Fong Da Coffee

One of Taipei's original coffee shops, Fong Da dates from 1956 and still uses some of the original equipment. Service is brusque – this is a taste of old Taipei after all, and coffees are strong, hot and bitter.... Top ChoiceCraft Beer in Ximending & Wanhua

Located in the hip district of Ximending (西門町), Fong Da Coffee has stood the test of time, being the first café in Taipei to introduce the novel concept of iced coffee in 1956. Since then, this café has kept its cool by continuing to use vintage equipment to grind and brew coffee on its street-facing countertops, a site that attracts passersby and keeps the never-ending queue of customers entertained. In addition to these old machines, Fong Da has also preserved its commitment to high quality coffee, offering 12 different blends.

The second wave of coffee culture emerged in the mid-1990s, fueled by the growing demand for higher quality and more diverse coffee options. This period saw an increase in the number of coffee shops and cafés, as well as the introduction of foreign coffee chains. Starbucks, for instance, opened its first branch in Taipei in 1998, marking a turning point for coffee consumption in Taiwan.

It would be blasphemy not to mention this old Taipei institution with its old school formica tables, huge plastic tubs of snacks, sundaes and delicious coffee (including a very good Taiwanese coffee) - it's modern and popular but with a fun retro kick. Also a great place to buy whole bean coffee, and they sell coffee cups and saucers with their name and logo.

Established in 1956, Fong Da Coffee is one of the most famous traditional cafés in Taiwan and the pioneer of iced coffee in the country. Despite the growing number of upscale and hip cafés, Fong Da has stayed true to its roots by keeping its old-school décor and vintage equipment and making iced coffee with the syphon method, which can take up to 10 hours!

If you want to go old-school and wish to experience Taipei in the ’60s and ’70s, bring yourself to Fong Da Coffee. This Ximending cafe has been brewing since 1956, so expect a nostalgic ambience from the moment you walk in. The distinct aesthetic makes it a popular attraction not only among locals, but also coffee-loving travellers from all over the world.

We stumbled on Fong Da by accident, mainly because of the striking decor, resembling something you'd see in a 1950s movie. We fell in love with Fong Da and opted to come here for our morning brew instead of the Starbucks down the road. It's tiny, yet adorable, with so many coffee blends to choose from.

Apart from historical buildings, the Japanese also brought siphon-style coffee to Taiwan, giving birth to the iconic Fong Da Coffee (蜂大咖啡). Even today, they continue to serve traditional Mandheling coffee paired not with Western-style cheesecakes, but with distinctive local treats like mung bean cakes.

The first coffee shop in Taipei City, Fong Da Coffee was a hot spot for breakfast dates. It has a nostalgic vibe everywhere. When you come here for a date, you must try the traditional Japanese breakfast, with ham, egg, and deep-roasted coffee.