Taipei surprises many travelers with how seriously it takes coffee. Cafes in Taipei range from quiet bookstores to award-winning flagships. Finding a great cup here is half the fun of exploring.
I have not sipped my way through these cafes in person yet. This round-up of the best cafes in Taipei is research-based. I studied menus, bean origins, and detailed reports from other travelers. The goal is simple: help you try the best without wasting time.
What is the best cafe in Taipei?
The best cafe in Taipei for most coffee lovers is Fab Cafe near Ximending, loved for its hot-and-iced pour-over tasting set. Simple Kaffa, founded by 2016 World Barista Champion Berg Wu, is the famous pick, while SanFormosan in Zhongshan is best for 100% Taiwanese-grown coffee.
Searching for the best coffee spots in the city? The Taipei coffee scene is rich and full of character. Hidden coffee windows and minimalist corner shops sit side by side.
Many cafes here treat coffee like a craft. Some suit slow morning meals, while others shine for a quick breakfast. Below, you will find what each one does best.
Quick look at every cafe in this guide.
| Cafe | Area | Start From (MRT) | Best For | What to Order |
| Fab Cafe | Ximending | Ximen Station | Best pour-over | Pantan Musara pour-over set |
| Simple Kaffa | Huashan | Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station | Award-winning coffee | A sweet, cherry-noted cup |
| SanFormosan | Zhongshan | Zhongshan Station | Taiwan-grown beans | Iced pour-over with Tainan Dongshan beans |
| Paper St. Coffee Company | Huashan | Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station | Work and reading | Pour-over |
| Bleu&Book | Huashan 1914 Creative Park | Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station | Books and coffee | Oat milk latte |
| Fiery Coffee | Zhongshan | Zhongshan Station | Early mornings | Cold brew and honey cinnamon scone |
| O’Time Cafe | Zhongshan | Zhongshan Station | A different Americano | Americano |
| Ude Cafe Bistro | Ximending | Ximen Station | Remote work | Soy milk latte and carrot cake |
| dasKafeD | Taipei 101, 89th floor | Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station | City views | Colombia Double Anaerobic pour-over |
| Rovii (bonus) | Taoyuan Airport, Terminal 2 | Airport Terminal 2 (Airport MRT) | Pre-flight coffee | Espresso |
Hours change often, so check Google Maps before you go.
How to Choose the Best Cafes in Taipei (and What to Expect)
Taipei has a rich cafe culture with plenty of variety. 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 Taiwanese breakfast beside your coffee.
A simple way to compare cafes is to order the same drink. A flat white or latte shows milk texture and espresso balance. Then check the pastries, since they reveal how much care goes in.
Fika Fika Cafe and Summer Savage are two more names worth noting. Each has its own rhythm, space, and flavor style. They did not make the full list, but both deserve a look.
Traveling solo? Bleu&Book and Paper St. Coffee Company suit a calm table for one. Quiet rooms make it easy to read, plan, or people-watch. For more confidence, read my tips for solo female travellers.
Opening hours vary more than many visitors expect. Some cafes open as early as 6 a.m. for early starts. Many begin around 10 a.m., which can feel slow. A few stay open until 10 p.m. for night visits.
Small coffee windows are another local favorite worth seeking out. They often sit inside quiet, charming residential neighborhoods. Many carry a naturally cool vibe without trying hard.
Not every famous cafe deserves the same level of praise. Some live on hype, while others feel slightly overpriced. A beautiful room does not always mean a memorable cup.
Expect to pay around $5–6 USD for a specialty cup. That feels fair when the beans and service shine. When the coffee misses, the price is harder to accept.
Best Coffee Shops in Zhongshan
Zhongshan is an easy first stop for cafes in Taipei. Its quiet lanes hide small coffee shops close to each other. Zhongshan MRT Station is a handy starting point for the area. The three cafes below sit within a few blocks. Start at O’Time Cafe, then walk to the other two.
O’Time Cafe
O’Time Cafe is a popular Zhongshan coffee shop with steady energy. It is popular enough to fill up at busy times. Its focus on siphon coffee sets it apart from nearby shops.
The staff handle each order with noticeable care. That attention gives the whole shop a thoughtful feel. Siphon brewing also makes the coffee experience fun to watch.
The Americano here is not a standard one. It can carry a soft hint of Earl Grey tea. Some cups even arrive with a little whipped cream on top. That small touch softens the drink and makes it memorable.
Tip: It gets packed, so grab a seat before you order.
Fiery Coffee
Fiery Coffee sits one block from O’Time Cafe in Zhongshan. Unlike busier shops, this small coffee stop feels calm and local. It has a takeout counter plus a few chairs by the sidewalk.
It opens around 8 a.m., earlier than most nearby cafes. Many others in the area start at 10 a.m. or later. That makes it a smart stop for an early brew.
The cold brew is the drink to try here. It is smooth, with a clean finish and light nutty notes. Pair it with the honey cinnamon scones, which are buttery and crumbly. A light honey glaze on top balances the crisp coffee nicely.
