A Fresh Start in Taipei

I visited Taipei for the first time and felt surprised. The city had a strong coffee culture and the many cafes in Taipei felt incredible to explore. After living in Australia for three years, I became obsessed with finding a good cup.

So I made it my mission to head out every morning. I wanted to try each place known for coffee and breakfast. This article is my personal experience and honest round-up of the best cafes in Taipei.

If you are looking for the best coffee spots then you are in the right place. The Taipei coffee scene is a rich coffee scene full of character. These great cafes and hidden coffee spots make Taipei, Taiwan, feel special.

Many cafes in Taipei here reflect a real coffee culture with care. Some are perfect for morning meals, while others shine for quiet breakfast visits. I will share the places I loved, call out what felt super overrated, and tell you what to skip.

Coming from Australia, I already had high standards for good coffee. That shaped how I judged each cup, each place, and each stop in the city. This guide was made for readers who want to try the best without wasting time.

My Picks for the Best Cafes in Taiwan

In Taipei, Taiwan, I found a rich cafe culture fast. Coming from Australia, I notice small details in coffee shops. That helped me judge each stop with more care.

Some places focus only on good coffee and calm service. Others feel more like brunch cafes with a full breakfast menu. A few even serve a lovely Taiwanese breakfast beside coffee.

I usually start with a flat white or a latte. Then I check the pastries, the balance, and the quality. That simple habit helps me compare each place fairly.

Places like Summer Savage and Fika Fika Cafe stood out. Each one had its own rhythm, space, and flavor style. That made choosing a favorite much harder than expected.

Some cafes open as early as 6 am for early starts. Others begin around 10 am, which feels a little slow. A few stay open until 10 pm, which suits night visits.

I also loved finding a small coffee window in town. Those spots often sit in quiet, charming neighborhoods. Many of them carry a naturally cool vibe without trying hard.

Not every place deserves the same level of praise. Some live on hype, while others feel slightly overpriced. A few looked nice but tasted a bit forgettable.

Prices often sat around $5–6 USD for a cup. That can feel fair when the beans and service shine. When the coffee misses, though, the price feels harder to accept.

Best Coffee Shops in Zhongshan

O’Time Cafe

O’Time was the first shop I tried in Taipei. It sat a block away from the hotel where I was staying. That made this coffee shop an easy start.

I visited it twice, and both visits felt different. The place was popular, and sometimes fully packed with people. Like many busy coffee shops, it had steady energy.

What stood out most was the siphoned coffee and overall coffee experience. I noticed how carefully they handled orders at O’Time Coffee. That detail gave the whole shop a thoughtful feel.

I tried an Americano, but the interesting taste surprised me. It felt slightly infused with tea, with a soft hint of Earl Gray tea. It was not a standard Americano, which made it memorable.

On one visit, the drink came with a little whipped cream. That small touch changed the flavor and softened the cup. In that busy area of Taipei, it felt distinctive.

Fiery Coffee

Near the O’Time Cafe in Taiwan, I found Fiery Coffee easily. It was on the next block, which made that visit simple. Unlike many shops, this small coffee shop felt calm and local.

Only a few open early in this area. Fiery Coffee opened around 8 a.m., while others started at 10 a.m. or later. That made it a good stop for an early brew.

The vibe felt similar to homegrown coffee shops I love. It had a takeout counter set up, plus several chairs by the sidewalk. That mix made the coffee shop feel stress-free and easy.

On my first visit, I ordered a cold brew and honey cinnamon scones. The coffee tasted smooth, with a clean finish and light nutty notes. I really liked how fresh and balanced it felt.

The scones were buttery, crumbly, and lightly honeyed on top. They paired well with the cold brew, which stayed crispy. That simple combo made the whole stop feel better.

I also noticed they cared about the beans they were using. The menu mentioned Brazilian coffee beans and even Davao City. That detail gave the coffee more character and depth.

For a small cafe on the block, it stood out. The counter, the early open hours, and the flavor all worked. Among nearby shops, this was one I gladly revisited.

SanFormosan: Taiwan Specialty Coffee

This was the coffee shop I found near my hotel in Taiwan. Among nearby coffee shops, it felt quietly focused and precise. It sat two doors down, which made repeat visits easy.

What made it special was its focus on coffee beans from the country. Few coffee shops so clearly use beans grown in the country. That alone made the stop feel more rooted.

They serve and sell carefully sourced local beans with pride. I was happy to see 100% Taiwanese coffee on display. That kind of detail always catches my attention first.

I ordered a pour-over iced drink instead of the usual espresso. It was made with Tainan Dongshan coffee beans from local farmers. The shop also highlighted beans from the Alishan Mountains.

