The 7 Best Cafes in Banqiao, Taipei

Vintage decor at Merci Vielle
Vintage decor at Merci Vielle | Courtesy of Merci Vielle
Ciaran McEneaney

Banqiao is fast becoming one of the places to be in Taipei. With huge department stores and a wide range of restaurants lining the streets, there’s very little reason for its residents to leave the neighborhood. Add to that the many fantastic little cafes dotted throughout and you can see why the district is a busy place at the weekends. So next time you’re out and about in Banqiao and in need of a coffee fix, try one of these.

1. Wakey Cafe

Cafe, Taiwanese, Coffee

Chocolate flavor vegan dessert
Courtesy of Wakey Cafe

For a real friendly atmosphere, there aren’t many places that can beat Wakey Cafe. Although the name implies otherwise, this is a totally relaxed little joint, with top class coffee and delicious desserts – there are also tasty vegan options. Try the homemade lemon tart, it’s incredible.

2. Merci

Cafe, Taiwanese

Creative decor at Merci
Courtesy of Merci Cafe

An excellent choice for a light meal or an afternoon pick me up, Merci is a creatively furnished yet cozy little cafe that has a wonderfully laid back atmosphere. The coffee is good but it’s the decor and food that really make the trip worthwhile. The perfect place to meet friends at the weekend.

3. Eileen's Coffee x Squad

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Taiwanese

So much sweetness
Courtesy of Eileen's Coffee x Squad

At first glance Eileen’s Coffee x Squad looks like a simple cafe with a reasonably basic menu. However, once you sit down, it becomes apparent that the staff here really know their stuff. They are incredibly friendly and professional and go to great lengths to explain every item on the menu in perfect detail. The food and drinks are delicious too, as many regulars here will testify. Green tea muffins? Yes, please!

5. Your Cafe

Cafe, Coffee, Taiwanese

Coffee and cookies
Courtesy of Your Cafe

Your Cafe is top of the list for true coffee aficionados in Banqiao. The owner of this place is a real coffee connoisseur and customers are regularly blown away by the blends on offer. The food is pretty good too, with an extensive menu that has some really unusual items on there. Once you taste their coffee though, you’ll soon be back for more.

6. Mass Cafe

Cafe, Coffee, Taiwanese

Coffee and cookies
Courtesy of Mass Cafe

For a peaceful place to get some work done over a coffee (or two), Mass Cafe is the best place in the neighborhood. The Wi-Fi is good and there are plenty of wall sockets to plug in your laptop. The coffee is decent and there’s also plenty of options to refuel with – you’ll find the usual stuff on the menu, but the food is absolutely sensational (hello cinnamon rolls!) and even better, the staff put no time constraints on how long you can stay, with no pressure to keep ordering drinks if you want to make use of the space.

7. Merci Vielle

Cafe, Coffee, Taiwanese

So much matcha goodness
Courtesy of Merci Vielle

Merci Vielle is a cafe with a difference. Instead of the usual modern decor you find in most cafes these days, the owners have opted for a vintage feel and it really works. It’s a very interesting decor and makes for a nice change. The staff here are knowledgeable and will gladly help you choose something from the rather extensive menu. Although, to be honest, you really can’t go wrong no matter which option you use, as everything is delectable.

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