Written by/Mook Magazine Editorial Team
Insisting on selling only black coffee, and specifically hand-poured coffee, the number of cups he can sell in a day is limited. Yet, Datou has no intention of chasing impressive sales figures. This seemingly gentle, under-thirty Datou holds views quite different from others, “Really, don’t accept preconceived impressions—I want to start with coffee.”
A focused expression and masterful technique reflect the spirit of a local artisan in Taichung. (Photo provided by/Mook Magazine Editorial Team)
Datou’s philosophy of running a coffee shop is simple yet profound. He is only responsible for the quality of the beans and ensuring the brewing process is flawless. As for what the coffee tastes like, he leaves that as a question for customers to discover—hoping they break away from past assumptions and experience the moment. “This bag of Yirgacheffe tasted like lemongrass last week.” He leaned in to sniff and caught a sweet fragrance. “The flavor of coffee beans changes.”
Datou’s shop is tucked away in Zhongxin Market. Buy a cup of coffee, and you’ll get a taste of the rare human warmth seldom seen these days. (Photo provided by/Mook Magazine Editorial Team)
Every cup of hand-poured coffee tastes different. Each sip becomes a private moment between you and the coffee—an exchange of sensations that cannot be replicated, not even from one cup to the next. That’s the intriguing part about coffee. That’s why Datou hopes everyone can let go of their preconceptions and simply enjoy the aroma in their hands.
In this tranquil little space, savor not just coffee, but life itself. (Photo provided by/Mook Magazine Editorial Team)
Datou doesn’t just sell coffee—he also generously offers the first-floor space of his café for art performances. Over the past half year, there have been around four or five art exhibitions, including static paintings, installations, and live music performances. Is there an admission fee? “No, it’s free for them to use.”
Listening wide-eyed to Datou’s story, in this chaotic society where the surface seems filled with despair, meeting a young person like Datou is truly humbling.
【info】
Address: No. 7, Lane 2, Alley 57, Section 1, Wucheng West Road, West District, Taichung City
Phone: 0972-872792
Hours: 14:00–22:00, closed on Mondays
● Read more:
Follow the Teddy Bear and Explore Taichung: Full Travel Itinerary Revealed
www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9521