Come for brunch / Embrace industrial grit – A café born from barter and reclaimed wood

By Hsia Liang / Photography by Yang Jun[Symbol] Want to enjoy a delicious brunch? 100+ Popular Brunch Spots Across Taiwan: A Flavor Guide

When it comes to Yanchengpu, many may only know it as Kaohsiung’s old district where the city first flourished but has since fallen into decline. However, with the opening of the Orange Line MRT, this area is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Beyond its many delicious street snacks, it’s also close to the popular Pier-2 Art Center and the West Harbor Bikeway. Right by the MRT exit plaza, next to the old Dashin Department Store, sits a uniquely characterful café – MARS Workshop.





Opened just six months ago, MARS Workshop takes “li e soo-tsai, lan e soo-tsai” (your place, our place) as its theme. Owner Jimmy, proud of his roots in Yanchengpu, told reporters he believes this area can become a catalyst for urban revival, much like other regenerated old districts around the world.

Sitting on a bar stool, Jimmy explained that the front bar area was designed so cyclists can watch their bikes through the large windows while dining. Not only are the wall decorations—like vintage telephones, fans, and lighting—sourced from flea markets or scrapped ships, even the tabletops are made from repurposed old wood. He even led us to the entrance, explaining how, before opening, the young team would stare at the reclaimed wood and scrap materials they’d gathered, intuitively finding the perfect spot for each piece. Eventually, they assembled the distinctive wooden façade you see today, complemented by rusted iron sheets wrapping the pillars, creating a vibe of rustic industrial design.



 

Walking toward the back of the café, past the central sectional sofa dining area, you’ll find a large conference table surrounded by uniquely styled vintage chairs. Design director Rou Rou shared the stories behind each chair—some sourced from her travels, others bartered or exchanged with the homeless. Further back, the courtyard, backed by the white wall of the old Dashin Department Store, doubles as an open-air “mosquito cinema.” A steel ladder leads up to a second-floor art gallery set to open soon, as well as a planned boutique hostel. Even the restroom is uniquely designed and worth a closer look.

As the reporter sampled the dishes, they were pleasantly surprised by subtle flavors reminiscent of Japanese cuisine, where special ingredients are often hidden within. Rou Rou then introduced the chef, who hails from Australia—renowned for its expert fusion cooking—and previously worked at a well-known restaurant in Brisbane. When the chef appeared, all the reporter’s questions were answered: she’s a petite woman whose delicate touch creates truly distinctive dishes.

Take the potato salad, for example—it’s mixed with celery and mustard seeds to add texture and enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes. The green salad features a variety of colorful imported greens, including romaine, paired with a secret vinaigrette that has a hint of fruit, balancing any slight bitterness and leaving a crisp finish. Even the French toast’s egg mixture is lightly infused with lemon for a fresh acidity that brings out the bread’s natural sweetness—quite different from the typical sweet French toast that requires honey or maple syrup. It pairs wonderfully with savory bacon and eggs, truly impressive.



 

Must Try
Bacon & Egg French Toast
The set includes bacon, sunny-side-up egg, French toast, potato salad, and fresh greens. Any brunch combo paired with a drink gets a NT$50 discount. Shown here with mango yogurt smoothie.

Sausage & Mushroom Scrambled Eggs
The scramble includes mildly savory German sausage that leaves a lingering sweetness, mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella cheese. The set also comes with potato salad, greens, and Shakespeare honeycomb bread—rich and delightful.

Eggs Benedict
English muffin topped with country ham and poached egg, drizzled with tangy hollandaise sauce, served with greens. Any brunch combo paired with a drink gets a NT$50 discount. Shown here with cappuccino.

Classic Burger
Handmade beef patty from Australia, served with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and MARS special sauce. Comes with side salad and MARS fries. Available 12:00–15:00 & 17:00–19:30.

【MARS Workshop】
Address: No. 80, Dayong Rd., Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: (07) 531-0520
Hours: 10:00–21:00 | Brunch served 10:00–15:00 (Closed Mondays)
Website: www.facebook.com/marscube