A "color-block" brunch spot tucked in an alley, where creative dishes come with a side of "elephant" company

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei




The "color-block" aesthetic is truly eye-catching. (Photo by Chen Ziying)

Push open the door of "Fresh Joy," and your eyes are immediately drawn to the eight vibrant throw pillows on the seats. Window frames and magazine racks are adorned with various elephant-shaped ornaments, blending simplicity and comfort with thoughtful details. Two food-loving, travel-enthusiastic men in their 20s, unwilling to settle for a conventional office life, joined forces to create this healthy, natural brunch spot. Chef Cai Xieting, who oversees the food, shared: "There are few brunch-style restaurants in New Taipei City, but many in Taipei. Most brunch places tend to be lively, but we wanted to try something different in our neighborhood—natural decor, a relaxed atmosphere, and healthy dishes, hoping to offer guests a comfortable, soothing start to their day."


The owner hopes guests can begin their day feeling relaxed and at ease here. (Photo by Huang Kexiang)

The café’s clean yet distinctive design comes from co-owner Cai Mingfeng, who is also a designer. "I love Bangkok’s interior design—bold use of colors. I thought, why can’t Taiwan do the same?" So, Cai Mingfeng incorporated striking hues and Thailand’s iconic symbol—the elephant—to shape the overall ambiance.

A great American-style brunch is essential, and Chef Cai Xieting first interned at a friend’s restaurant for half a year. In his spare time, he constantly experiments, creatively pairing ingredients that seem unlikely to work—like his "Strawberry Peanut Butter Toast," which adds banana alongside strawberries and peanut butter for an aromatic, smooth, and refreshingly harmonious bite.

 
The "Strawberry Peanut Butter Toast" combines strawberries, peanuts, and bananas for a refreshing, delicious taste. (Photo by Huang Kexiang)

 
The menu at Fresh Joy is full of the owners’ creative ideas, with generous portions. Shown here is the "Pan-Seared Crystal Fish." (Photo by Huang Kexiang)

Another popular choice during lunch is the "Golden Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice." Cai Xieting explained that the curry sauce is simmered a day in advance because it tastes richer the next day. They refuse to use pre-made curry packets, insisting on making it from scratch to deliver an authentic, delicious flavor. Male customers might prefer the "Crispy Pork Chop Curry Rice," which features a generously sized pork cutlet that’s extremely filling. Visitor Ms. Fan, who came with her child, said: "The food here is nutritious and healthy, with plenty of vegetables. My kid always enjoys it."


Don’t miss the "Golden Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice" for curry lovers—the crispy chicken cutlet stays juicy even under the curry sauce. (Photo by Huang Kexiang)

The café’s signature coffee beans are sourced locally, and the brews are made using the owners’ preferred method. The coffee is also a highlight at Fresh Joy, another passion project by the owners. On weekends, the place gets quite lively. (Photo by Huang Kexiang)