Newly Opened Café in Tainan: Nitro Coffee with Beer-Like Foam and Coffee Aroma

Text & Photos /Sean

Kaffuns Brew Coffee is tucked away in a quiet corner of Xinmei Street. I discovered it by chance while buying a Cuban sandwich. I initially went in to ask the owner about the opening date, and we ended up chatting and having a drink. It actually took several months before the café officially opened, as the owner was caught up with other things. Of course, I also forgot to write about it. Today, I happened to remember and decided to share my experience.

The interior is simply decorated without excessive ornamentation.

The owner is trained under the SCAA system, so it’s only fitting that there’s a flavor wheel on display.

And, of course, having a few professional certifications is just as fitting.

Thanks to the minimalistic décor, the La Marzocco GS3 coffee machine and the Royal Copenhagen floral-patterned cup-and-plate set stand out even more.

Even the paper napkins were specially chosen to match the color scheme—very thoughtful.

The grinder used is the EK43.

The only downside, in my opinion, is the seating. It’s not the most comfortable for long stays. It’s fine if you’re just chatting, but using a laptop can feel a bit cramped.

On my previous visit, there were high tables and chairs facing Xinmei Street, which were especially uncomfortable for legroom.

However, after hearing our feedback, the owner shortened the legs of those chairs and moved them further inside, making them much more comfortable. The original spot was then turned into a display area.

Kaffuns takes a scientific approach to pour-over brewing, adjusting the SCAA Gold Cup theory slightly. The two core elements of the Gold Cup are an extraction rate of 18–22% and a TDS-measured concentration between 1.15% and 1.35%. Simply put, it’s about finding the optimal coffee-to-water ratio to achieve the best flavor. The Gold Cup ratio is roughly 1:17 (grounds to water).

For more details, I recommend checking outthese articles written by Simple Kaffa.I don’t think I can explain it as well as they do, so it’s better to learn from the experts.

Back to the coffee—on that day, I tried three Brazilian beans. The cold brew was the most delightful; at first sip, I thought it was Yirgacheffe.

The cappuccino made from the same single-origin beans was more enjoyable than the pour-over. Paired with milk, it brought out nutty aromas and a subtly sweet finish. The espresso version was also excellent.

The Kenyan PB had a faint plum-like flavor, and the small cup next to it was a coffee cherry tea, which had a taste reminiscent of dried longan.

This summer, I believe the must-try coffee is nitro coffee. It has the frothy texture of draft beer but delivers a rich coffee aroma—cool, smooth, and not overly sharp like other carbonated drinks, yet it preserves the true flavor of the coffee itself.

From my experience trying all kinds of food and drinks, I don’t think great coffee necessarily has to follow the Gold Cup standards. While many good coffees do meet those benchmarks, not every coffee that meets them is necessarily great (yes, that’s a bit of a tongue-twister).

The essence of coffee is to make the drinker happy and satisfied. Making good coffee is the basic requirement of running a café. But beyond that, what kind of experience can you offer customers? Kaffuns brews excellent, consistent, and delicious coffee. The utensils are high-quality, and the owner is very willing to share knowledge about brewing. The only drawback might be the location—it’s a spot where tourists pass by but rarely come in, and locals often just walk past. That’s why I told the owner that moving to the East District would probably boost business (laughs).

As for whether they’ll move… even the owner isn’t sure. Anyway, for anyone passing by who wants to try the coffee but is hesitant to step in—I’ve done the testing for you. It’s safe, no regrets. Come and enjoy with peace of mind.

Kaffuns Brew Coffee – Extreme Brew Coffee
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Address: No. 5, Xinmei Street, West Central District, Tainan City
Business Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: 06 221 6887
 
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