Shilin Alleyway Café "Killing Time" Hides Grandma’s Secret British Cakes

▲ Grandma’s Chocolate Cake (Photo / From "Killing Time the lighter side" Facebook)

Intern Reporter Xu Jiaqi / Taipei Report

Hidden in a Shilin alleyway, the café "Killing Time the lighter side" is filled with a strong European countryside vibe and antique furniture. Owner Sali says she opened the café to fulfill a dream from her youth. Aside from coffee, the café’s pastries are all unique—like the dessert “Grandma’s Chocolate Cake,” which Sali learned to make from her British mother-in-law.

Sali says her mother-in-law is British and has many family-secret recipes, so many of the desserts at "Killing Time" were learned from her, including the signature “Grandma’s Chocolate Cake.” The top layer features thin chocolate chips, with a texture like toasted thick-sliced bread, while the cake itself has a dense but not sticky feel. It’s rich yet light on the palate, with a chocolate cream filling that exudes a deep chocolate aroma. Another dessert, the “Drunkard’s Tiramisu,” contains extra coffee liqueur and brandy—just one bite delivers a strong alcoholic kick.


▲ The entire café is filled with a strong European countryside vibe and antique furniture.(Photo / Intern Reporter Xu Jiaqi)


▲ A two-story old apartment; the second floor is opened when there are more guests. (Photo / Intern Reporter Xu Jiaqi)
 

"Killing Time" is tucked away in an alleyway filled with galleries and studios. The café entrance has a small front yard with many potted plants, giving guests a lively feeling even before stepping inside. Inside, you’ll find many of the owner’s collections, as well as walls covered in paintings. This café isn’t just a simple coffee shop—it also hosts art exhibitions, with different artworks featured each month, and the styles echo the café’s rustic atmosphere.

“The reason I opened this place was to fulfill a dream from my youth,” Sali says. Opening the shop was an impulsive decision—she prepared everything in just two months. The café’s English and Chinese names are also interesting: the English name “the lighter side” was chosen by Sali’s husband, who hopes everyone can see the humorous side of life. The Chinese name was chosen because she wanted a place where guests could kill time.

Sali loves cooking, so many ingredients at the café are homemade. At first, she even tried making the dough herself, but due to high demand, she now collaborates with a French chef. Kumquat jam and roselle are made through Sali’s collaboration with a friend—all organic ingredients. Sali believes there’s no secret to making pastries; it’s all about pursuing natural flavors so guests can eat with peace of mind.


▲ Beautiful latte art on the coffee. (Photo / Intern Reporter Xu Jiaqi)


▲ The apple pie baking method was learned from a friend after many tries to perfect the taste. (Photo / Intern Reporter Xu Jiaqi)

Shop Information:
Address: No. 19, Lane 213, Zhongzheng Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2888-1100
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00, Closed on Wednesdays
Price Range: NT$40 ~ NT$240


View Detailed Map