Artsy vibes galore: Tainan’s super-popular antique café and homestay

Text & photos bySean

Paripari apt., jointly established by st1 cafe and Bird Fly Antiques, combines antiques, coffee, and a homestay experience. I was filled with anticipation when I first heard about this project—feeling certain it would be something truly special. During their intensive renovation period, I even snuck in for a peek (I happen to know the owner of st1, and it’s all about who you know). The final result truly lives up to the hype. The atmosphere on-site was so captivating that I ended up taking a huge number of photos. Even after aggressively editing them down, this article still features over 50 images. That’s why I decided to create a separate album for additional black-and-white photos—titled “Paripari Black & White.”(Click the link here).

I’ve always believed that a photo must still look good without color to truly qualify as a great one. Black-and-white images reveal more clearly the photographer’s strengths and weaknesses in composition, and help viewers focus on how light and shadow play across the details. It’s like seeing what someone is really like once they’ve shed their fancy clothes—or what a place has to offer once you strip away its decor.

People who have traveled far need to pause and reflect on themselves from time to time. Over my ten years of writing, that’s a principle I’ve always held to. So, “Paripari Black & White” isn’t just about showing another side of this café—it’s also a space for my own introspection.

The Paripari apt. featured in this article is shown in color, but I can tell you plainly: even without the decorative elements or dishware that add visual flair, the coffee and cakes here are outstanding (P.S. The owner has strong hands—the coffee cups served here are from Japan’s Honyama Glass). Anything that looks delicious in the photos tastes just as good in real life. And if something looks unappetizing… sorry, that’s on me for not capturing it well (sniff).

Let’s start with the Bird Fly Antiques shop on the first floor. What I captured is just a small part—the actual experience on-site is even better.

I’m particularly fond of how the light spills onto this floor. I took many shots of it, but ultimately chose this one.

Walk through the door, and we head up to the second floor.

But before even stepping into the ST.1 Café upstairs, I stopped in my tracks—the stairwell is absolutely stunning and incredibly photogenic.

After snapping quite a few photos, I finally stepped into the café.

Just these three photos alone convinced me that Paripari apt. is going to be a hit—but I still took a close look at the details.

The restroom is clean and well-ventilated.

The espresso machine is a VBM La Marzocco GS3 with a lever.

The tiles on the bar counter complement the flooring beautifully.

The tables were deliberately chosen to echo the color scheme of the floor.

Now, let’s take a look at the trial menu (valid until 2/5). Items without listed prices are all 100 NTD. Once the official opening happens, I’ll share photos of the updated menu.

This coffee is made from beans roasted with longan wood, with a darker roast that yields a richer flavor—but without the bitterness or astringency I was afraid of.

I personally prefer cold drinks over hot ones, and this one has better aroma and body.

The cappuccino strikes a great balance—coffee flavor slightly dominates the initial sip, but the sweet milkiness at the finish really shines.

The cold drip is smooth and easy to drink.

HEDIARD’s Ceylon black tea performs well in terms of aroma. Fans of milk tea can go for that option.

In addition to the cakes on the menu, there are also croissants—but I never got a chance to try them because they sold out. No review for those, unfortunately.

A rich-tasting chocolate tart with an adult vibe.

The banana chocolate toast from the menu—baked in a Balmuda steam oven—comes out especially moist. My personal favorite, though, is the pumpkin walnut cake, which isn’t on the menu. It’s made with quality ingredients, has a rustic flavor, and pairs perfectly with coffee without overpowering it.

As for why I posted so many items not on the menu—absolutely not because I’m tight with the owners, but because business is booming over the New Year, and everything on the official menu sold out. These unlisted items are all that’s left. Apparently, the food selection will expand further in the future.

I’d say Paripari apt. is a place that gets everything just right—whether you’re into vintage goods, coffee, or photography, you’ll find plenty to love. When a place delivers on all fronts, that’s what you call truly “パリパリ” (crisp and satisfying).
 

Paripari apt. fb
Business hours: 12:00 - 18:00 (Closed on Thursdays)
Address: No. 9, Lane 158, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, Tainan City

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