but that’s a good reason to explore Taipei’s suburbs. Disclaimer : there is no wifi there. That’s intentional, and it’s a good thing.
How to get there?

Le Chat

Surely the most famous alternative coffee shop in Taipei. The staff is not especially welcoming, but it’s cool, for once , to don’t play the courtesy game. If you are parisian, like me, it will just bring you good memories. Close at 2am, perfect for night owls.
How to get there?

Picnic

Picnic is the HQ of students and freelancers that live around. Studious and quiet ambiance, even when it is crowded.
Close pretty late (11.30pm).
How to get there?

Yaboo

The perfect coffee shop : big space, cool terrasse, quiet atmosphere, welcoming staff and located in a lovely area (Dongmen).
Here again : cats (x2).
How to get there?

Homey’s Café

Another charming and independent coffee shop, located right in heart of the city. The entrance is a bit hidden : find the staircase, go to the 2nd floor, and open the left door.
How to get there?

Sugar man cafe

The regular independant taiwanese coffee shop : simple but convenient furnitures, a terrasse for smokers and alternative music in background. If you want to focus bring your headphones, the owners like to share their music tastes in a loud way.
How to get there?

Yue Yue &co

Actually it is a library… that provides good coffee. It’s located in an old and traditional house, and the mood is pretty unique.
The perfect break when you visit Songshan Creative Park.
How to get there ?

Where to go if…

🌅 … you are an early bird :
Cat.Jpg (8.00am), the Folks (8.00am)

🌃 … you are a night owl :
Yaboo, Le chat, Homey’s cafe, Sugar man cafe, Halfway

👯 … you have a meeting :
Fika Fika, Le Park, Home roasting coffee, Scene Homeware

☕ … you are a cafe purist :
LakuLaku, The Folks , Home roaster coffee, The lobby of Simple Kaffa,

📖 … you just want to read a book :
Ruins coffee, The Folks, Yue Yue & co, Le Park