Tainan City is loved by locals and tourists alike for its delicious and affordable street food. In recent years, the city has witnessed a rise in coffee culture stemming from the combination of traditional cultural identities and the dynamism of young people in the new era. Tainan has a unique cultural background as the capital of Taiwan under Dutch colonial rule in the 1600s. It is these things that have created a very unique culture for Tainan, more or less influence on the model of coffee shops in the city. Whether you are looking for a quiet cultural space or simply a good cup of coffee, the cafes here have everything you need.
Sputnik Lab
Nestled in an alley near Tainan Railway Station, Sputnik Lab is housed in a traditional Japanese-style wooden house, a remnant of the 1920s when Japan occupied Taiwan. At Sputnik Lab, you'll sit on straw tatami mats at low tables and sip matcha lattes, savor traditional matcha desserts, red beans, and shiratama dango (Japanese-style sweet rice balls). The interior of Sputnik Lab is filled with elements of Japanese design and artwork, and you are asked to take off your shoes upon entering, in keeping with the tradition of a Japanese coffee shop. The restaurant's menu is also designed in Japanese style with the aim of becoming "the closest place to Tokyo in Taiwan".
Location: No. 74, Fubei Street, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704
Hours of Operation: 01:00 PM-07.00 PM (weekdays except Wednesday)
Zheng Xing Café
For those looking for a relaxed and nostalgic atmosphere, look no further than Zheng Xing Café. Originally a small guesthouse run by architect Kuo-Chang Liu, Zheng Xing has expanded into the coffee business to give customers more options to experience the service when staying here. . The cafe is designed in an elegant style, much of the original interior and structure is maintained, creating a bright and comfortable atmosphere in a historical space. If you want to go to a coffee shop to sit back, relax and enjoy a quiet afternoon, be sure to make room for Zheng Xing in your itinerary.
Location: No. 43, Section 3, Guohua St, West Central District, Tainan City, 700
Operating hours: 09.00 AM to 09.00PM (weekdays)
Meller Café
Meller Café has emerged recently as a new phenomenon, a popular spot for young people. Meller Café is full of life with accents of dried flowers and simple decorations. Creamy chiffon cakes with local flavors like hojicha (roasted green tea), mango and matcha are a must try when you come here. Unlike many other famous cafes in Tainan, Meller's drinks and desserts are surprisingly affordable. Meller may not be known for its prestigious coffee, but the desserts have made the name of the shop and you should definitely spend a little time to stop by if you have the opportunity to come to Tainan city.
Location: No. 53, Anbei Road, Anping District, Tainan City, 708
Hours of Operation: 10.00 AM-06.00 PM (weekdays except Tuesdays)
Cafe WUDAO
Café WUDAO is located in a villa with outstanding Western architecture but has a Japanese-style serving area, creating a very unique experience for those interested in local culture. The ground floor area is filled with greenery, the designs are accentuated by wood and stone spread throughout a large open space. The seating on the second floor is divided into regular and traditional Japanese seating with tatami mats. In addition to the unique decor concept, Café WUDAO also serves fine coffee and signature desserts including Japanese-style curries and glazes.
Location: No. 3, Lane 317, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, 700
Hours of Operation: 12.00 PM-06.00 PM (weekdays)
Maison The Core
The outside of the cafe is decorated in the style of traditional southern Taiwanese houses, using plain gray cement and typical Chinese red New Year couplets. Once inside, you'll see the shop's mascot, a Shiba Inu named Pork Floss. Maison the Core's desserts and sandwiches are famous in Tainan for their unique blend of Chinese and Western dishes, serving Hong Kong egg waffles flavored with milk tea along with New-style cheesecakes York. Coffee at Maison the Core is delicious, regular cane sugar is replaced with brown sugar, bringing out the typical Taiwanese flavor. Seating at Maison the Core is limited and the cafe does not accept reservations.
Location: No. 3, Lane 317, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, 700
Hours of Operation: 12.00 PM-06.00 PM (weekdays)