一等一咖啡茶飲 — Restaurant in Kaohsiung

This café is one of my favorite finds in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I discovered it on Google Maps. The name was listed in Chinese, but the positive reviews convinced me to track it down. Later, I learned its English name: First-Class Coffee and Tea.

It’s tucked away in a residential area, and when I arrived, I was the only customer. Right away, I liked the vibe. I used to be into minimalist cafés, but since they started popping up everywhere, they’ve lost their charm for me. These days, I prefer cafés with personality, or spaces that make you feel something. This one definitely has character, with quirky vintage decor it'll make you feel like you just stepped into someone’s home.

Behind the counter was an elderly man with white hair, the same person I’d seen in photos from online reviews. He’s the owner and a master of coffee and tea brewing. I would have loved to chat with him, but he spoke little English, so I didn’t push. Still, he was kind, offered me a seat, and handed me the menu (which I translated with my phone since it was in Chinese).

I ordered a hot latte for NT$ 140 (about US$ 4.66). Served in a ceramic cup, it was excellent, smooth, strong, and not overpowered by the milk.

If you’re visiting Kaohsiung, I highly recommend adding First-Class Coffee and Tea to...

Very unique coffee & tea shop. The boss was baking the coffee bean freshly when we arrived in full suite, sitting next to the front door. Feel like walk into someone else’s living room surround by the private art collections and records. On the menu are all owner’s hand pick items, from green to black tea to Africa to Brazil’s coffee beans. You will need to wait for a while for the filter coffee cuz it’s made by order, it’s not just a drink also a performance. You can see how they brew your drinks on the tea table, really in style!

Everything in the store are carefully picked by the owner, can taste it in your cup. In the shop time seems to pass slower. If you like to spare some time in an Alice wonderland, here is a great...

Highly highly recommended. Owner is super knowledgeable and friendly — took time to walk us through the brewing process and offered samples of other drinks. One of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had — here or in any other third wave coffee shop across the world.

The milk tea and iced tea here is also lovely. I would go out of my way to find and try this shop. One of Kaohsiung’s finest establishments.

Starred on my map, and will return on my...