The banana cake lingers deliciously on the palate — the owner says: "The longer it sits, the better it tastes!"

▲ Hidden in an alley on Minsheng East Road is a laid-back and casual eatery, serving pure, natural banana cake that everyone says is “delicious!”

Reported and photographed by Chen Tzu-yin, HowToTrip Taipei

A tasty spot you could easily miss — this charming shop is located in an alley on Section 3 of Minsheng East Road. It serves all-natural handmade cakes and savory dishes made without pre-packaged flavorings. Though its unassuming sign means many walk on by, regulars know just how special the food is here.

Owner Shi Fanghua shares: “I didn’t really think much about it at first. I just loved baking cakes and never imagined opening a shop. But making healthy, delicious cakes is what I’ve always wanted to do.” Much like the atmosphere of the whole place, there’s no pressure or stress here — everything feels like a cozy family dining table. Shi Fanghua says she originally just wanted a place to sell the cakes she baked herself, but that led to the creation of this shop. Even the savory side dishes, which were meant as an afterthought, have unexpectedly earned high praise. The reason? Shi Fanghua sticks to her cooking philosophy of “all-natural,” so guests not only enjoy flavorful meals here, but also eat with peace of mind.

 
▲ Left: Not a fan of banana flavor? There are also chiffon cake, black tea cake, and chocolate cake to choose from — all equally delicious. Right: The banana cake is served in small slices and is “limited edition” because, as the owner explains, it depends on banana ripeness and supply — so pre-ordering is recommended if you want some.

The shop’s signature item is the handmade banana cake, and everyone who tries it says it’s delicious — so naturally, we had to order a slice. That’s when Shi Fanghua dropped a surprising tip: “It tastes even better the longer it sits!” Don’t worry — it’s not that the cakes are old, but rather that she suggests letting the freshly baked cake sit at room temperature for a while. The longer it sits, the more the aroma develops. The texture just changes slightly: fresh-from-the-oven cakes are fluffier, while those that have sat a bit are denser and richer.

Take a bite of the legendary banana cake, and sure enough, the fragrance is incredible. With a hint of specially made caramel for extra flavor, it tastes nothing like chain-store versions — not overly sweet, so you could easily finish a whole loaf by yourself without getting tired of it. Since all the cakes in the shop are made by Shi Fanghua herself, getting your hands on one of these delicious treats requires ordering several days in advance. They may not even be available for walk-in purchases.


▲ The chiffon cake gets a flavor boost from added almonds, giving it a more layered taste.

The shop’s chicken pie is the top-recommended savory dish. Having lived abroad, Shi Fanghua loves pies and was surprised to find so few shops in Taiwan offering anything similar. So she set out to recreate the taste and texture she remembered. The base layer features a white sauce with carrots and chicken sprinkled with black pepper, topped with thinly sliced potatoes and finished with cheese. Shi Fanghua explains she avoids using puff pastry because it tends to be greasier. Staying true to her health-focused approach, she opts for cheese instead.

 
▲ Left: The golden, cheesy “chicken pie” crust can be dipped with bread. Right: Generous chunks of chicken show how much care goes into each serving.


▲ The mildly spicy “green curry chicken” is completely grease-free, with eggplant and cauliflower adding both nutrition and a satisfying fullness.

▲ A great choice for OLs (office ladies) who love light meals and cakes.


▲ The simple décor gives off a warm, homely vibe, and the food at “Marsalia” is just the same — it feels as comforting as eating at home.

【Shop Information】
Marthary Marsalia
Address: No. 10, Lane 5, Alley 130, Section 3, Minsheng East Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2545-5623
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00–18:00. For weekend dining, please call the shop in advance to make arrangements.