The 7 Best Cafes in Hualien, Taiwan

Coffee in Hualien
Coffee in Hualien | © rawpixel / pexels
Ciaran McEneaney

One of the most laid back cities in Taiwan, Hualien is the perfect location for a relaxing city break away from the hustle and bustle of Taipei. It also just happens to be the ideal base for a trip to the world famous Taroko Gorge, plus the city itself is packed with interesting tourist attractions. But when it’s time for a break from sightseeing, where’s the best place in the city for an afternoon cup of coffee? There are dozens of cafés in the city but here are seven of the very best.

1. King Tang Cafe

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Taiwanese, Pastries

Piccolo Coffee at King Tang Cafe
Courtesy of King Tang Cafe

A café that roasts its own coffee and does a fantastic line in tasty desserts? What’s not to like about this chic little café in downtown Hualien? It’s a quiet oasis in a busy city that provides customers with a friendly environment where they can relax over that afternoon cup of Joe. They even have a quiet little garden out the back where it’s nice and peaceful.

2. Black Whale Cafe

Cafe, Tea , Coffee, Pastries, Fast Food, Taiwanese

A bike-friendly (yes it’s a thing) café in the city that offers tasty snacks and light meals. The place has its own signature coffee which makes it well worth a visit. Sit outside or relax upstairs, either way you’ll feel totally at ease in this incredibly warm and friendly little café.

3. Edison Coffee

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Taiwanese, Pastries

A wonderful place with a knowledgeable and friendly owner that loves to chat with his customers. There’s a great selection of coffee and teas available and some pretty good waffles with various toppings. There are even a few books that you can borrow and read over your afternoon break.

5. Giocare

Cafe, Tea , Coffee, Taiwanese, Fast Food, Pastries

Ice with your coffee at Giocare
© Blowing Puffer Fish / Flickr

Now this is a café for real coffee lovers. The owners take great pride in their bean selection and take even more care in selecting just the right one for each of the coffees on their menu. It’s a very relaxed spot with a great outdoor seating area to boot. Customers also love the arty vibe of the place with each coffee arriving in wonderfully unqiue clay cups.

6. Black Bobby

Cafe, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Taiwanese, Pastries

Located right by the train station, this coffee shop is the first stop for many travelers to the city. The coffee is good but the meals are even better. There are some decent light meals on offer for enjoying a filling lunch here. The most notable thing about this place though (aside from its unusual name) is the excellent service.

7. Seven Beans

Bakery, Cafe, Tea , Pastries, Fast Food, Taiwanese

A chilled joint with excellent tea and coffee and a great selection of sandwiches. The menu offers a little more than your average café so it’s a good spot for a light lunch. And with such a vibrant atmosphere it’s the kind of place you can take your friends and enjoy a chat without worrying too much about disturbing the other customers.

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