Taoyuan Longtan Literary and Artistic Shop Street: Salted Fish-Shaped Egg Cakes & Hand-Brewed Coffee

Text & Photos /Viviyu

Because I’m part of a Longtan community group, I often keep an eye on new shop openings in Longtan. As soon as I saw the Longtan Lingtan Street commercial area gradually taking shape, I couldn’t wait to check it out with a friend. Watching the once dark and old storefronts transform into a bright, well-organized new commercial district, now home to many cultural and creative shops, I sensed a different kind of vitality here compared to typical old streets. I also felt the warmth between people. Though it’s just a short street, it’s quite interesting.

It feels like turning back time. The shops here are all small, and neighbors often drop by each other’s stores. Since it’s close to the streets of downtown Longtan, there are also many other businesses nearby.

The area also showcases the history of Lingtan Street. It turns out that it was once the food street of Longtan’s first market, which used to be very lively and bustling. Thanks to the efforts of many, this place is about to shine brightly.

There’s a very distinctive studio in Lingtan Street that mainly promotes local cultural and artistic initiatives in Longtan. It has also participated in the Hard Neck Market multiple times. I’ve always wanted to visit and cheer these young people on—they’re really dedicated.

Zhong Zhaozheng, a Taiwanese novelist, is also from Longtan. His works are often on display, and through his literary landscape map, you can learn more about the character of Longtan.

I chose to visit on a weekday, but since it’s still in its trial operation phase, most shops are still adjusting. It’s livelier on weekends. This time, we visited the Salted Fish Egg Cake shop and Tingxia Coffee. I’ll introduce these two first, and if I have the chance, I’ll check out the other small shops later.

Salted Fish Egg Cake

From afar, I saw the Salted Fish Egg Cake shop lit up. As I got closer, I recognized the familiar figure—it was the owner of Bluebird Cafe. I thought they had closed their coffee shop, but it turns out they’ve started a new venture~

During the trial operation period, they sell egg cakes, and on weekends, they also offer cold brew tea, with even more items available~

Watching the owner carefully baking the egg cakes, it’s clear they’ve put a lot of heart into these little treats. After repeated experiments, these egg cakes even taste good when cold~

The packaging for Salted Fish Egg Cake features the shop’s logo—a cute double fish emblem.

During the trial operation, a set of five costs 40 NT. Wondering how long the trial period lasts?

Uh, it depends on how long the owner wants to keep the trial going—Up… They’re really a unique person~~

Look at these five egg cakes lined up—they’re so small and cute, almost like delicate Japanese sweets. You can taste the simple, wholesome aroma of the egg cakes, which gets more flavorful the more you chew.

Of course, freshly baked egg cakes are definitely the best. The crust is especially crispy, and the middle is soft and fluffy—perfect as an afternoon tea snack.

Tingxia Coffee

Another highlight on the street is Tingxia Coffee. After strolling around, you can come here to sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and take a break~

It’s said to be the largest shop on Lingtan Street… haha~

There aren’t many seats, but it’s a great place to relax. You can also buy some egg cakes here to enjoy with your coffee.

In addition to coffee, the shop also sells coffee filter packs—three for 100 NT.

The shop offers a daily simple meal. On the day we visited, it was wild mushroom chicken curry served with rice. If you’re feeling peckish, this is a good place to fill up.

The owner carefully brewed the coffee, circling the pour-over with hot water, as the aroma of coffee gradually wafted through the air~

Single-origin coffee (hot): 100 NT

Savoring the coffee aroma lingering in the air, the fragrance drifting by makes the afternoon even better~

Rich Cocoa: 80 NT

Since I only dare to drink flavored coffee and not single-origin, I opted for hot cocoa. The cup it came in is so cute~

The hot cocoa is even more fragrant and mellow after sprinkling a bit of cocoa powder on top. It’s sweet and brings warmth to the cold weather. It warms the heart with every sip, and it’s also great for kids who prefer sweet drinks. Adults can have coffee, while kids enjoy hot cocoa—it’s not a bad combo.

Xingchuang Base on Lingtan Street
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Address: No. 44, Nanlong Road, Longtan District, Taoyuan City
Regular days / Business hours are subject to individual store announcements
Holidays / Business hours are from 11:00 to 18:00

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