SanFormosan Coffee Dadaocheng Main Shop — Restaurant in Datong District

I’m genuinely surprised this place doesn’t have a perfect rating on Google Maps. SanFormosan Coffee stands out as one of the most refined coffee experiences in the Dadaocheng area.

Taiwan isn’t traditionally known for coffee cultivation, but the industry has deep roots. Coffee was first introduced during the Japanese colonial period, with Arabica beans planted in regions like Chiayi and Yunlin. However, after the Japanese left, the industry declined due to high production costs and competition from cheaper imports. It wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly after the 921 earthquake in 1999 that caused landslides everywhere and prompted a renewed interest in coffee farming, leading to a resurgence in domestic coffee production .  

SanFormosan embraces this rich history by offering a premium coffee experience. Their presentation is meticulous: coffee is served hot alongside a chilled sample in a glass tube, allowing you to appreciate the flavor profile at different temperatures. Yes, the prices are higher than your average café, but the quality and experience justify the cost. I purchased some of their packaged beans as gifts, and my family back in Vancouver absolutely loved them.

The staff are fluent in English and Japanese, making the experience accessible to international visitors. Oh almost forgot, their truffle mushroom soup is a kaboom!

If you’re in Taipei and appreciate a well-curated coffee experience, SanFormosan is...

The quality of the coffee and dessert was alright. Although the interior and the price seem a bit premium, the staff didn’t care to maintain a comfortable relaxing atmosphere other than serving and briefly introducing coffee.

For the price we paid (NTD 250/ AUD 12 per coffee), I was expecting a more quality experience and atmosphere. There was a table of loud customers. We sat to see if the staff would remind them to keep the volume down. It didn’t happen. In the end we decided to pay, leave, and inform the staff about this experience hoping them would take in consideration. We weren’t the only customers there who were bothered. However, the cashier told me that the shop doesn’t have a policy to keep the volume of the customers down and she was only following the rule. (Not doing anything to keep the experience fair for other customers who came to relax and enjoy a premium price coffee).

In short, good coffee with quality atmosphere can be found any corner in Taipei with a fairer price. It’s not this place and I...

We walk into this coffee shop because it is just around the corner. But to our surprise, it is primarily Taiwanese coffee and locally made snacks and ice cream.

The place looks nice with dark themed tables and chairs. The restroom is clean and available. But the price is really out of my expectations. It is more expensive than that of Starbucks.

The waitresses work hard to serve you and to explain each type of coffee they provide. The menu is simple and it is not hard to understand except we don't see English menu for non Chinese readers.

The coffee is actually impressive and is exactly what they state. The place is quiet except 2 older women talking. The big window provides a nice view of people inside. We...