What to know | Eight Taitung local favourites: cafés, brunch and neighbourhood shops from a 2024 guide

When planning a trip to Taitung, in addition to the mountain and sea scenery, there are also many high-quality shops in the city that are worth visiting. The 8 stores recommended by locals in 2024, covering Korean salons, B&B cafes and brunch, provide reference before traveling. However, the business status of the stores may change over time, so it is recommended to check separately before departure.

Want to experience Korean hairstyle, where should I go?

The NAAREA Korean-style salon, located at No. 259 Zhongzheng Road, Taitung City, opened in mid-2024. It is famous for its high-ceiling pure white space and cream-toned furniture. The chief designer once worked in a salon in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, and returned to his hometown of Taitung to open a business, providing Korean-style hair cutting and perming services. The business hours at that time were from 11:00 to 20:00 from Monday to Sunday.

What are the options for accommodation and afternoon tea?

The Mint Paris Coffee House at No. 11, Lane 234, Chuanguang Road is both a B&B and a coffee shop. It is hidden in a quiet community and attracts passersby with its wooden door frame and hand-painted logo. The most popular desserts in the store are white strawberry retro whipped cream cake, Italian tiramisu and French crème brûlée. The store is open from 13:00 to 19:00 and is closed on Mondays.

I want to buy souvenirs, what are your recommendations?

Dasu Husband at No. 713 Gengsheng Road is famous for its freshly baked soufflé toast, egg salad buns and various sweet tarts. You can also buy a tin of butter cookies or langues de chat biscuits as souvenirs before leaving. The business days at that time were from Friday to Monday, from 13:00 to 18:00.

What’s the best way to have brunch?

Chaimi Daily Kitchen at No. 406 Zhengqi Road is run by three managers who are good at using seasonal ingredients. Daily handmade bread plates are the main item, and the flavor varies slightly depending on the ingredients selected that day. The business hours at that time were from 09:00 to 15:00 from daily except Thursday.

Tsao Min, No. 23, Lane 256, Qiangguo Street, is a European-style creative restaurant renovated from an old house. Its signature classic brunch set includes pan-fried chicken breast, homemade smoked thick-cut bacon or hand-made pork meatballs with chili red sauce, paired with Chulu milk steamed buns. At that time, it is open until 15:00 on weekdays, and from Friday to Sunday, it is open for dinner from 18:00 to 21:00.

Where are the floral cafe and British style bistro?

The Prozess Flower Café at No. 915 Mahengheng Avenue is a single-family white building surrounded by flowers and plants. The rattan wooden furniture creates a romantic atmosphere. The store offers flower art courses from time to time. The opening hours at that time were from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Its sister store, Princeken Coffee, has a black and white British style. It is located in the market alley of No. 239 Guangming Road. It provides coffee, desserts and light sandwiches. The business hours are from 07:30 to 19:00 from Monday to Sunday.

Which restaurant should a bread connoisseur not miss?

Renxren Bakery at No. 2, Alley 17, Lane 14, Shanghai Street, has an "ordinary" concept as its main concept. Toast and bagels are both popular items. The store was open from 8:00 to 13:00 from Friday to Tuesday, closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and had a branch at Xinyi Anhe Station in Taipei.

The above 8 stores have their own characteristics and cover different needs such as hairdressing, accommodation, afternoon tea and brunch. Since the information has been released for more than a year, readers are advised to check the store's social media or call to confirm the latest business hours and public holidays before departure to avoid missing out.