A Place of Natural Beauty and Remarkable People. Recently, due to the pandemic, I’ve been exploring local spots near my home instead of traveling far. To my delight, I’ve discovered hidden gems, including quaint eateries that rival trendy city cafes in terms of ambiance and decor. There’s an air of mystery, almost like a rural legend, surrounding these places. Whether it’s hiking or enjoying the blossoms, stepping outdoors and sipping a cup of coffee feels satisfyingly ordinary. This time, Yoyo is taking us to an old house near the Xiongkong Sakura Forest for coffee. Doesn’t it evoke a sense of familiarity, like returning to the countryside?
In March this year, when I went to Xiong Kong with my family to see cherry blossoms, I noticed bilingual signs on a suitable hillside. Later, after visiting the nearby Daliao Tea Culture Center, I thought of stopping by the café. However, I discovered that it was closed on non-business days. It turns out this café has a unique personality, operating only from Friday to Sunday each week.
The sky drizzles gently, nourishing the small flowers and grass on the slope. Even in early May, a few clusters of wisteria are in full bloom. The air is filled with the fresh and comfortable scent of plants. Having coffee here is a delightful way to enjoy nature and take a leisurely stroll. 🌿
The atmosphere both inside and outside exudes the leisurely charm of mountain living. The mottled white spots beneath the window lend the house a captivating vintage feel. Sitting by the open door, you can admire the abundant greenery. The few touches of red and a splash of green in front of the row of red brick old houses add vibrancy and a touch of youthful energy.
The deep red brick walls exude a traditional yet quietly elegant charm. In Taiwan, there’s been a trend in recent years to transform old houses into various types of shops. This practice disrupts the traditional concept of old houses, repurposing them for more modern commercial use while still preserving their original rustic and cultural qualities. Paired with the pristine mountains and water of Xiong Kong in Sanxia, the overall atmosphere is wonderfully soothing. Who wouldn’t enjoy spending extra time here?
From the decorations, you can see that the café owner has poured a lot of effort into nurturing and breathing new life into this old house. Even the small ornaments on the wooden cabinet require thoughtful curation over time. The décor sometimes changes with the seasons, adding subtle details. Whether you’re inside or outside the café, every angle captures an artistic vibe. Every candid photo becomes Instagram-worthy, and everyone in the frame exudes a certain elegance.
Even though it’s raining, sitting by the window, there’s still a gentle light streaming into the room. ☔
Despite the faint drizzle, sitting outside allows you to feel the cool freshness in the subtle air.
At the ordering counter, there’s a lively dog in the café. As soon as it spots someone, it eagerly approaches, seeking affection and attention. I noticed that the dog is mostly kept on a leash—perhaps because of its exuberance? The café’s elegant decor features intricate foreign patterns on the tiles, reminiscent of Spanish decorative art. Located on a pleasant hillside, this pet-friendly establishment encourages owners to keep their furry companions leashed or in strollers to ensure a positive experience for all guests. It’s a place where both humans and their beloved pets can enjoy indoor and outdoor moments together.
The café has a minimum order requirement of one drink or dessert per person. The latte art on the hot latte is stunning! Visually, it definitely sparks a desire for coffee.
Another popular drink here is the ‘Stovetop Milk Tea.’ As the name suggests, it’s made by using locally sourced fragrant black tea leaves from Sanxia and simmering them with fresh milk in an iron pot. The result is a delightful blend of tea aroma and creamy milk flavor.
Let’s talk about the popular dish that receives rave reviews at our restaurant. It’s none other than our spectacular creation! This dessert is so elegant and impressive that you won’t find anything like it elsewhere. The catch is that it’s not always available (once it’s sold out, we don’t offer it anymore). Allow me to introduce the Lemon Summer Clear Milk Pancake, which we only started selling in early April. Picture this: a hot season, fresh seasonal fruits drizzled with a perfectly balanced tangy and sweet homemade lime sauce, all paired with refreshing lemon yogurt milk ice cream.
As you step inside, you’ll find a long white table adorned with several adorable mini plants. It’s surrounded by a variety of colorful plants. This outdoor setting is perfect for group gatherings, where you can relax and enjoy a tranquil countryside atmosphere.
