A Cup of Coffee Saved a Precious Life – Fair Trade Beans Helped a Girl Get Back on Her Feet

Text and photos / Excerpted from Taipei. Coffee Stroll: 50+ Style Cafés

It’s a place where the aroma of coffee can only be found with intention and a sense of exploration. Crossing the Fuhe Bridge between Taipei and New Taipei with curiosity in mind, you’ll find a moment to spend alone with coffee.

Nestled beneath the Fuhe Bridge, “Coffee Consciousness Roastery” is a unique café. The outdoor seating area just outside the entrance has a few scattered “scent-seekers” sitting leisurely, their relaxed demeanor serving as the best endorsement of this place. Push open the glass door, and music flows out, instantly putting you at ease.

Specialty coffee represents an attitude, not a price tag.
Owner Jerry Chang (JERRY) has been involved with coffee since high school—over 20 years now. Not only is he skilled at brewing great coffee, but he can also talk eloquently about what makes a delicious cup. His professionalism has earned widespread recognition, with coverage and praise from both domestic and international media. He has even been invited to share his techniques on news programs. “The specialty coffee we promote in our shop doesn’t mean it’s expensive. Specialty coffee is an attitude—it’s about carefully selecting beans, roasting them with care, and crafting a quality, healthy cup of coffee. That’s what I believe is the true spirit of specialty coffee!” JERRY said confidently.

Preserving Pure Aroma
No food served. “To avoid food odors interfering with the aroma of coffee, we don’t sell any meals. We hope everyone who comes here can simply relax and enjoy a pure moment with a cup of coffee!” Despite juggling multiple roles and being extremely busy, JERRY still enjoys sharing the beauty of coffee—and he even saved a precious life. “Once, a girl came to the shop alone and sat forlornly in a corner. When she asked me what kind of coffee she should have, I recommended Yirgacheffe and told her, ‘I source these fair trade coffee beans. With every cup you drink, you help fund a local child’s schooling for a month!’ After finishing that cup, the girl left.”



Not long after, JERRY heard a moving piece of news from a regular customer. “It turned out that the girl had been facing a major crisis in her life at the time. She had decided to come and have one last cup of coffee before ending her own life. But after hearing the story I shared, she changed her mind and began to face life positively again. Now, that same girl has gone to Africa to volunteer, starting a new chapter in her life!”

A cup of coffee can be just a brief coffee moment—or it can be the careful dedication that goes into making a pour-over. If you pay attention, you can discover the warmth and heartfelt intentions behind the process. This is Coffee Consciousness Roastery.

Coffee Consciousness Roastery
Address: No. 109, Yongli Road, Yonghe District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2922-9358
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 13:00 – 21:00
Friday to Sunday, 13:00 – 22:00; Closed on Mondays and the last Sunday of each month