“VAPIANO” Italian cuisine sweeps through Taichung – Chip card dining is a cool gimmick

Text & photos by /Guo Xiaosun


This “huge presence” on the Qianmei Caowu Path is hard not to notice. But honestly, I’d only previously known it was opening and that it would be large in scale. It wasn’t until recently that I looked up its name online and realized it has quite the background — an international-level Italian eatery that already has its first Taiwan branch at Taipei ATT 4 FUN.

Officially opened in Taichung on 12/13. The really eye-catching feature is that each person gets their own chip card, which is handed out at the entrance. This chip card is used for all in-store purchases via contactless感应. No matter how you plan to spend, basically, one chip card is needed per item. Whether it’s pasta, pizza, a full meal, or drinks and salads – so if a family of four comes, you just split up the ordering among yourselves, and then settle the bill together when you exit. The highlight? No service charge here!

Here you can start by checking out the interior and my experience from today. I imagine it’ll be packed on weekends – PS. No reservations allowed on holidays XD


The first-floor space is clearly high-ceilinged. And it’s mostly done in wood tones, giving off a really relaxed vibe. Heading up to the second floor, the tables surrounded by greenery really make you feel like you’ve stepped into a foreign country for a meal – perfect if you’re into a laid-back atmosphere. The first floor is the main food area, where you order pizza, salad, and pasta.




The chip cards hanging around everyone’s necks make it seem like everyone’s part of the staff XD But it’s actually quite fun and convenient. Just pick what you want to eat, order it yourself, and use this one card for everything.






Pizzas range from 240–480, and pastas from 240–400. I snapped a quick look at the simple menu for your reference. Cutlery and cups are also placed here, and you can order drinks too. The second floor, besides the basic seating, also has a drink bar, along with cutlery and cups, so no need to rush to grab anything XD






With your own chip card, you order directly from the chefs and tap the card on the reader. Looking around the counter, it’s clean and tidy, and the chefs are super friendly and enthusiastic, carefully asking about spice levels, garlic oil, your preferred pasta type, and whether you want cheese or not.




On Friday noon, I felt a real sense of leisure here. Maybe people come during their lunch break, or if they have the day off, or even bring their kids. Seating isn’t assigned – you choose freely; time isn’t restricted either, it’s all casual. It really has that foreign vibe, and I’ve got to say, I love it.

I tried a very basic type of spaghetti today, but next time I’ll try other varieties. When I asked the chef, he happily said: Of course you can take pictures XD So I snapped a few of him cooking seriously, haha.


Today I simply ordered two kinds of pasta, then went upstairs to check out the seating. There are even more seats than downstairs, and it has a fashionable lounge-bar kind of feel, perfect for evenings.

At the second-floor drink bar, I ordered a 750ml bottle of sparkling water. Ordering here is easy, and they serve plenty of cocktails in the evening.




The second-floor seating has three sections: one like the area I sat in today, with red sofas and small stools; an outdoor area with red sofas and umbrellas; and an indoor section with high stools and wooden furnishings.

There’s no time limit for dining here, and it’s all self-service and flexible. But don’t worry – once you’re done eating, the staff will promptly come over to clear your table.

I personally prefer two styles of pasta: Italian tomato sauce and stir-fried. I don’t go for cream-based ones XD So today I tried spicy tomato sauce and white wine garlic clams – both had a bit of a kick. But I think they could’ve been spicier – the chefs underestimated me XD.


The first thing I think is great is that both types of pasta had excellent texture – firm but not too soft. Also, both sauces reached a really professional level of flavor.

But here’s an important tip I want to share:If you’re coming in a big group, it’s best to place separate orders with different chefs.Because if the first dish is ready and you have to wait for the second, the first might get cold or stick together. The difference will be even bigger with more people.

I actually ran into this issue today, so I’m giving you all a little “lesson” here. If you’re here with family, pay extra attention to this. Both pasta portions were generous – I was full after just one. Also, the clams in the white wine dish? I counted about 25 of them, no less.






The wooden seating area upstairs gives off vibes of IKEA, Muji, Japanese style, and even a bit like a library.

I also really liked the outdoor red umbrella area.


Look how great it is to come here in the evening or at dusk XD Doesn’t that huge red sofa chair feel like you’re in some fancy overseas hotel? You can just lounge, soak up the gentle warmth outside – it’s super cozy.

Of course, this area is the smoking zone. It’d be nice if it weren’t set up that way XD



I think most people must’ve already noticed this big spot. As long as you’ve been here and seen the teddy bears. When I came out after eating today, I even saw the “only teddy bear with wings” had been fixed and returned. If you’re planning to see the bears on a holiday, you should also try this international-grade Italian cuisine – apparently it’s a favorite of Katie Holmes.

I think the food quality is good, but remember to “order separately” XD

Article by:[Life is enjoyable without being boring. By Xiao Sun]


【Vapiano Taichung 1】

Address:No. 221, Zhongxing Street, West District, Taichung City
Contact Number:04 2326 5151