Lately, I’ve been hooked on exploring Dadaocheng. Every now and then, I whisk my family away for a delightful half-day excursion there. On weekends, when I drive over, I conveniently park near Minquan West Road. But today, I opted for the subway and disembarked at Exit 3 of Beimen Station.
As soon as I stepped out of the station, I walked straight toward Dihua Street. After crossing a street, right across from Yongle Qiyu Rice Noodles, I laid eyes on the charming “Otaru Coffee” with its distinctive red brick façade.
Although Otaru Coffee has several branches in the northern part of Taiwan, my most frequented one is the Breeze Xinyi Store. However, it’s the Dadaocheng branch that truly exudes a captivating old-world charm, drawing me back time and again.
Emulating the architectural features of Edo-period Japan, it evokes memories of life in the 1960s.
The copper-made large circular lampshade resembles a wide-brimmed hat, radiating a nostalgic Japanese ambiance. It’s illuminated by tungsten filament bulbs in a warm orange hue.
Adorned with simple wooden tables and chairs, this cozy space exudes warmth. It’s the innermost seating area of the café, perfect for chatting or diving into a good book.
The café accommodates 18 to 24 seats, covering an area of approximately 20 ping (about 66 square meters). The architectural design, reminiscent of both Taiwanese and Japanese traditional houses, prioritizes natural ventilation and ample sunlight. Whether you’re inside or outside, the café offers excellent visibility.
In the center of the café, there’s a window. The seats by the window are always in high demand due to excellent ventilation and views both inside and outside.
Although it’s an old building, the high ceiling allows ample space to fully embrace the innate vitality of coffee. With its blend of Japanese and Taiwanese architectural elements, the lofty bar counter adds to the charm.
Elegant siphon-style coffee equipment, coffee grinders, and coffee makers—all set for a delightful tête-à-tête with happiness over the nuanced flavors of freshly brewed coffee.
Single-origin coffee bean storage canisters—captivating the attention of coffee enthusiasts who revel in exploring the nuances of their favorite brew.
This mural artwork is the creation of the artist known as ‘Blue Tunnel.’ Crafted using special paint, light-colored wooden panels, and oak veneer from small wooden houses, it graces the historic Dihua Street in Taipei’s Dadaocheng district. This unique street art piece aims to recapture the authentic essence of ‘Otaru Handmade Coffee’ against the backdrop of Japan’s Showa era, bridging the past and the future.
A harmonious blend of traditional Taiwanese street charm. Those rose-patterned coffee cups are truly exquisite! These are part of the decor and collection within the café.
This porcelain cup and saucer set is from the British brand Wedgwood.
Black Brick Cold Drip Coffee: The deliciousness of coffee is the sole essence of a café. To judge whether coffee is good or not, one can discern the hints from a cup of unadulterated cold drip coffee.
A delightful cup of cold drip coffee leaves a lingering sweetness at the back of your tongue after the first sip. This iced coffee, steeped in the Japanese sensibilities of Hokkaido, bridges the past and the present.
Rose Latte Coffee
Blending milk, it leans slightly sweet, yet the intense rose fragrance veils the coffee.
In comparison, the plain latte brings me joy. It flawlessly meets my expectations for this coffee shop. For coffee enthusiasts, it’s not about seeking extravagance or attention; it’s all about embracing the pure essence of a classic brew.
Charcoal-Grilled Brown Sugar Mochi Pancakes
These pancakes boast a delightful contrast—crispy on the outside, soft and slightly sweet on the inside. But the real indulgence lies within: a gooey, stretchy mochi center. It’s like an ordinary pancake got a thrilling upgrade!
Delicious Condensed Milk Cream Crust Toast Arrives! This version bears a striking resemblance to Macau-style buttered toast. When dipped in the adjacent condensed milk, it leans toward the sweet side, but when savored plain, the flavor is just right.
Matcha Strawberry Layered Cake
At Otaru Coffee, their cake changes daily, and it doesn’t have a specific name on the menu. I’ve personally dubbed it this way because the matcha flavor is truly intense! And let’s not forget the accompanying matcha sauce on the side. The slight tartness of the strawberries in the center balances the overall taste. It’s quite delightful!
Japanese Rustic Charm: With a casual snap, it becomes a scene. Seated by the window, it transforms into a play. Quietly savoring warm moments over coffee in an old house.
The flavor of old time charm—derived from the traditional Japanese siphon extraction method. It awaits passersby, ready for exploration.
