Foodies' hidden gem picks: Labor-intensive gourmet dishes near Xingtian Temple

Text & photos bywisely

Recently, I met up with a friend from a travel agency for a meal at ‘Ding Chu Private Kitchen,’ located just behind Xingtian Temple. This spot is said to be on the must-visit list of many seasoned foodies, especially for its signature labor-intensive dishes that are absolute must-orders—so naturally, Wisely was extremely curious and eager to dig in. Afterwards, we also headed to the opposite ‘Cojaft Coffee Boutique’ for drinks and a chat. It’s also a well-known boutique coffee shop, with a great atmosphere, selling both coffee beans and machines—a perfect place to kill time.

Ding Chu Private Kitchen
Address: No. 162, Nong’an St., Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-25029547
Hours: 11:30–14:00, 17:30–21:00
Website:http://0225029547.tranews.com/

Ding Chu Private Kitchen is situated right behind Xingtian Temple, with Nong’an Street located near the intersection.

In terms of pricing, most dishes are around NT$300 each, placing it in the mid-to-high price range, with special private dishes clearly marked.

Dishes such as crab roe tofu, stir-fried greens, and sweet potato soup are relatively affordable and cater to more common tastes.

The preserved plum braised pork is tender and smooth, while the tomato and pork intestines are great accompaniments to rice. The soybean flakes cod is more average.

The most recommended dishes here are the White Jade Trio and the Lotus Leaf Taro Cake. The former combines winter melon, bitter melon, and Chinese cabbage with shredded pork ribs steamed together—the fusion of meat and vegetables delivers an unforgettable sweet and savory taste. The latter is made by shredding Dajia taro, mixing it with minced meat and mushrooms, then steaming it on a lotus leaf. Both are labor-intensive yet incredibly delicious gourmet dishes.

Cojaft Coffee Boutique
Address: No. 227-1, Nong’an St., Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-25043808
Hours: 09:00–18:00
Website:http://www.cojaft.com.tw/

After the meal, we walked straight across the street to ‘Cojaft Coffee Boutique’ for coffee and conversation. The shop displays a variety of coffee equipment, and the owners also offer business consulting for opening coffee shops. The ambiance and decor are quite nice, and because it’s near Broadcasting Corporation of China, celebrities occasionally drop by for coffee and a break.

As for the taste, I thought it was pretty good—average prices are around NT$150, and it’s a very comfortable environment.

Wisely

A Pisces man who records food, travel, and life,
who enjoys jotting down the little moments in everyday life.
Always yearning for the rich and colorful stories of others,
he earnestly documents his own life experiences in his blog,
ensuring the footprints he’s traveled and explored aren’t confined to memory alone.

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