Taiwan’s Hunk Coffee 2.0 is here, girls—come check out hunks making coffee and sip on hunk-brewed java!

Text and photos by /Mimi Han

"Macho Coffee" — the name sounds pretty badass, and it's actually run by a pair of fitness-loving brothers who take their coffee beans very seriously.

When the first Macho Coffee opened on Dacheng Road in Tainan, it quickly became popular and remains well-loved to this day. The second branch is located on Anping Road, right next to a large gym (and a hotel), which seems even more fitting for a place called Macho Coffee. Anyway, that day I had to deal with road construction right outside my door and was stuck in traffic all morning, so I decided to head out to find a place to write and work — and bring everyone along to see the macho guys... make coffee.

The Macho Coffee 2nd branch is a self-built store by the brothers. It’s located on Minsheng Road in Tainan, heading toward Anping, and is the first shop after crossing Zhonghua West Road. It faces the Anping Canal directly across the street. The exterior is stylish with a hint of tropical flair, and there’s a takeaway window in the side alley.

As soon as you step inside, you’ll see a cool motorcycle at the entrance and a professional coffee roaster (I’ve seen this model in many shops that roast their own beans). There are large floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, filling the interior with plenty of bright, natural light.

The overall decor features a color scheme of gray and wood tones, with beautiful marble countertops for the counter and dining tables. It mixes industrial-style chairs with vintage sofas and lighting, giving off a fairly high-end vibe.

There are several dessert options in the fridge by the counter, which can be paired with drinks or added to breakfast & light meals for a better price.

There’s also a shelf where you can buy their self-roasted coffee beans, but I’ve been so busy with work lately that I couldn’t be bothered to brew my own — better to leave it to the pros. If it doesn’t taste good, I can always complain, right?

I suddenly noticed the owner playing with the shop dog in the corner — it’s a Doberman, truly the perfect match for a macho coffee shop with a macho dog.

The Macho Menu features a variety of coffees: single-origin, lattes, special blends, and espresso. There are also choices like Taiwanese teas, smoothies, and desserts.

On the back of the menu, you’ll also find breakfast options, light meals, sandwiches, fried foods, and chef’s salads — pairing food with drinks gets you a better deal.

Self-service for water and seasonings

Caramel thousand-layer cake — originally $140, but I got it for $120 as a light meal add-on. The top is covered with a sweet, crispy caramel glaze, while the cake itself has a delicate texture, with each bite releasing an enticing aroma of caramel mixed with cream. It’s a bit sweet, but hey, if you’re ordering caramel thousand-layer, you’re clearly a dessert person.

Basil smoked duck breast focaccia ($140) — what a long name. The two layers of focaccia bread are soft and slightly moist from the sauce, giving off a strong basil flavor. Inside is savory duck breast, along with lots of fresh veggies and tomatoes. Pretty tasty. If you just want an afternoon snack, I’d recommend sharing one between two people — my husband finished his and then said he wasn’t hungry for dinner.

Hot latte ($120) — the milk foam is fine and smooth, and the milk flavor doesn’t overpower the coffee aroma. It’s definitely a great latte. I deliberately didn’t add sugar, and it paired perfectly with the caramel thousand-layer for my lovely afternoon tea time Up. (Uh… weren’t you here to work?)

Hmph. Finally, I have to include a photo to prove I was here to work, not just to eat. Here’s a simple record of my visit to Macho Coffee’s Anping branch. Next time you’re in Tainan, whether you’re heading into or leaving Anping, stop by for a coffee and see if you can spot the macho guys.

Tainan Coffee Recommendations

Macho Coffee 2.0 (Anping Branch) |Facebook
Address: No. 42, Anping Road, Tainan City
Phone: 06 280 1966
Business hours: 9:00 – 21:00

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