That central-southern region is known for careful growing conditions. So the focus on regional coffee felt thoughtful, not trendy. I always enjoy trying mountain-grown beans in a new place.

The menu gave a clear description with exact flavor notes. It mentioned black tea, brown sugar, and a brown sugar note. That sounded unusual, but still balanced and easygoing.

According to its description, the cup would finish soft and layered. I was able to get that same profile in the glass. The pour-over coffee tasted smooth with a sweet aftertaste.

The light tea-like body made the iced coffee feel extra clean. It reminded me how refined Taiwanese coffee can taste. Good local coffee beans often speak more quietly, but clearly.

Popular Coffee Spots Near Huashan Creative Park

Paper St.

Just across the park, I found Paper St. Coffee Company. This quaint minimalist coffee shop sat on a corner of a street. The overall vibe felt calm, airy, and easy to enjoy.

I would gladly recommend this coffee shop to anyone nearby. It felt ideal for work, to read a book, or to pause quietly. And I was looking for that kind of slow coffee spot.

I ordered a pour-over, which is my usual choice. I like a cup that lets small notes show clearly. This coffee was good, with bright citrus notes throughout.

What I liked most was the balance in the cup. It stayed smooth and ended with a clean finish. That kind of finish always makes me trust a place.

The room itself matched the drink very well. Its minimalist style felt soft, warm, and never forced. The quaint setup made the whole street corner feel more inviting.

I was also able to take notes without distractions there. For reading and quiet working, the space felt naturally comfortable. It is the kind of cafe that makes you stay longer.

Simple Kaffa

In Taipei, Simple Kaffa already carries a strong reputation. Big 7 Travel once named it the World’s Best Coffee Shop. After I visited, I understood why people still talk.

This flagship store feels polished without losing its warmth. The coffee shop has a modern-industrial interior with a calm mood. A large coffee counter sits at the center of the store.

The space was beautifully designed, but it was also packed. I did not want to wait more than a couple of minutes. Since I was in a hurry, I opted not to sit inside.

Instead, I chose to take out my drink quickly. I placed my order in a simple takeout cup. On a short visit, that felt easier than trying to dine here.

The menu had pour-overs, an Americano, and other options on offer. I spent a minute trying to check out all three choices. In the end, I picked the cup that felt most different.

What arrived was one of the best coffees of the day. It was one of the best cups I had tasted there. The flavor felt sweet, with notes of cherries throughout.

That profile was not the usual style I am used to. I often lean toward more chocolatey, nutty coffees in other places. This one still did not disappoint, and I really enjoyed it.

I also noticed the attention they gave to the beans. That care came through clearly in every sip. For a place linked to 2019 and 2020 praise, it still felt sharp.

Bleu&Book

Near Huashan 1914 Creative Park, I found Bleu Book by chance. After walking around, I discovered this lovely coffee shop and paused. Among nearby coffee shops, this one felt instantly special.

It was a bookstore and cafe in one quiet space. The shelves of books and the quiet atmosphere pulled me in. I was excited the moment I stepped inside.

I had always wanted a place exactly like this. The smell of books met the smell of ground coffee immediately. That mix gave the room a warm, thoughtful mood.

I ordered an Oat Milk Latte as my first drink. The oat milk latte was soft, balanced, and really good. It suited the room better than a louder coffee choice.

This was one of the coffee shops that stayed with me. The whole creative park already feels inspiring and full of ideas. Then you find this place and start feeling it deeply.

The space had a kind, gentle energy I still remember. Maybe it was the books, maybe the cup, maybe both. I was almost in tears, which sounds dramatic, but it was true.

Must-Visit Cafés Near Ximending District

Ude Cafe Bistro

In a busy shopping district, I found this small coffee shop. The vibe felt hip, modern, and shaped by millennials. Its small size made the whole place feel lively.

When I visited, the room was already a bit crowded. The crowd looked like young professionals doing online work quietly. That kind of energy suited the area and the cafe.

On that visit, I ordered a Soy Milk Latte first. I also got a slice of Carrot Cake with it. The soy milk gave the latte a smooth, mellow body.

I noticed the drink could coagulate slightly as it cooled. Even then, I still drank it and found it very good. In a small place like this, that felt fair.

The carrot cake was soft, balanced, and honestly delicious. A good cake can change how a cafe feels. This one paired well with the drink and the mood.

I tend to love cafes that feel useful and relaxed. This coffee shop had both comfort and a working rhythm. In that district, it made sense for professionals who work nearby.

Fab Cafe

This coffee shop in Taiwan is located along an alley. It sits near the shopping district with a quiet charm. The place has a real hole-in-the-wall vibe that draws people in.

On my visit, I saw people come to work and relax. I always love cafes that feel useful and warm. This one had that balance from the first minute.