The shop also takes care with the beans it uses. That detail gives each cup more character and depth. For a small cafe on the block, it stands out.
Tip: Grab a sidewalk chair and enjoy your cold brew outdoors.
SanFormosan: Taiwan Specialty Coffee
SanFormosan focuses on coffee grown on Taiwan’s own farms. Few coffee shops in Taipei use local beans this clearly. That focus makes it feel rooted, quiet, and precise.
The shop takes pride in carefully sourced local beans. Its menu highlights 100% Taiwanese coffee from local farmers. Featured beans include those from Tainan Dongshan and the Alishan Mountains.
That central-southern region is known for careful growing conditions. The iced pour-over is a great way to taste it. Menu notes describe black tea and a soft brown sugar sweetness.
Expect a cup that finishes soft and layered. The light, tea-like body keeps the iced coffee extra clean. It shows how refined Taiwanese coffee can taste. Good local beans often speak quietly, but clearly.
Tip: They also sell local beans, which make a great souvenir.
Popular Coffee Spots Near Huashan Creative Park
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a former winery turned arts hub. Its old brick buildings now host exhibitions, markets, and small shops. Some of the best cafes in Taipei sit right around it. Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station sits a short walk from the park. The park itself ranks high among things to do in Taipei.
Paper St. Coffee Company
Paper St. Coffee Company sits just across the park on a street corner. This quaint, minimalist coffee shop feels calm and airy. It is ideal for work, reading, or a quiet pause.
The pour-over is the order that shows the shop at its best. Expect bright citrus notes running through the whole cup. The balance stays smooth from the first sip to the last.
The room itself matches the coffee very well. Its minimalist style feels soft, warm, and never forced. Few distractions make it easy to read or take notes. It is the kind of cafe that makes you stay longer.
Tip: Bring a book or notebook; the space rewards a slow visit.
Simple Kaffa
Simple Kaffa carries one of the strongest reputations in Taipei. Big 7 Travel named it the world’s best coffee shop twice. That praise came in 2019 and 2020, and the crowds followed.
The flagship store feels polished without losing its warmth. It has a modern-industrial interior with a calm mood. A large coffee counter sits at the center of the room.
Expect the space to be packed at popular times. If the wait looks long, takeout is a smart option. The menu covers pour-overs, an Americano, and other choices.
Its coffee can lean sweet, with notes of cherries. That fruity style may surprise fans of chocolatey, nutty cups. Even so, the care given to the beans shows in every sip.
Tip: If there is a wait, explore the creative park next door first.
Bleu&Book
Bleu&Book sits near Huashan 1914 Creative Park and is easy to miss. It is a bookstore and cafe in one quiet space. Shelves of books set a calm, thoughtful mood.
The smell of books mixes with freshly ground coffee. That blend gives the room a warm, inviting feel. It is a dream stop for readers who love coffee.
The oat milk latte suits the room perfectly. It is soft, balanced, and gentle rather than loud. Order it, pick a book, and let the afternoon slow down.
Tip: Plan extra time; this is a place to linger, not rush.
Must-Visit Cafés Near Ximending District
Ximending is one of Taipei’s busiest shopping districts. Its pedestrian streets fill with fashion stores, street food, and crowds. Between the shops, a few small cafes offer a calmer break. Ximen Station on the MRT drops you right into the district. These two are great cafes in Taipei for remote work.
Ude Cafe Bistro
Ude Cafe Bistro is a small coffee shop in a busy shopping district. The vibe feels hip, modern, and shaped by millennials. Its small size keeps the whole room lively.
The crowd often includes young professionals doing online work. That working rhythm suits the area and the cafe. It is a comfortable pick if you need to get things done.
Try the soy milk latte with a slice of carrot cake. The soy milk gives the latte a smooth, mellow body. It can coagulate slightly as it cools, so drink it warm. The carrot cake is soft, balanced, and pairs well with the latte.
Tip: Seats fill fast, so arrive early if you plan to work.
Fab Cafe
Fab Cafe hides along an alley near the Ximending shopping district. It has a real hole-in-the-wall charm that draws people in. Guests come here both to work and to relax.
The Pantan Musara pour-over shows off what this cafe does best. It arrives on a tray with hot coffee and shaken iced coffee. A small ramekin of ground coffee sits beside them.
Staff guide you through a short tasting ritual. Start by smelling the dry grounds in the ramekin. Next, take in the aroma before your first sip. Finally, drink both cups slowly to compare them.
The hot cup tastes layered, calm, and precise, with sweet nutty notes. The iced version shows a brighter side of the same beans. Even the last sip stays balanced and bright.
That is why it tops this list for pour-over coffee. If you enjoy thoughtful brewing, this stop is worth it.
Tip: Bring a notebook to jot down how each cup tastes.
