Simple Kaffa Huashan Flagship Store — Restaurant in Zhongzheng District

TL;DR: A macha roll and iced coffee make for great companions to the cafe's true strength, which is its lovely ambience, created through key design choices, and a well-trained team of staff. Recommended for people who enjoy the cafe scene (and not recommended for those who are just looking for a quick bite to eat). Convenient location, easily accessible via public transport.

Experience: I came at 12:25 on a warm Sunday, eager to explore the cafes that always mentioned in the top ten lists of Taipei. Immediately arriving, the staff was assertive and attentive, and the ambience of the store felt very comforting. Per recommendation of the server (who wanted to give me something Taiwan-specific) I had the ‘Smoky Southern Taiwan’ [200NT] which contained espresso, Taiwanese Jelly, White Gourd Syrup, Osmanthus. It’s a sweet iced coffee that makes for a great slow-burn delight. The jellies add another layer to this drinking, adding texture and further developing the flavour profile of this drink. Unfortunately the café does not offer any milk alternatives, so if your vegan or sensitive to lactose, you have to go with a non-milk drink (which the ‘Smoky Southern Taiwan is). I also had a Macha Roll [150NT], which I had seen in almost every review I read for this place. It seems to have become a brand staple for Simple Kaffa at this point and they did not fail to deliver, the roll was beautifully fluffy, easy to eat, and the filling was as delicious as it looks. While the food and drink are great, I would say the price on the food alone might be a little steep (especially considering the nearby alternatives at bakeries and iced-tea shops etc), heightened by the fact their prices have risen (only slightly) compared to last year.

Ambience: I would describe the store aesthetic as rustic, with an almost industrial edge. Earthy tones found in the wooden furniture, as well as the strategically placed warm incandescent lighting give the cafe a more down to earth vibe. The background music went back and forth between 80’s synth beats, and cosy lounge music, giving this place a more adult feel compared to the trendier, more "hipster-based" cafes in my home city. These elements worked to create a mellow bliss that relaxes the café and rounds out the ambience into a spacious, soft, environment. The demographic for this store seems quite eclectic, but on the whole I would say there are many young couples and even some young families here, giving this store a sense of liveliness 😊. I would definitely say this café is family friendly. The baristas and food preparers are on full display here thanks to the store layout, and management clearly knows what they’re doing with their staff and design. Each worker is always occupied, but never in a rushed manner. This minimises wait-time, and ads to the environment. I’ve included some sneaky photos I tried taking while I wrote this. The kitchen is not too crowded and you really do get a sense of a team from seeing them, and it works to maintain a calm yet productive environment. If you do come here, I recommend for you to bring a laptop, or a book to read, or make sure your phone is charged and you have something to work on or do. For paying 350 NT for the cake and coffee alone is not worth it, but with excellent service and a warm ambience, I did not feel too bad for shelving out the money and working on this review for you. If you are after a quick coffee and bite to eat, I cannot recommend Simple Kaffa, as there are cheaper alternatives right in this area for that need.

Simple Kaffa I believe is more for people who are ready to sit down and just hang out with friends, or do some personal work. If you are into the café scene (and being a Brisbane private-school-boy I can’t help but to not be) I would strongly recommend Simple Kaffa 😊, it’s lovely, refreshing, and a great blend of quaint and modern, and deserves a spot in the top ten lists of Taipei’s...

The Simple Kaffa flagship store near the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is far more than just a coffee shop—it is a mandatory destination for any serious coffee enthusiast visiting Taipei. Founded by World Barista Champion (WBC) Berg Wu, this location provides a refined, almost fine-dining approach to specialty coffee that absolutely justifies the international acclaim it has received. Ambiance and Setting Nestled adjacent to the vibrant and historic Huashan 1914 Creative Park, the location instantly offers a thoughtful, inspiring atmosphere. The interior itself is spacious, designed with minimalist elegance that allows the focus to remain squarely on the meticulous preparation happening at the brew bar. The vibe is sophisticated, yet comfortable, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation or a deep conversation. Unlike a casual grab-and-go cafe, Simple Kaffa encourages guests to slow down and appreciate the experience of their coffee. The Coffee: Meticulous Artistry The quality of the coffee here is unparalleled. Every drink is prepared with precision and expertise, reflecting the owner's champion pedigree. • Signature Drinks: While their classic espresso drinks (Cortado, Latte) are flawlessly executed with smooth, perfectly textured milk, the real standouts are the pour-overs and the unique Tea-Infused Latte. The pour-over selection often includes rare, funky Taiwanese beans (such as the famed Taiwan Caoling), which exhibit complex tasting notes like green tea and lemon—a genuinely refreshing and nuanced flavor profile. • Barista Service: The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and performs the brewing process with meticulous care, treating each cup as a performance. For international visitors, the presence of an English menu and English-speaking staff is a significant advantage, allowing for a deeper understanding of the bean origins and processing methods. Value and Final Verdict It is important to note that Simple Kaffa is priced at the premium end of Taipei's cafe scene. This is not the place for a quick, cheap caffeine fix. However, the price reflects the quality of the beans, the level of expertise, the beautiful ambiance, and the overall singular experience. If you are looking for the best cup of coffee Taipei has to offer, paired with an atmosphere of refined artistry, the Simple Kaffa Huashan branch is essential. It delivers a memorable experience that lives up to its reputation as a world-class...

The most popular cafe in Taipei and arguably a “mandatory” visit in Taiwan, Simple Kaffa is founded by Berg Wu, 2016 World Barista Championships champion (WBC). Because of its history in WBC, you can expect to be served not just great coffee but an excellent experience from entrance to exit - be it the staff, the ambience or the drink.

For this cafe, I really tried across the menu such as the pour-overs, espresso-based drinks and their signature creations. I would recommend to try their espresso-based drinks such as the latte, americano and signature creations. I think it’s due to their WBC focused expertise not really covering pour-overs but there’s at least one other cafe nearby serving really good pour-overs you should go to instead.

Pour-over - Duwancho Sidama (300TWD) This bean is processed as an Anaerobic Black Honey. The entire cup features a more mellow note, with slight fermented notes from the anaerobic process and mellow acidity. There is a lot of sweetness to the coffee, as expected from the sidama variety. The body is medium and there’s surprisingly almost no bitterness to it. I would say this is a good coffee, although I have reservations on whether it’s the best perspective on this bean.

Latte (180 TWD) The latte is well made. There’s no fancy latte art, just a heart. The latte is smooth and creamy, but is rather milk-forward than coffee-forward, making it taste like there is quite a fair bit of milk in this drink. The coffee seems to have nutty flavour notes and I believe it has a lighter roast.

Iced Signature Taiwan Fragrant Tea Latte (200 TWD) One of Simple Kaffa’s signature items, it’s a mixture of oolong, red tea and espresso latte. It’s surprisingly really good, with the fragrance from the tea, smooth and creaminess from the milk and the roast and nuttiness from espresso. It is quite unique, well thought and deserves the brand...