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One of our missions in Asia was to try out the unique
cafes. However, with limited time we
could only visit a few of them. Here are
the ones we went in Taipei.
Taipei is a unique city where old and new seems to blend
well together. One example is Fongda
Café (蜂大咖啡 in Ximending. Opened since the 50s, Fongda keeps its
character as an “old style” café, from its décor to the traditional Taiwanese
pastries, despite the fact that it is located in the middle of a vibrant
entertainment district for young people.
We went first thing in the morning for breakfast and it was
already very busy. Seeing this giant
coffee syphon at their coffee bar told us they are very serious about their
coffee. And indeed their coffee was really good.
Other than the traditional café, there are many “theme cafés”
recently opened in Taipei. In the Xinyi
area, near the Taipei 101 there is an area renovated from old warehouses and
houses. Among those is a unique café 好丘.
It’s a café specializes in gourmet bagels (yes, bagels!).
Attached to it is a very neat gift shop featuring locally
sourced snacks and items designed by Taiwanese artists. If you buy a postcard,
you can use the stationary and stamps at a table there to put your customized
message and send your memory home!
Our next stop was Yongkang Street. Over the years it has become an area known
for small artistic shops and cafés. This
one is an antique shop in a café. When we went there two local artists were
doing an interview so we didn’t stay.
FabCafé is another new café with a lot of character. It is located inside the libLAB of the Huashan 1914
Creative Park. It’s a park dedicated for
various artistic functions/exhibitions, with independent stores. The atmosphere is just a perfect match with
FabCafé.
It is a concept originated in Japan, combining a “café” with
“fabrication”. In the shop there’s a machine that you can bring in your own
design and make your own models. Or you
can choose the designs in-store and add your personalization. The café also holds workshops periodically to
make different cool items.
But don’t forget they’re also a café, with a menu of
specialty coffees and light meals. I tried their iced coffee with orange. Very refreshing
for a hot summer night.
If you are visiting Taipei, make sure you leave some time to
check them out ^^
(…to be continued)