I ordered the Pantan Musara pour-over and watched it arrive. It was presented on a tray with care and detail. That made the whole interactive way of serving more memorable.

The set included freshly brewed hot coffee and shaken iced coffee. It also came with the same pour in two styles. Beside them sat a small ramekin of ground coffee.

I was told to start with the dry grounds first. Then I was told to taste the aroma before sipping. After that, I was told to drink the cups slowly.

That sequence changed how I noticed the fragrance and depth. The cup of coffee opened with a sweet, nutty taste. Each sip stayed clear and ended with a clean finish.

The hot coffee felt layered, calm, and especially precise. The iced coffee gave the same beans a brighter side. That shaken pour-over coffee style made the drink more fun.

It easily became the best-tasting pour-over coffee of my trip. For me, it was one of the best cups in town. Even the last sip stayed balanced and bright.

If you enjoy thoughtful pour-over coffee, this stop is worth it. I left impressed by both flavor and service style. It was a very good reminder of why I chase coffee.

Other Must-Try Cafés

DasKafeD

Inside Taipei 101 on the 89th floor, I found dasKafeD. It felt like an adorable coffee shop with a refined mood. The setting alone made this coffee shop feel memorable.

It is known as the highest coffee shop in town. That detail already sets the 89th-floor stop apart. Still, I cared most about the good cup of coffee.

I ordered a pour-over and watched the process closely. The menu was offering both hot coffee and cold coffee. I liked having hot or cold coffee as an option.

My choice was the Colombia Double Anaerobic, which sounded exciting. The first sip was a delicious, juicy cup of coffee. It tasted fruity, sweet, and very clean.

What impressed me most was the pour-over machine they used. It looked carefully calibrated and built for precision. That kind of setup usually leads to a more even cup.

They can serve five pour-over coffee drinks at a time. Seeing five brews handled together honestly left me amazed. Even then, the quality of the coffee stayed strong.

I also noticed the counter had pastries beside the brew area. A place like this feels complete with coffee and pastries. For me, that made the stop even better.

The whole experience felt polished without losing warmth or charm. If you enjoy serious pour-over coffee, this place stands out. It gave me one of the sharpest cups of the trip.

Rovii

I found Rovii inside the Taiwan Taoyuan International Terminal 2. It sits in the Departure Hall near Gate C5. You could easily walk past the small stall.

At first, it looked like a simple display case. But on closer inspection, I saw a robot inside. That robotic arm was the whole reason I felt excited.

I was actually looking for a toilet when I noticed it. As always, I was on the lookout for unusual coffee. This one clearly promised unique coffee experiences in the terminal.

The setup had an order window, a menu, and a payment screen. It featured drinks like Americano and espresso for travelers. I quickly ordered one to see the full experience.

I finished by tapping the payment option on the screen. You could pay with credit, debit, or e-wallet there. I paid using my debit card without any trouble.

Once done, the machine started working right away. It was genuinely fun to watch the arm operate. Watching it pull a shot of espresso felt oddly satisfying.

You could see the grinder, the brew process, and the movement clearly. The whole robot brew looked smooth and carefully timed. In minutes, it brews you a cup of coffee.

That cup of coffee was fully brewed by a robot. The shot of espresso had decent balance and body. I was more curious about the method than anything.

Still, the quality of the coffee turned out surprisingly good. It was not just a gimmick hidden in the hall. The drink itself made the stop easier to remember.

For travelers passing a busy gate, this was a fun break. Between the gate, the noise, and the rush, it stood out. In a busy terminal, that kind of coffee moment matters.

My Thoughts on Taiwan’s Coffee Style

The Taiwanese coffee scene feels deeply coffee-forward and wonderfully vibrant. I noticed more black coffee and manually-brewed coffee than expected. That alone made the whole experience feel fresh and thoughtful.

In many cafes, pour-overs felt more common than usual. Compared with espresso-based coffee, the cups often felt more delicate. I found many drinks leaning toward a lighter roast style.

Even when a shop used a medium roast, the balance stayed clear. Many Americanos tasted sweeter, nuttier, and sometimes slightly fruitier. That gave each good cup of coffee a cleaner finish.

I also loved how many places offered signature drinks with care. The spaces often had a relaxed, chill vibe without feeling lazy. That balance made it easy to stay longer.

Another thing I noticed was how many cafes roast their beans. That gives each place a stronger identity and a clearer coffee brand. Some even used a custom dripper, which I always appreciate.

These cafes were not only for quick drinks and exits. People gathered there with friends and loved ones every day. That social warmth shaped the coffee experience just as much.

Coming from Davao, I naturally compared both coffee cultures. Over the last seven years, my taste has changed a lot. That made this trip feel both inspiring and enlightening.

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