Embarking on this aromatic voyage to Gu-Keng, we savor the essence of nostalgia. Amidst the fragrant coffee, we pay homage to the roots of local coffee culture. Let the rich brews and the whispers of yesteryears deepen our reverence for the land that birthed this delightful elixir.
Basking in the leisurely afternoon sunlight, I pushed open the door of Yunlin’s most historic café. Today, it feels like a moment of bliss—gathered with dear friends, everyone sipping coffee in an effortless and carefree manner!
We, as a group, have just participated in the ‘Taiwan Coffee x Smart Technology & World Barista Forum.’ Following that, we joined forces with Agnieszka Rojewska from Poland, a world-renowned coffee master, and Wu Ze-lin, a native son of Taiwan who is also a coffee expert. Together with Yeh Chien-han, the founder of iDrip, we gathered here. After absorbing the lively exchange of coffee knowledge among baristas, it seems even more meaningful to savor a cup of Gu-Keng coffee.
In the Gu-keng area, the coffee cultivation covers an impressive 51.4 hectares, yielding approximately 56 metric tons annually. The green fruits visible in the photo are the coffee cherries in origin.
Nestled in the lush hills of Yunlin, the coffee plantations of Herbao Mountain stand tall. Locals affectionately refer to this area as “Coffee Mountain”. The verdant slopes are adorned with rows of coffee trees, their green cherries ripening under the sun. It’s a picturesque landscape where the rich aroma of coffee mingles with the fresh mountain air.
Renowned both locally and internationally, the coffee of Gu-keng has a storied history dating back to the Japanese colonial era. Over the course of more than a century, this coffee has flourished, reaching its pinnacle with an impressive annual yield of 100 metric tons. The slopes of Gu-keng have witnessed generations of coffee cultivation, and their beans continue to thrive, capturing the essence of time and tradition.
Surprisingly, the quality of Taiwanese coffee has garnered international acclaim. During the era of the Taiwanese Nationalist Government, they went a step further by establishing a coffee factory in Douliu, Yunlin. This factory proudly holds the title of being the “Largest Coffee Factory in the Far East”. The aroma of freshly roasted beans wafts through the air, and the legacy of this coffee hub continues to thrive.
Why not grab a cup of coffee in Gu-keng?” This catchy travel slogan has become all the rage. Every weekend and holiday, a steady stream of visitors flocks to the area, eager to ascend Huashan, savor their coffee, and take in the mesmerizing night views. Before heading to the coffee plantations on Huashan, many choose to explore the renowned Tonghua Park and the verdant Green Tunnel, capturing moments through their lenses. It’s a delightful journey where caffeine meets scenic beauty!
Baden Coffee, the first coffee shop in Gu-keng, was established in 1984. In the blink of an eye, nearly 40 years have passed since its inception. Located next to the “Earth Mother Temple” on Herbao Mountain in Gu-keng Township, it initially served as a gathering place for locals to connect and converse.
Through the ‘Beloved Baden Mailbox,’ guests can send forth a cascade of affectionate words or convey sentiments of longing on exquisitely crafted postcards. Each one brims with love, a tangible bridge connecting hearts across distances.
This coffee shop’s signboard intrigued me: “Who could be depicted up there?” Later, I discovered it was the proprietress herself, joyfully brewing coffee behind the counter. Her enthusiasm touched us all.
The shop owner, a doting grandfather, is committed to crafting wholesome, all-natural bread for his beloved grandchild. He insists on using premium ingredients to create these delightful treats.
Baden Coffee’s traditional wood-fired bread is also one of the enticing draws that beckon visitors from far and wide. The aroma of freshly baked loaves, emerging from the rustic oven, fills the air, promising a delightful pairing with their aromatic coffee.
Not only am I the creator of handmade cookies, but I’m also an enthusiast. Crafting delicious cookies with just the right balance of moisture and texture is no easy feat. So, I’ve decided to indulge in a package of dark chocolate and almond slice flavor.
Baden Coffee isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s also a distinctive bakery known for its unique pastries and bread.
The Chinese calligraphy on the wall says: 天天喝咖啡, 時時都開心“Sip coffee daily, savor joy always.”Baden Coffee isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s also a distinctive literary haven. From the interior decor to the elegant calligraphy scroll, every detail exudes an artistic flair.
Upon ascending the stairs to the second floor, one is greeted by a captivating vintage-style oil painting that vividly captures the bustling atmosphere of “Baden’s Heat.”
Another masterpiece, crafted by Taiwanese artist Wu Qiuhua, vividly brings to life the essence of the historic Baden Coffee Courtyard. Through her brushstrokes, she skillfully captures the architectural charm and ambiance of this old mansion.
It’s a place where coffee and creativity intertwine, inviting patrons to find solace in both words and brews.
The vintage siphon-style coffee pot exudes distinctive charm no matter how you look at it! It’s an instrument that holds value for both practical use, collecting, and decoration.
Various coffee bean varieties are displayed on the counter, inviting everyone to savor, inhale, and experience the distinct flavors of each bean type.
The coffee cup and saucer sets we use are all made of exquisite bone china.” Bone china is renowned for its elegance and delicate appearance, making it a perfect choice for enjoying a cup of coffee.
The moment those freshly brewed coffees are served, it feels worthwhile—thanks to the quality of the coffee beans, the craftsmanship, and the attentive service here. Despite the wallet-friendly pricing, each cup is brimming with world-class excellence.
Up until now, I’ve deeply cherished the lingering memory of its tail-end notes, which carry a delicate fruity acidity and a fragrant sweetness. It’s a cup of coffee that weaves itself into the Taiwan’s land, soil and culture.
Within the cozy confines of the café, a special afternoon tea set awaits our group. Each table, accommodating six guests, is treated to a trio of distinctive desserts. My choice was the “Irish Cream Coffee Cheesecake”, paired with a fragrant coffee jelly.
Another delightful option is the Blueberry Cheesecake.
In a delightful twist of fate, the friendly store attendant graciously presented two plates brimming with delectable Baden-style nougat. Each morsel, a sweet indulgence, seemed to encapsulate the very essence of warmth and generosity. 🍬
How could I forget to introduce this heavyweight star? The elusive “Peanut Butter Swiss Roll”, a delicacy you won’t find elsewhere. And the remarkable part? Despite its decadence, it doesn’t overwhelm with excessive sweetness. Bite after bite!
The warmth of the host’s generous hospitality shines through in this cup—a liquid radiant with golden sunlight.
Guess what ? It’s Baden Coffee’s exclusive honey-brewed enzyme—a delightful blend of sweet and tangy pineapple juice. And as the last rays of daylight mingled with the clinking of glasse, a lingering fragrance remained—a sweet reminder of those delightful hours spent together.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, we gathered, sharing laughter and camaraderie over cups of coffee. Each snapshot captured a moment of joy, etching memories into the golden hues that danced across our faces.
