By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
The Zhongshan commercial district, located near the Zhongshan MRT Station at the intersection of Zhongshan North Road and Nanjing West Road, is a popular shopping destination for urban sophisticates and young students. Zhongshan North Road held significant importance during the Japanese colonial period, which also contributed to the distinct Japanese-style charm of Zhongshan District. Strolling here, you’ll find your mood especially relaxed and carefree. When visiting, besides checking out specialty cafés, there are also many stylish shops tucked away in alleys—step into any one of them, and you’re entering a different lifestyle and state of mind.
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Strolling through Taipei’s Zhongshan District, discover a rich Japanese-style charm. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Rose Heritage – Tsai Jui-yueh Dance Research Institute
Built in 1920 as a Japanese-style structure, the Tsai Jui-yueh Dance Research Institute was rebuilt after a fire and reopened under the name “Rose Heritage.” In addition to regularly offering various dance classes and cultural performances, those who wish to learn more about Tsai Jui-yueh’s former glory will find the richest and most detailed information here. Through heritage tours, historical lectures, screenings of archival films, and seminars, you can step into the undying vitality of the master Tsai Jui-yueh.
[Info]
Address: No. 10, Lane 48, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: Rose Heritage building 02-2523-7547, Dancing Café 02-2523-364
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The “Dancing Café” within the garden is also a great place to relax. Its recommended dessert is the “Signature Daikumaru,” a fish cake made from tuna surimi—this is a treat that Teacher Tsai herself particularly loved. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Uta Hachinohe – A Century-Old Japanese Restaurant
Uta Hachinohe, originally located in Nishikamata, Ota Ward, Tokyo, received a two-star rating in the 2009 edition of the Michelin Guide before opening its first overseas branch in Taipei. Invited by Uta Hachinohe, Chef Mitsuo Miyake came from Japan to Taiwan to take up a long-term residency. With nearly half a century of refined culinary craftsmanship, Taiwanese diners can now experience it up close without traveling to Japan.
[Info]
Address: 10F, No. 16, Section 1, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2522-1213 (11:30–14:30)
Hours: 17:00–22:00
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Uta Hachinohe’s sushi traces back to 1872, boasting over a century of history. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Galerie Bistro – French Cuisine in a Japanese-Style Old House
Renovated from a Baroque-style old building dating back to 1931 (Showa 6), it perfectly blends with a pure white, dreamy French style. The two sides of the house have been turned into restaurants serving French cuisine and coffee with afternoon tea, while the middle section has been designed as an exhibition room. The second floor offers private dining spaces where you can enjoy gourmet food while appreciating the beauty of the architecture. Galerie Bistro is like the aristocrat among restaurants—its spacious dining area and elegant ambiance make guests feel like cherished princes and princesses.
[Info]
Address: No. 2, Lane 25, Nanjing West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2558-0096
Hours: 11:30–22:30
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Unlike ordinary crepes, Galerie Bistro’s crêpes have a soft texture, filled with tender bananas and complemented by the intoxicating aroma of limoncello—each bite is sheer bliss. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Nijo-dori Green Island Serenade – Japanese Charm in an Alleyway
The “Nijo-dori – Green Island Serenade” café is renovated from an over 80-year-old Japanese wooden house. In addition to exuding the nostalgic feel of a traditional Japanese row house, it also brings a fresh green vibe. The café also exhibits photography works, invited Xiao Qingyang to design its CIS and MENU, and regularly hosts performances by local singers, including performances by Panai and Hu Defu.
Address: No. 1, Lane 33, Section 1, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2531-4594
Business hours: 11:30–21:00
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The architect owner, Chung Yung-nan, who has worked on numerous historical building restoration projects, successfully transformed this once dilapidated old house into the nostalgic Kyoto-style longhouse café it is today. (Photo provided by MK Editorial Department)