A Taiwanese literary café opens a new branch — there's a full book wall on the second floor!

Text & photos by /Mika

Taichung never runs out of cafés, but Moqi Café, having operated in the city for over ten years, has evolved far beyond being just a café — it’s become a beloved gathering spot. Recently, the café launched its second branch, nestled within the alleys of a residential area on Jingcheng 12th Street. Housed in a historic Western-style building that was once a bookstore called ‘Buffalo Bookstore,’ the first floor serves as an arts and culture café, while the second floor houses an exhibition and conference space featuring a stunning book wall. The idea of turning a study into a wall is a dream for many literary souls. Moqi Café’s second location offers longtime patrons a fresh new place to meet up.

Located in a residential alley, parking can indeed be a challenge, but if you’re really keen to meet up at Moqi, none of that matters.

The garden is filled with lush green grass, flowers, and trees, bringing a wave of greenery throughout the entire Western-style building.

The floor-to-ceiling windows design blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

The interior layout retains the charm of the old house, and the tiled floors give off a vintage vibe. I love the design of the counter and kitchen area, as well as the large communal table — often you’ll see the owner hunched over his laptop, deep in thought.

This is my favorite angle — the stairway and floor tiles complement each other in pattern, and you can also see customers leisurely enjoying their drinks and chatting.

The seating against the book wall is quite interesting. If you’re here alone and want some uninterrupted time, this is the spot. The space isn’t very large, but it’s cleverly divided by bookshelves, creating zones that feel intimate yet still respect personal space.

Water is self-serve.

The owner is a designer who has created many designs related to Taiwan. In recent years, almost every literary café or dessert shop features an anti-nuclear canvas — also designed by the owner!

Currently, only drinks, coffee, and light meals are served.

Passion fruit vinegar soda — NT$120

Plum vinegar soda — NT$120

Why drink coffee at Moqi when you can have fruit vinegar soda? Actually, it’s our second stop of the day — if we had more coffee, we’d never sleep tonight XDD But I really like the fruit vinegar sodas too — tangy, refreshing, and fruity.

They even have uniquely designed glass straws. The owner loves Taiwan and cares about the environment, so they specially created reusable glass straws — super thoughtful.

The vintage chandeliers really are the icing on the cake!

Can the table lamps please stop stealing the spotlight? It’s making me emotional XD

The second floor is the real highlight of Moqi Café’s new branch — the massive book wall is truly every literary lover’s dream.

The second-floor space is more suited for exhibitions and meetings.

I especially love this corner — it’s both bright and colorful, yet somewhat secluded.

This space is perfect for small lectures or meetings.

Today’s event is Erica Wu’s travel photography talk.

Erica specializes in capturing stunning photographic works using just an iPhone and editing apps, particularly excelling in animal photography. She even won first place in the animals category of the global iPhone Photography Awards (IPPA). She frequently holds photography exhibitions and talks to share her insights on travel and photo techniques.

On this revisit, I found that Moqi Café’s second branch has added even more drink options. With summer here, try their floating ice cream coffee — cool and refreshing.

Erica has traveled across major Japanese cities, countryside areas, and islands, all in pursuit of these adorable animals, capturing fleeting moments that become timeless.

Moqi Café’s second branch regularly hosts art exhibitions, and Erica’s works were displayed for a whole month.

Zaozhuang Fox Village in Sendai

All those adorable animal poses were captured using an iPhone. Aside from patience and waiting, quick reflexes are key to snapping those lively moments.

This is the winning piece by Erica in the animal category of the global iPhone Photography Awards (IPPA).

Unfortunately, Erica’s exhibition at Match Neverland’s Second Branch has ended. Fans of her work can view more on the following link, with new pieces to be shared soon.

Erica also has an exhibition at Taichung’s Simo Goodtimes from August 30 to September 26—welcome to visit:http://www.smohouse.com
Photography works
Fan page

Match Neverland Momo Coffee Second Branch
Fan group
Phone: 04-23203112
Address: No. 7, Jingcheng 12th St., West District, Taichung City
Business hours: 10:00–22:00

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