Temples, mountains, tea plantations, and bustling markets—Taiwan has an abundance of attractions waiting to be explored. Yet, amid the excitement, there will inevitably be moments when you simply want to relax with a delicious cup of coffee.
Taipei: A Paradise for Coffee Enthusiasts
While Taiwan is famous for its exceptional oolong teas, coffee lovers may not realize that it’s also a fantastic destination for them. In 2014, the BBC named Taipei one of the world’s top six coffee cities, highlighting the vibrant café culture near National Taiwan University. For those looking to discover the capital’s coffee scene, excellent resources like The Way to Coffee and Kape Diaries offer detailed guides. With approximately 3,800 cafes across the island—almost 1,000 of which are in Taipei and nearby Tamsui—there’s no shortage of places to indulge. You’ll find everything from popular chains like Starbucks to local favorites such as Louisa Coffee, Cama Cafe, and 85°C Bakery Cafe. Additionally, many people enjoy their coffee on the go, with convenience stores like 7-Eleven selling a wide range of takeout options.
Coffee grown in Taiwan / Courtesy of jaanjia.com
The history of coffee cultivation in Taiwan spans over 130 years, marked by periods of enthusiasm and setbacks. Both British traders and Japanese colonists recognized the region’s potential for coffee growth in mid-elevation areas. Unfortunately, early efforts did not succeed, particularly during World War II when farmers destroyed their coffee plants to grow food crops instead. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that coffee fields re-emerged, particularly in Gukeng in Yunlin County and Dongshan in Greater Tainan.
Taiwan Coffee Festival
Continuing the tradition, Gukeng will host the 2024 Taiwan Coffee Festival. The main venue, Gukeng Green Tunnel, features a picturesque country road lined with mature trees. On weekends, this area comes alive with a bustling market, numerous vendors offering local products like honey, and various entertainment options. This autumn, on October 26-27 and November 1-3, the festival will put a special emphasis on coffee grown in Taiwan.
If you’re looking for gifts for coffee-loving friends back home, this festival is the perfect place to shop. Along with freshly brewed coffee available for immediate enjoyment, you’ll find unroasted beans from around the island, drip bags, and beautifully packaged coffee products. The festival will also showcase local artisanal foods and live music performances.
Even if Gukeng isn’t on your travel itinerary (though it’s an easy detour if you’re driving from Taichung to Tainan), you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to experience Taiwan’s refined coffee culture. With an increasing number of Taiwanese willing to invest in high-quality coffee, every city offers establishments that take pride in carefully selecting beans, roasting them in-house, and controlling the brewing temperature. When planning your personalized tour of Taiwan, let us know that you’d like to include great coffee experiences, and we’ll make it happen. If you’re inspired by a deeper exploration of coffee-growing areas, check out a previous client’s journey for ideas.
Contact us today, and let’s start crafting your unforgettable Taiwan adventure!
