We’ve all fallen for Instagram traps, but here are 10 spots in Taipei that are actually worth a try:
Liquide Ambré 琥泊–offers a beautiful tea service for $400NT (approximately $12 USD) with high quality tea and a relaxing ambience. The seasonal desserts and almond tofu were good but not spectacular, the real star is the tea. Everything from the chairs to the small flower vases used to decorate their serving plates is well thought out. This spot seats only 6 people so would highly recommend making a reservation online. It’s located on the second floor on top of a cute stationary store (also pictured below) run by the same owner.
二會 gojiby–this spot fills up very quickly, so would recommend going early. Very friendly staff and everything we ordered was great. Located off Zhongshan station. The café is on the second floor and their sign is small and discreet so make sure to look out for it!
昭和浪漫冰室–tried this spot for the first time a month after they opened and we ordered the chocolate shaved snow with whisky and the thai iced tea shaved snow with boba. Both were good but the Thai iced tea flavor was on the sweet side for me. We went back again a few days ago after having dinner in the area and tried their seasonal strawberry shaved snow with a cream-filled strawberry soufflé on top and are now totally obsessed with the place.
Cypress & Chestnut–borderline obnoxious with the way they take reservations (via Facebook messenger at a specific time on a specific day when they’re open to take reservations) but the place is super photogenic. I’ve found it more or less impossible to get a table so I stopped by on a day when they offered take-out orders. Unfortunately, though the desserts were delicious, they were kind of ruined by the time I brought them home (that’s why there are no photos…haha). Would recommend eating the desserts here if you’re able to secure the spot.
OTH: One Tree Hill Taipei–have gone here so many times and it’s amazing each time I go. Not all of the dessert/food options are set so depending on what they have when you go, you may or may not be able to order what I have pictured below. Don’t worry though, I’m 99.9% sure it’ll be delicious, whatever it is.
Quelques Pâtisseries 某某甜點–another one of those spots that I’ve gone to many times. The first time I came here was years ago when I was visiting my parents in Taiwan while I was still working in New York. It impressed me then and it still impresses me now. Their desserts are always so cute and they don’t skimp on the quality.
Nu Studio–a little far outside the city center but a cute spot to hit up if you have some time. Very minimal décor, the aesthetic is kind of reminiscent of some cafés I visited in Seoul.
Season Patisserie–I had so many photos of the food I’ve had here across multiple visits but I’ve managed to lose them since I didn’t have time to back them up to iCloud before I switched to a new phone. This is the most important photo, though. If you decide to get just one thing, make sure it’s their millefeuille. You won’t regret it. Would also recommend trying the savory options and please try their chocolate tea!!
十間茶屋–there’s barely any seating so I guess I’d categorize this more as a to-go spot. It’s really pretty, though, no? The tea was good and I’m a serious fan of their décor and serveware. You can stop by Aēsop after since it’s right next door or wander over to all of the department stores in Xinyi district.
貳房苑 Livingreen–get their bay area fresh shrimp brunch and try a few desserts. I’ve tried a few other menu options and they weren’t nearly as good as the shrimp brunch which comes with a shrimp sandwich and a house made savory egg tart with a side of salad. The salty egg dark chocolate ganache and the lychee tart are the two standout dessert choices for me.
LA GRACIEUSE 