Taipei is renowned for their wide selection of night markets and interestingly themed cafes and restaurants which are pretty damn impressive. We have sieved out some Instagram-worthy destinations that you need to check out when in the popular Taiwanese city.

From Alice In Wonderland, Hello Kitty to Lego, here are 10 Best Themed Cafes and Restaurants In Taipei that you would definitely want to check out. We are not even exaggerating when we say people from all over the world flock to Taipei just to dine at these cafes!

Source: Amandalingg

#1 ALICE IS COMING

Fans of Alice In Wonderland can teleport themselves to this fantasy realm at Alice Is Coming. Enjoy a Mad Hatter Tea Party with your friends and sink your teeth into delectable sweet treat—all presented on gorgeous cake stands.

You do all these whilst sitting in life-size tea cups!

No. 111, Yanping S Rd
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Tel: +886 2 2311 0210
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Ximen

#2 BRICK WORKS

BRICK Works is a cafe-cum-store in Taipei dedicated to everyone’s all-time favourite childhood toy, LEGO. These bricks have fascinated generations and even sparked inspiration.

BRICK Works allows you to play with LEGO while eating LEGO-themed food.

No. 1, Yumen St, Zhongshan District
Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2597 9518
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9pm
Fri: 12pm – 9.30pm
Sat: 11am – 9.30pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Taipei Arena

#3 GUDETAMA CHEF

As its name suggests, Gudetama Chef is a Gudetama-themed cafe and is a dream come true for all Gudetama fans.From the waitresses’ uniform to dishes and plates, no expenses have been spared to ensure that Gudetama Chef has a Gudetama looking at you from every possible angle.

From the waitresses’ uniform to dishes and plates, no expenses have been spared to ensure that Gudetama Chef has a Gudetama looking at you from every possible angle.

No. 12, Lane 236, Section 1, Dunhua S Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2752 9520
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Dunhua

#4 HELLO KITTY KITCHEN & DINING

Hello Kitty cafes are aplenty across Asia and you can visit one right in Taipei City’s Da’an District.

Hello Kitty Kitchen & Dining is all decked all in pink and the desserts here are not spared from the cat’s face. The only problem? They look so cute that you might not bear to eat them.

No. 90, Section 1 Da’an Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2711 1132
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhongxiao Fuxing

Source: Haruhii

#5 KUMAMON CAFE

Fictional character Kumamon is a Japanese mascot created in 2010 for a tourism campaign, but it has since then gained an insanely huge following. Treat yourselves to a Kumamon-themed Mucha Pancake (NT$360) whilst hugging a gigantic Kumamon toy.

Creepy or cute? You decide.

No. 42, Section 1, Nanjing E Rd
Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Tel: +886 2 2541 5837
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 8.30pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Zhongshan

Source: Rilakkuma

#6 RILAKKUMA CAFE

Japanese cartoon characters have clearly taken the world by storm and Rilakkuma is one of the kawaii creations. A direct translation indicates that Rilakkuma literally means ‘bear in relaxed mood, and it is exactly what it is!

Taipei’s Rilakkuma Cafe is very popular and reservations are necessary to avoid disappointment.

No. 3, Lane 248, Section 4, Zhongxiao E Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2773 0303
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Source: Machi Doggie

#7 MACHI DOGGIE COFFEE

Pooch-friendly Machi Doggie Coffee is owned by Jay Chou’s wife Hannah Quinlivan. The dog-friendly cafe is dedicated to her pup Machi—where you can indulge in food presented in the most adorable presentations. Even the cups and plates are imprinted with Machi’s face.

The famous couple do make a special appearances from time to time!

No. 162, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd
Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Tel: +886 2 2311 2227
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ximen

Source: When On Earth

#8 MODERN TOILET RESTAURANT

The Modern Toilet Restaurant will have you sitting on a toilet bowl and eating from a toilet bowl. We are not even kidding.

Must-order dishes include the Modern Toilet Chicken Curry and Chocolate Ice Cream—both are intended to mimic the idea of eating poop. Holy shit.

108, Taiwan, Taipei City
Wanhua District, Lane 50, Xining S Rd
Tel: +886 2 2311 8822
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ximen

Source: Oia Cafe

#9 OIA CAFE

Oia Cafe is home to a few free-roaming alpacas and if you have been meaning to play with one, here is your opportunity!

