Tea has historically been the beverage of choice for many locals; in recent years though, coffee has been taking the nation by storm. Morning breakfast for a large portion of the younger generation includes a pastry or morsel from one of Taiwan's numerous convenience stores or locally ran
breakfast shops, along with a cup of joe, latte and black being the two most popular options.
In days gone by, Taiwan was one of the largest coffee producers in eastern Asia. The nation's coffee plantations are situated at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1000 meters above sea level. The variance in altitude imparts a unique, superlative flavor on the locally grown beans. Unlike other coffee-producing regions of the world, the island of Taiwan is also fortunate enough to be able to handle all aspects of production, from growth and harvesting to roasting, marketing, and sales.
With the rising popularity of coffee, it should come as no surprise that a lot of dedicated coffee shops have cropped up around Taiwan over the past decade. Two popular chain shops are 85C bakery and Louisa Coffee. The latter chain is popular with people from all walks of life, a shop where students, gamers, and business folks all come together to enjoy a lunchtime brew.
Moving away from chain cafes, every city in Taiwan also has a plethora of small, specialized coffee
shops. In Taichung, the team at Ni Hao Snacks enjoys Brewsome, a trendy coffee shop that makes a mean iced coffee. Pet cafes are also popular here, where one can bond with a furry friend while enjoying a drink.
The coffee scene in Taiwan has only begun to kick off, and it is here to stay. For coffee lovers who want to treat themselves to something special, why not explore this
often-overlooked coffee region? Your taste buds won't regret it!