Quiet Cafes: Taipei
It’s been difficult, to say the least, to find a workspace that helps me concentrate while being simple and minimalistic in Taipei. As a freelancer who has spatial and sound sensitivity, being in a space where I can focus and be deep in my thoughts is of utmost importance.
In this article, we will share 6 cafes/ tea houses that Soul Barn loves! (This isn’t a sponsored post but purely based on personal experience!)
Gentle reminder: If you happen to stay in these cafes for an extended period of time, why not help them out a bit through extra small purchases. For example: if I stay in a cafe for over 4 hours, I would purchase two drinks and a pastry and not just only one drink for the entire afternoon. It is not easy to keep a small business running in this bustling city, so let’s do our part in helping out!
Wisteria Tea House
The two story 1981 Japanese style tea house beside Da An Forest Park was the first of its kind in Taiwan, and also where I learned about tea culture. The first floor is primarily used for dining and tea tasting while the second floor is an art gallery that also serves as a space for tea ceremonies and periodic exhibits.
The crackling of the wooden floors and the earthy aroma of the tea greets you as you step into the Wisteria House. The calming ambience always takes you away from the bustling city of Taipei. Few people visit this gem during the weekdays, and you can enjoy your time here working or reading a book, whether with friends or alone.
Since it is a tea house, coffee is not served here. Selections of Chamomile or Roselle tea are available as well as their hearty pastries and refreshments; you can even taste the quality just by their dried fruits.
@mysouldairy
Vegan cafe
Vegan cafe is next to National Taiwan University, and being a frequent customer myself, I enjoy this cafe quite a lot.
I don’t usually go out of my way to search for vegan cafes, but their cinnamon buns, with just the right amount of sweetness, paired with a pot of herbal tea or oat milk latte bring a cozy feeling.
Compared to many of the lavish cafes with chic interiors, I would describe this cafe as “minimalistic”. With a couple black tables and chairs decorating the grey cement floors, the cafe does not intend to attract customers based on its design. There are many NTU students studying in the cafe so it is as quiet as it can be. Only the therapeutic sound of the coffee brewing and the sweet smell of cinnamon buns fills up the room, giving it a homey ambiance.
Vegan cafe’s Instagram
Powder Workshop
Powder Workshop, located by Dongmen MRT station, is the most popular cafe in this list. Despite its popularity, the quality is maintained well throughout, especially in regards to the space, you can tell that the owner put substantial insight in building and running this cafe.
Please be aware of the two hour time limit policy, although you are welcome to stay longer if it is not at full capacity during the weekdays. (You may also purchase an extra drink or pastry as a courteous gesture for occupying the seat for an extended amount of time) I personally really enjoy the low bar top in front floor to ceiling windows, where the sunlight naturally shines in. The chairs are very comfortable and you can easily enjoy your time with quality breakfast or even just a drink here. For those who don’t drink coffee, I would highly recommend wheat germ milk!
Powder Workshop’s Facebook
＠lat_tea_rt
Cafe Libero
Another cafe located in the corner of Dongmen MRT station, Cafe Libero is a place that has been transformed from a former abode. It opens until late at night and has an unique indistinguishable retro bar atmosphere. Prices are on the higher side in this cafe - a pot of fruit tea costs NTD $250, and the customer demographic appears to be more mature than other places. Many locals around the area visit this establishment to hangout and just like Picnic Cafe, although the place may appear busy, it will not be distracting from your work. This could be attributed to the bar seating arrangement where it helps you focus on the task right in front of you.
Cafe Libero is dimly lit and the air conditioning is on full blast. You may catch a cold if you decide to pay a visit after a sweltering day during summer. It is recommended to bring a light jacket if you’re afraid of the cold.
bambi.tw
Plantea
Simply made with wood and cement, the shop is in an inconspicuous location near Nanjing Fuxing Station. Although it does not have a lot of indoor seating, the space appears to be spacious and quiet. Pantea is a cafe that specializes in vegan milk and I would get order number 2: Nut Milk and a slice of pumpkin cheesecake every time. The cafe also offers vegetable curry with rice during meal times.
Plantea is a great place to have wholesome and detoxifying plant-based meals. In your next cafe adventure, be sure to try one of these exquisite establishments!
Why not try out one of these cafes next time you head out, to experience the clean and quiet vibes in these establishments.
Kandee Chen is the Creative Director of Studio Kandee. She can usually be found searching for vintage wares, sitting in quiet cafes, relaxing by the lake, or exploring new places in the city.
Kandee’s Instagram @mysouldairy
Article translate by Helen Luo