The cafe serves an array of Western-style dishes such as pasta and steaks. You can even feed the alpacas carrots and remember to take a selfie with them.

252, Sanzhi District
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2636 3766
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tamsui

Source: Yuki Blog

#10 ZOO COFFEE

Zoo Coffee is a popular South Korean chain and an outlet has finally arrived in the capital of Taiwan. The spacious coffee shop is characterised by its zoo theme; think cushions printed with zebra stripes, wooden shelves shaped after elephants and lingering monkey plush toys.

No. 337, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd
Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Tel: +886 2 2717 7508
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Taipei Arena

Taipei might just be one of the most underrated cities to visit. It doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie, a shopper, or if you simply enjoy marvelling at the wonders of nature – Taipei will have you covered.

So many street snacks to love, so many night markets to roam at, so many more karaoke sessions that we need, so many cultural centres to visit. Taipei is one destination in Asia you must visit.

Here are 25 Reasons To Love Taipei.

#1 THE CITYSCAPE AND ITS ORGANISED MESS

You’ve longed to see iconic skylines in cities like Paris and New York, but Taiwan’s scenic cityscape also holds its own charm. Signboards are everywhere, mostly with Chinese characters that we can’t read – but this mess is precisely what we appreciate.

#2 TAIWAN MILK TEA

Taiwan is home to many good milk teas. They come in bottles of all sizes and patterns, and can be easily found at all the convenience stores. Just pick one up at random and chances are it won’t disappoint.

#3 STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Taiwan might not be the origin of dumplings, but you will be able to find tons of these all over the streets. A plate of piping hot steamed dumplings are what we yearn for the most when we visit in the cold December.

#4 THE EFFICIENT METRO SYSTEM

Getting around the country is easy, especially when their metro system is clean, organised and very efficient. And inexpensive, of course.

#5 THE SHEER NUMBER OF NIGHT MARKETS

This goes without saying. Taiwan’s sheer number of night markets means every night will be occupied and fulfilling. We love roaming these markets and hunting for the best street hawkers and snack stalls.

#6 DIN TAI FUNG

Taiwan is, after all, the birthplace of the world-famous Din Tai Fung. Take things up a notch by visiting the brand’s very first outlet in Xinyi road.

#7 THE ARRAY OF CONVENIENCE STORES AT THE READY

Sounds silly, but if you’ve stepped in to one at Taiwan, you would realize how much it eases your life! Apart from the usual routines like picking up a snack or a drink, you can pay your utility bills, buy movie tickets, use the ATM, have your blood pressure measured, print documents and so much more – all within one convenience store.

Read more about the 12 Things That Make Taiwanese Convenience Stores So Awesome.

#8 YONG KANG STREET – A DINING DESTINATION IN TAIPEI

Yong Kang Street is a dining destination in Taipei. Whether its cheap and delicious Taiwanese snacks like ‘cong zhua bing’, shaved ice mountain or beef noodles; nice and chic cafes where you can get a cup of good coffee and desserts; or niche boutiques selling lifestyle products – there are plenty of options at Yong Kang Street. You can easily spend a day wandering in the alleys.

#9 TAIPEI 101 TOWER

When in Taipei, the Taipei 101 Tower is a must-see. The magnificent giant houses offices and many retail shops. Going up the tower will allow you to get an aerial view of the entire city too.

#10 CHIA TE’S SUNCAKCES AND PINEAPPLE TARTS

Chia Te makes some of the best Taiwanese pastries, and the queues outside their stores – comprising both locals and tourists – is proof of that statement.

#11 THE BEAUTIFUL STREETS OF JIUFEN

Jiufen retains an old-world charm; think bright red lanterns and cobbled pavement. The narrow, snaking streets are made up of souvenir and snack stalls. Jiufen is also a popular filming spot for Taiwanese TV programmes!

Read about the 7 Must-try Local Food at Taiwan’s Jiufen Old Street.

#12 PETS ARE PART OF BOUTIQUES

It is not every day that you get to play with Toy Poodles while shopping for your clothes in a local boutique. Taiwanese sure love their pets and they bring them along to work!

#13 FUJIN STREET – THE OTHER YONGKANG STREET

This is the other Yongkang Street you never knew about.

Primarily a residential area, Fujin Street is an upcoming area in Taipei that is littered with coffee shops and lifestyle boutiques. It is still pretty untouched by tourism, and the quaintness is exactly what we appreciate.

