96 Best Brunches in Taipei  “Good Cho's” Shares Taiwan’s Most Local Flavors

Text and Photos / Excerpted from the book *Good Morning, Brunch!: The Joy of Weekend Brunch: 96 Best Brunches in Taipei*, by Lin Dongmei, photos by Yang Zhixiong, provided by Sikuaiyu Cultural Creativity Publishing.

 

Good Cho's Tianmu Branch is located at the foot of Yangmingshan Mountain, and its standout feature is the large patch of lawn in front of the store. For urban dwellers surrounded by concrete jungles, this sea of green is undoubtedly the perfect spot to dine. No wonder many customers come here on weekends to soak up the sun on the grass or let their children run and play, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. In addition to the ground-level lawn, Good Cho's has also planted greenery, choosing the Taiwanese rain tree, a common species in Tianmu. In spring and summer, it bursts with lush greenery, while early autumn brings out its golden-yellow beauty. Unlike the retro military dependents’ village vibe of the Xinyi Branch, the Tianmu Branch aims to welcome customers with eco-friendly greenery. As such, the store features a large vertical garden wall, and the ventilation design of the rooftop skylight keeps the interior cool without air conditioning. The natural breeze drifting in gives the feeling of being immersed in nature right in the city.

Premium Ingredients, Natural Deliciousness
Fresh and delicious Taiwanese-style bagels are the hallmark of Good Cho's dishes. All the bagels in the store are made with fresh ingredients, handmade daily at the Good Cho's Yuanshan Bakery Kitchen and delivered to the stores the same day. The popular dish, the Duck Breast Bagel Burger, uses cherry ducks raised at the “Haoye Duck Farm” in Yilan, a supplier for many well-known five-star hotels. The duck breasts are thick, juicy, rich in fat, and tender in texture. Paired with refreshing fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits, the multi-layered flavors offer an unexpectedly delightful surprise. The Pigeon Pea-Stewed Pork Belly with Rice Bagel Meal features pork belly with skin stewed in pigeon peas, a native Taiwanese spice. The stewed pork retains a chewy texture without being greasy, and when served with fragrant rice and rice bagels, it’s a hearty portion—highly recommended for big eaters.

For a lighter option, try the Cheese and Tomato Scrambled Egg Bagel Burger. The handmade, chewy bagels have a satisfying bite—one half is spread with rich cheese, and the other is topped with fresh tomatoes and smooth scrambled eggs, offering two delicious experiences in one. Paired with naturally grown leafy greens and seasonal fruits, plus a hint of honey vinegar for flavor, you get all the nutrition you need for the day in a simple yet fulfilling way.

Good Cho's is not just a restaurant but also a mini supermarket, a lifestyle goods store, and a venue for small exhibitions. The store sells organic vegetables from small-scale farmers, as well as a variety of fresh bagels in different flavors (such as wild mulberry, sweet potato cheese, black sugar black sesame... and more). You can even buy ingredients used in the dishes, like honey and natural yogurt, to take home. The second floor offers a variety of daily necessities, while the third-floor loft is designed as a small exhibition space with rotating themes. Whether it’s renowned artists, young students, or even homemakers, anyone with an appealing theme can become an exhibitor. This showcases the spirit of Good Cho's—providing a creative and vibrant exhibition space.

Good Cho's doesn’t just satisfy guests with its food but also offers great products and engaging events. Its English name, “Good Cho's,” is a play on the phrase “good choice,” representing the best of people, things, and experiences in Taiwan. It also aims to share with customers those locally cherished, often overlooked options.

The Owner Says It’s Delicious
Duck Breast Bagel Burger
Made with tender cherry duck, paired with refreshing fresh vegetables and fruits, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, the layered flavors leave a finger-licking aftertaste.

Pigeon Pea-Stewed Pork Belly with Rice Bagel Meal
The chewy yet non-greasy pork belly, served with fragrant Hualien Tianhe Jade Rice and soft, Q-textured rice bagels, is extremely filling—highly recommended for big eaters.

DATA
No. 2, Lane 16, Alley 38, Tianyu Street, Shilin District, Taipei City (near Tianmu Circle)
(02) 2873-5889
Monday to Sunday, 09:00–21:00 (Closed on the first Monday of every month)
Breakfast, 08:00–10:45 (Minimum spend of NT$100 for dine-in)
Lunch, 11:00–14:00 (Minimum spend of NT$220 for dine-in)