The uniquely charming "Shiwu" café — a limited-time all-you-can-drink offer that changes your spending habits

Text and photos by /annie
Recently reopened, Shiwu has changed its previous consumption model to a more unique timed system (somewhat similar to an internet café), charging by the hour. The first hour costs $100, with each additional hour adding $50, up to a maximum of $450. During this time, Shiwu offers unlimited black coffee, organic teas, and some light snacks. If you’d like to order additional meals, Shiwu also serves main courses and desserts. The photos from my last food review were really badly taken (hiding my face in shame), so this time I took them properly~

It’s been too long since I visited Shiwu. As soon as I got out of the MRT station, I went the wrong way. Back when I first came here, the Xinyi Line hadn’t even opened yet.

Timed card, but the staff forgot to punch it for me. Luckily, I was the first customer and she remembered what time I arrived.

The shop is long and narrow, with the first floor space housing the kitchen and a few seats.

Second floor space

Free cookies and tea snacks

The store also displays some miscellaneous household utensils and tableware that you can purchase.

This space is my favorite corner of the whole shop. I really wanted to sit here the last time I came.

From the second floor, you can look down at the kitchen workspace.

The daily add-on meals are written on the small blackboard~

The corner on the first floor also displays quite a few miscellany items.

The washi tape drawn by Lekouo is also available here.

Chicken thigh risotto with green pesto $240

When it was first served, I hesitated for a moment, wondering where the chicken thigh was. Later I realized the chicken thigh meat was actually inside the risotto.

The portion is quite generous, and the rice grains aren’t overcooked to the point of being mushy—they still retain some texture.

The green pesto is made from fresh basil leaves, giving off a rich aroma.

It’s a delicious risotto that lingers in the memory.

Double cream Earl Grey chiffon cake with matcha cream $90

Aside from savory dishes, Shiwu’s desserts are also delicious.

The chiffon cake has a slightly springy texture, with just the right level of moisture. Paired with the matcha cream, you can taste the tea flavor gradually spreading in your mouth.

After resting a bit and heading back out, Shiwu still retains its charming allure from before.

Shiwu A Kind of Café

https://www.facebook.com/326378337466896

Address: No. 49, Wenchang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Business hours: 12:00 ~ 22:00

Phone: 02-27067062

"Annie @ Travel Food & Play
Returning to the original purpose of travel"