Irresistibly charming!“Healing Café”  Where time seems to vanish from your taste buds

Text & Photos / Summer

Traveling to and from the bustling Taipei city center, it’s easy to spot numerous coffee shops of all sizes, standing like commas in the city, offering busy pedestrians a moment to catch their breath. And USA Today’s travel news section once ranked Taipei among the top 10 best cities for coffee tasting. But this “coffee wave” isn’t limited to Taipei—it has spread across many cities in Taiwan, where you can always find cafés with their own unique styles.

This reminds me of that weekend afternoon I spent at Keelung’s “Black Bunny Walking Life House,” a cozy and heartwarming experience. Actually, it wasn’t my first visit to Black Bunny. I still remember how its exterior and the streets of downtown Keelung formed a striking contrast, yet this gave the uniquely flavored café an even stronger illusion of frozen time. Just a few steps upstairs, and I was immediately captivated by its “French countryside style.”


▲ A romantic French countryside vibe, separated from the hustle outside only by a pane of glass. (Photo / From Black Bunny’s Walking Life)

With a space of less than 10 pyeong on the second floor and attic, Black Bunny is always fully booked. The small yet open bar area shows the male owner, Ben, and the female owner, Black Bunny, quietly preparing coffee and meals. The whole shop exudes a tranquil and reassuring atmosphere.

Let’s start with a latte. The rich aroma of coffee beneath the foam is smooth and delightful, much like the impression the café leaves—you, neither too sweet nor too bitter, just right. And this handmade orange cheese cake has a creamy texture paired with orange flavor, offering a refreshing taste.


▲ The handmade orange cheese cake is refreshing and not greasy—absolutely delicious!(Photo / Provided by Summer)

▲ The hot yet melt-in-your-mouth shortbread tart showcases the owner’s skill and sincerity in making desserts. (Photo / Provided by Summer)

Additionally, the café’s signature set meal, the “Pastoral Farmer Combo,” is a must-try. The crusty yet soft countryside bread, stuffed with cheese cubes, has just the right chewiness. Paired with the lightly sweet pumpkin soup, it’s so irresistible that almost every table orders it.

▲ Regulars never forget it—the café cat “Ma | Lian Bo” (Photo / From Black Bunny’s Walking Life)

The residential buildings in Keelung Harbor City are neatly aligned, and Black Bunny is one of them. But its white window frames and decorations by the window reveal a beauty quite different from what lies outside. I’m happy that here, it stole away my weekend afternoon—a warm and satisfying experience.