I work remotely about 70% of the time, constantly looking for a comfortable workspace in Taipei, with decent food. This place definitely fits the bill!
The space is gorgeously done: it has a bright loft/industrial feel to it, but accented with lots of warm wood tones. It's also decorated with household artifacts from the proprietor's grandparents: this space was the old home where her parents grew up, completely modernized! Bright natural light near the 2F front window (spans the entire wall) fills the space, and the open central column is reminiscent of old Taiwanese homes of yore.
And definitely not least, their American-style baked goods are to die for: cinnamon buns, carrot cake, tarts, coffees (espresso, cappuccino, americano) and teas, and a few savoury options as well. I'm on a low-carb diet, but immediately designated today an impromptu cheat day! Cinnamon buns are authentic and classic, without that sort of fake-ish Cinnabon sweetness. Carrot cake is terrifically moist through and through, and topped with a cream cheese icing that's slightly lighter than usual (in density, not in flavour): this is THE carrot cake I've been craving for in Taipei!!
I also ordered a whole cake to take home (typically requires 3+ days advance ordering, but I lucked out), which is a passion fruit meringue, so I haven't had it yet, but it looks awesome. I heard they're extremely popular for Mother's Day and similar occasions, and it's easy to see why.
Prices are a sliver high, but not at all unreasonable, and the value certainly is clear in their quality. I'm not even faulting enough to rate a star lower, because it's THAT good.
For people looking for a workspace: weekday (work) hours are relatively quiet, great for working and focusing. Plenty of table and seating space, plus several locations with power outlets! Ample Wi-Fi signal around. Music is a moderate level, but good as a background (i.e., jazz, lounge) that doesn't interfere.
The only flaw in this place is that it isn't closer...
Read moreHeritage Bakery & Cafe in Taipei serves up beautiful surroundings and delicious treats that are sure to please. The atmosphere is minimalist and modern, with ample natural light and artistic touch, making it a great place to focus, study, or relax with friends.
During my visit, I had the chance to try the chocolate cookie, cranberry cookie, and the guava delight cake, which is one of their specialties. The baked goods were delicious, but what really struck me was how sweet they were. The cookies and cake were noticeably sweeter than most other cake and cookie bakeries. This may be a pro or a con depending on individual preferences, but it's worth noting if you prefer treats that are less sweet. Along with our treats, we ordered a chilled earl grey milk tea, which was refreshing and the perfect complement to our sweet goodies.
The only downside to Heritage Bakery & Cafe is the cost. It is on the pricier side, with our order of three desserts and two drinks coming to $620 Taiwanese dollars. However, given the beautiful surroundings, great service, and delicious treats, the prices are still acceptable and affordable compared to Western standards. Plus, if you opt for takeout, you can enjoy a discount which makes it a viable budget option.
The staff are proficient in English and are happy to assist you with anything you need. This made ordering easy and hassle-free, despite being in a foreign country.
Overall, Heritage Bakery & Cafe in Taipei offers a unique experience with its beautiful ambiance and delicious sweet treats. If you have a sweet tooth, you will certainly enjoy the cookies and cake here. The cost may be slightly on the expensive side, but the quality of food, service, and surroundings make it a...
Read moreA great place for American-style cakes. The cakes are moist, flavorful, and the cream is perfectly balanced. You won’t find dry textures like in many other bakeries here. The Good Ol’ Carrot Cake is a standout, especially since it doesn’t include raisins, which I really appreciate. The Guava Delight Cake is also a winner, though I think it tastes even better as a whole pound cake, as there’s more cream than in the slice version. The Salted Choco Devil’s Food Cake is a guilty pleasure, with its rich chocolate flavor cut by just the right amount of salt. They also have tarts and cinnamon rolls and cookies but I haven’t tried them yet. Those brownies are also decent and shifted flavors from time to time. I love the peppermint brownie! Rarely to find in other shops.
As for the brunch and coffee, I tried the Breakfast Burrito and Shakshuka, but they didn’t impress me much. They were fine, but nothing special. The coffee, a Guatemala bean hand-pour, was sweet but lacked the fragrance I was hoping for, and it felt a bit overpriced for what they offered.
When it comes to the in-store experience, most of the time I sitting in, I had a few issues. Like this time, I asked for my coffee to be served with the cake after we finished the main dish, but the cake came first—coffee came later than expected. Also, when I needed another fork, I had to call several times and eventually get up to find a staff member myself. I saw another table also had a same experience as well. Despite these service hiccups, the cakes to-go / pre-order are still exceptional and...
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