Read our guide on What To See & What To Eat at Fujin Street.

#14 SMITH & HSU TEA & SCONE SALON

For us, no trip to Taipei s complete without visiting the renown tea salon. They serve some of the best scones we’ve ever tasted, along with a myriad of fragrant tea flavours to choose from.

#15 XIMENDING

Ximending is probably the most bustling area in Taipei. This is where youngsters head to for some shopping fix and food. While the retail aspect is pretty acquired, we love Ximending for its food options.

#16 ALPACAS

Alpaca Cafe is real, and Oia Cafe is where you need to be at.

Oia Cafe is home to a few alpacas and they roam around freely in the cafe. Play with these adorable white creatures and feed them with carrots or food that are approved by the cafe’s owner—this is also the best way to get the alpacas to take a selfie with you.

#17 THE ENDLESS STREET FOOD

Fried squid, fried XXL chicken, sweet potato balls, taro chips, Taiwanese hot dogs, pork buns, milk tea, bittergourd juice… and the list goes on and on. Taipei is not for those who are on slimming diets.

And we say just eat to your heart’s content. The myriad of street food options is simply mind-boggling!

#18 ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT

Addiction Aquatic Development is a massive space that houses fresh seafood and aquamarine products, a large Japanese-style supermarket, and many themed restaurants and food kiosks under one roof.

It stands head and shoulders above other famous seafood markets in the world such as Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market, Sydney’s Fish Market, and Perth’s Fremantle Market.

Watch our video of Addiction Aquatic Development on our Facebook page.

#19 KARAOKE SESSIONS

Because karaoke sessions are the best in Taipei. Holding personal concerts are what we do best, especially when the karaoke systems and rooms in Taipei are so impressive.

The song list is unbeatable too, for after all, Taipei is home to Mando-pop.

#20 AY-CHUNG MEE SUA

Yes, it is touristy. And yes, there are better mee sua in Taipei. But you know what? We still go to Ay-Chung Mee Sua every time we are in Taipei. It always hits the spot.

#21 THE PHOTOGENIC CITY STREETS

Let’s face it—Taipei has clean streets and you like your nice OOTD shots taken against the iconic background of motorcycles and yellow taxis, yes?

#22 DUNHUA SHOPPING AREA

This district in Taipei is home to a huge amount of stores selling new-age clothing. It is where the shoppers should know about.

#23 THE NEVER-ENDING AMOUNT OF SHOE STORES

Taiwanese seem to be really into the sports-luxe trend. Bagging home a pair of sneakers or two is easy peasy with the sheer number of options availabile—New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Ked’s and more.

#24 SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL

It is almost like a ritual for all first-timers to Taipei—a visit to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, who was the National Father to The Republic of China. It is a multi-purpose centre to learn more about Dr Sun’s contribution and his life.

The main entrance to the hall also contains a statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen. The renown guards-changing ceremony takes place hourly at the memorial hall’s entrance too.

#25 TRAIN RIDES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

You can take train rides to get from the city to more rural areas like Hualien. The trains are very comfortable, making the ride so much more painless. The trains will go past forests and mountains and rivers, and we love admiring those scenic landscapes along the way.

FOR MORE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO GO, READ OUR TAIPEI’S FOOD AND TRAVEL GUIDES.

Animal cafes may not be something new to us anymore but an alpaca cafe is definitely something worth talking about! If you are an animal lover and have not heard of Oia Cafe in Taipei, you have to mark this place down for your next visit to Taipei.

Oia Cafe is home to a few alpacas and they roam around freely in the cafe. Yes, you get to play with these adorable white creatures and feed them with carrots or food that are approved by the cafe’s owner—this is also the best way to get the alpacas to take a selfie with you.

Only some alpacas are allowed inside the cafe itself though, so if you want to take a look at the other alpacas, just walk out to the small farm that is situated beside the cafe.

If you are going for lunch, the cafe serves a broad range of dishes from steak to baked rice and Italian pastas – mostly priced between NT$280 to NT$520.

Photo Credits: Oia Cafe

Cute as the alpacas may be, these furry animals have a tendency to chew on anything they can get their mouths on. Unless you do not mind leaving the cafe in a crumpled shirt, make sure you do not put on your favourite top when visiting the cafe!

Oia Cafe
252, Sanzhi District
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2636 3766
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tamsui