Taipei – One of our favourite cities in Asia, there are plenty of food options when it comes to the capital of Taiwan – read our earlier article on some of the Must Try restaurants in Taipei. Other than the vibrant street scene and night markets, the city also boasts a wide and good selection of tea-houses and cafes, from Japanese inspired tea-houses to some of the best scones and chocolate patisserie. Here are some of our top favourites in Taipei at the moment!

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Savour Cafe 

Located in Da’an District in Taipei, Savour Cafe spots a chic and minimalist space which was very quiet on a weekday I visited. The food menu is not extensive, with some salads and sandwiches prepared behind the small kitchen. It is not so much of a brunch spot, but a coffee and cake option if you are looking to replenish your energy. I love the space though.

Where: No. 115-2號, Section 4, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

 

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YU Chocolatier (畬室法式巧克力甜點創作)

Opened about two years ago by a local Taiwanese who has been trained in France, YU Chocolatier is probably the best chocolate patisserie shop I have visited in Taipei. The small and cosy eight seater space was an absolute joy for me after a long day of walking in the city. I had a rich chocolate tart and iced chocolate drink which were memorably good, and would recommend anyone here if you are looking for a good dessert cafe away from the main tourist districts in this city.

Where: No. 10, Alley 3, Lane 112, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

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All Day Roasting Company 

The cafe game is Taipei is growing strong as compared to few years ago. All Day Roasting Company located in the Songshan District has a nice space with natural lighting, and a wooden and somewhat minimalist look and vibe. Expect to spot young and trendy locals here.

Where: No. 329, Yanshou Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

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Fujin Tree 355 (富錦樹355)

Fujin Street is one of the nicest street in Taipei. I enjoyed spending a lazy afternoon here, and a visit to Fujin Tree 355 is a must if you are looking for a quiet and zen space to enjoy a good cup of coffee. The spacious and long cafe was mainly visited by locals during my visit, which has a very instagram-worthy shopfront decorated by plants and mainly wood furnishings. Other than coffee, there are some light bites such as cakes and pastries to go along.

Where: No.353, Fujin Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan

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Beans & Beats

Located within a close proximity to Fujin Tree 355 is Beans & Beats, a cafe where you can enjoy some good reads and music opened by a well-known hip hop record company in Taipei. The ambience here is more indie, which is quite different from the usual homely cafe vibes

Where: No. 346, Fujin Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

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Qing Tian Qi Liu (青田七六）

The whole Qing Tian neighbourhood feels like a zen retreat from the rest of Taipei city. In this predominantly residential precinct lies Qing Tian Qi Liu, a Japanese style teahouse which has its building preserved from the good olden days. You can either dine in the wooden house or the outdoor area which is less quaint. Regardless, this teahouse which also serves a robust food menu is very popular among the locals (I was probably the only tourist when I visited), be sure to reserve well ahead.

Where: No. 6, Lane 7, Qingtian Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

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Wistaria Tea House (紫藤廬)

Similar to Qing Tian Qi Liu, I chose to visit Wistaria Tea House because of its old Japanese style structure built as far as as the 1920s, where you get to enjoy Tatami-style dining in some of the dining sections. The tea options are aplenty, and you could stay for as long as you wish to enjoy your tea moments. Food options are also available.

Where: No. 1, Lane 16, Section 3, Xinsheng South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

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Smith & Hsu 現代茶館

I wouldn’t have thought that some of the best scones I have had come from Taipei. Smith & Hsu has become a must visit spot for me whenever I am in this city. The wide range of tea selections aside, I enjoy ordering the tea and scone set which is filling enough for an afternoon tea indulgence, There are various outlets in Taipei, with most spotting a homely and wooden interior.

Where: No. 35, Hengyang Road, Taipei City, Taiwan

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Ranted by The Ranter