Waiting for every migratory bird to arrive—late-night pour-over coffee at an East Taipei café

Text & photos byZhou Huahua

Everyone has certain things that relate to their “ideals”—like an ideal partner, an ideal job, an ideal dinner, or an ideal life."Migratory Bird Coffee"is my ideal coffee shop. It’s like finding a key I’d lost for ages—something I still can’t quite put into words how joyful it feels.

Migratory Bird Coffee
Recommendation rating: ★★★★★ 5 stars
One-liner review: A recommended East Taipei café—come try a single-origin or one of the owner’s specials

The little shop is tucked away in an alley off Bade Road, behind Breeze Center and next to Bade Park, midway between Zhongxiao Fuxing and Nanjing Fuxing MRT stations. You’ll have to walk a bit after getting off, so it’s not the most convenient, but it’s still in bustling East Taipei—perfect for a stroll or an after-work coffee.

That evening, just off another job, some abstract emotions were weighing on me. On my way home, I stopped by for a coffee. The owner welcomed me with a smile—a warm, comforting one.

"Migratory Bird Coffee" seems to have once wandered without a fixed home, only settling into this little East Taipei spot in recent years. Just five ping in size, the seating is roughly divided into three areas: the counter, by the window, and along the wall. It probably fits a maximum of 10 guests. Right before I left, a large group arrived, and when there were no seats, everyone stood by unspoken agreement. It’s a very casual space—you can find your own most comfortable state, stay, and sip.

The menu at "Migratory Bird Coffee" is entirely written on the blackboard wall—single-origin coffees, Italian-style coffees, plus many of the owner’s creative specials. Non-coffee drinkers also have a good selection of teas, or you can opt for a beer. A few handmade desserts are listed on the counter sign.

The pricing is another reason I love "Migratory Bird Coffee." Often, I don’t care much about decor or photo backdrops—I just want a good cup of coffee. Around 100 NT is a very accessible price.

Yirgacheffe Kochere G1—120 NT

I ordered a pour-over that wasn’t too strong for the evening. The texture was clean and refreshing, with a faint floral note. The fruit acidity wasn’t as pronounced as expected, but overall it was quite balanced—perhaps because I chose it iced, which muted the characteristics slightly. As the coffee warmed to room temperature, the flavors grew more grounded. Both versions had their own charm.

The owner later gave me a small cup of Americano. Americano was my go-to before I fell for single-origins, but this one completely changed my impression of it. A smoky aroma led the way, and the finish wasn’t bitter at all—it really elevated the experience. Though just a sip, it was full of surprises.

Sitting alone under a poster that read “2017 Sunny Days in a Row,” I sipped my coffee. 929, Huang S., Pu Zhenzhen, Little Tree, Lo Wu Lang, Whirlpool, and He Huijuan—all names of songs that came to mind, all upbeat and cheerful. The music played was “Green Days,” my usual pick these days. Most weekdays feel routine, nothing much changes, except for the brief exchange of greetings at the café counter.

"Migratory Bird Coffee" is like a bird’s nest, quietly waiting for every migratory bird to arrive. Before I left tonight, all the customers—including me—were alone. Suddenly, I didn’t feel so lonely. Coffee isn’t just about the taste—it’s more about the atmosphere of the café. Lately, I’ve often thought, when did the world become so lovely, making us forget those simple, beautiful times? I’ve been searching for a café like this, where there’s no distance between people, and we can share our stories in the simplest ways.

Migratory Bird Coffee
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Address: No. 42, Lane 7, Alley 346, Section 2, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 0933 090 084
Business hours: Mon-Sat 16:30–24:00 (Closed on Sundays)

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