Unique Coffee Stops: Taipei 101 and Taoyuan Airport
These last two stops are less about neighborhoods and more about novelty. Taipei 101 offers coffee with a view over the whole city. Besides dasKafeD, Simple Kaffa Sola opened on the 88th floor in 2023. Taiwan News called it the nation’s tallest coffee shop. The bonus stop sits inside Taoyuan International Airport, outside Taipei itself.
dasKafeD
dasKafeD sits on the 89th floor of Taipei 101. Few coffee stops in Taipei sit this high above the city. The mood feels refined, yet still cozy.
The pour-over menu offers both hot and cold coffee. One standout is the Colombia Double Anaerobic, a juicy, fruity cup. Expect sweet notes and a remarkably clean taste.
The calibrated pour-over machine is impressive to watch. It can brew five cups at the same time. That precise setup helps keep every cup even.
Pastries sit beside the brew area for a complete treat. If you enjoy serious filter coffee, this place stands out.
Tip: Check whether you need a Taipei 101 observatory ticket before heading up.
Bonus: Rovii at Taoyuan Airport
Rovii is a robot coffee kiosk at Taoyuan Airport’s Terminal 2. It sits in the Departure Hall near Gate C5. At first glance, it looks like a simple display case.
Look closer and you will see a robotic arm inside. Order from a screen with drinks like Americano and espresso. Payment works with credit cards, debit cards, or e-wallets.
Once you pay, the arm gets to work right away. You can watch the grinder, the brew, and every movement. Watching it pull a shot of espresso feels oddly satisfying.
The espresso has decent balance and body for a machine-made cup. It is more than a gimmick, and it is genuinely fun. For travelers rushing between gates, it makes a memorable coffee break.
Tip: Build this stop into your boarding time before heading to the gate.
What Makes the Taipei Coffee Style Different
The Taiwanese coffee scene is deeply coffee-forward and wonderfully vibrant. Black coffee and manual brewing show up far more than many expect. That makes cafe hopping here feel fresh and thoughtful.
Pour-overs are more common than in many coffee cities. Compared with espresso-based drinks, the cups often taste more delicate. Many cafes also lean toward a lighter roast style.
Even medium roasts here tend to keep a clear balance. Americanos often taste sweeter, nuttier, and sometimes slightly fruitier. That gives a good cup a lighter, cleaner profile.
Many places offer signature drinks made with obvious care. The spaces often have a relaxed vibe without feeling lazy. That balance makes it easy to stay longer.
Plenty of cafes roast their own beans in-house. That gives each place a stronger identity and clearer brand. Some even use a custom dripper for their pour-overs.
These cafes are not only for quick drinks and exits. Locals gather there with friends and loved ones every day. That social warmth shapes the coffee culture just as much.
A One-Day Route Through the Best Cafes in Taipei
Fiery Coffee opens around 8 a.m., so start your day in Zhongshan. From Zhongshan Station, the green Songshan–Xindian line reaches Ximen in two stops. Walk to Fab Cafe for its hot-and-iced pour-over set before lunch.
After lunch, switch to the blue Bannan line at Ximen. Zhongxiao Xinsheng sits three stops east, near Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Grab a pour-over at Paper St. Coffee Company, then end at Bleu&Book. A book and an oat milk latte make a slow, perfect finish.
That route adds up to five cups, counting Fab Cafe’s two-cup set. The FDA cites 400 milligrams of caffeine a day for most adults. It calls that amount not generally linked to negative effects. That equals about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee. Share the set, order smaller cups, or swap a stop for tea.
On menus, look for the farm region behind any Taiwanese coffee. Alishan dominated Taiwan’s first Cup of Excellence competition in 2023. Thirteen of the top 20 entries came from that region. Gukeng in Yunlin County is known as Taiwan’s coffee capital. Ask staff which farm grew your cup before ordering.
FAQs
For pour-over, Fab Cafe near Ximending is the top pick. Prefer milk coffee? Try the oat milk latte at Bleu&Book. Early risers should head to Fiery Coffee, which opens around 8 a.m.
You’ll find great cafes in shopping areas, creative districts, and quieter neighborhoods. Many also offer brunch, desserts, and work-friendly seating.
Yes. Taipei has a strong cafe culture with specialty brews, stylish spaces, and quality beans.
Paper St. Coffee Company near Huashan suits quiet work and reading. Ude Cafe Bistro in Ximending draws young professionals doing online work. Fab Cafe nearby also mixes workers with relaxed coffee drinkers.
Common choices include pour-over coffee, Americano, latte, and house specials. Pastries and light meals are easy to find as well.
No. Tipping is not common in Taiwan and is generally not expected. A warm “xièxie,” or thank you, is plenty.
Often, yes. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Taiwan, but small cafes and coffee windows may prefer cash. Carry some New Taiwan dollars as a backup.
Yes. dasKafeD sits on the 89th floor, Taipei 101’s indoor observatory level. Simple Kaffa Sola is one floor below, on the 88th floor.
Some is, but imports far outweigh domestic production. Local beans are a specialty, so look for farm names on the menu.
Beyond the Cafes: More Taipei Adventures
Love Taipei? Pair these cafes with the best night markets in Taipei for an evening out.
Planning a day trip? Don’t miss the best things to do in Jiufen.
