New IG hotspot alert！A Taipei eatery with a Nanyang vibe and an elegant dried flower nook

Text & Photos／FoodCraving, SnapShots

More than just a cafe, it's a cozy Nanyang cuisine spot tucked away in a laneway — Santal 29. It quickly became an Instagram sensation shortly after opening. On Christmas Eve, my friends and I visited, and to our luck, there were still seats available！I love the atmosphere inside. Though it gets a bit noisy when crowded, the environment is so beautiful and comfortable that I could still sit back, appreciate, and enjoy it all. Besides, the food at Santal 29 is surprisingly good. Unlike its sibling cafe, Savour Cafe, run by the same owner, this place serves up tropical flavors from the Nanyang region.

Santal 29 is located in the Liuzhangli area. I don’t usually visit Liuzhangli, but it’s home to many unique little shops. Following Google Maps, I walked from the MRT station to the alley where Santal 29 is situated, only to find that it’s right across from my favorite Old Wood Cafe.

The front door of Santal 29 is painted a sky-blue shade and is wide open, letting sunlight flood the interior. I love this viewpoint from the entrance — you can see straight ahead to the beautiful wall at the back, and the long wooden table surrounded by plants.

Almost every table has a bouquet of dried flowers. The contrast between the flowers and the concrete wall behind creates a look that’s both retro and textured.

It was actually my friend who spotted this corner on Instagram, which led us to decide on this visit. We all loved this lamp — it felt like the most elegant corner in the whole cafe.

There’s a small private booth-like space hidden behind the wall, offering even more intimacy and quiet.

My favorite part is the wall behind the bar, which is said to be a hand-painted piece by the owner. The blue gradient resembling flower petals is stunning, and from afar, it looks like a burst of blue fireworks.

On the other side, in the sofa dining area, there's a matching artwork on the back wall as well.

French Fries (served with Thai yogurt sauce + red curry sauce) NT$280
These seemingly ordinary fries totally amazed my friend and me, becoming our favorite dish of the day. The fries were crispy without being greasy, and the two sauces served on the side were well-prepared. I especially loved the red curry sauce — savory with a hint of sweetness, making it super tasty when dipped. The portion wasn’t too small, though we still felt the price for just fries was a bit high.

Galangal Coconut Chicken Soup NT$260
The soup gave off a strong coconut aroma as soon as it arrived, but it didn’t taste as rich as expected. The galangal and spices were more pronounced. There was a generous portion of chicken, tender and delicious. However, the broth itself was quite strong — by the end, it felt a bit salty and heavy (would go well with rice).

Larb Pork Rice NT$280
This Larb Pork Rice with a sunny-side-up egg on top looked super hearty！The larb pork had some heat to it, and it paired better with plain rice, cucumber, or long beans. The flavor was bold enough, though a little oily overall. I liked scrambling the egg and letting the yolk drip onto the rice, which I found made the combination with the larb pork even tastier！

Indian Spiced Milk Tea NT$180
The first sip surprised both my friend and me — it’s packed with intense Indian spice flavors. The combination is intriguing and hard to describe, almost like sipping tea while also inhaling spices. For me, the two flavors clashed a bit, but it was still drinkable. That said, if you’re not a fan of strong spice flavors, I wouldn’t recommend this one.

Overall, the food was quite good, though the prices were on the higher side. But I still really like this bright and cozy little eatery. It blends a certain French laid-back charm with strong Nanyang flavors, creating a delightful fusion. Since we were too full that day, we didn’t try the desserts — looking forward to trying them next time！

Santal 29
Address: No. 16, Lane 119, Section 3, Heping East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City (Liuzhangli MRT Station)
Phone: 02-2732-7436
Business Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30–22:00, Fri–Sat 11:30–23:00 (Currently in trial operation, subject to Facebook updates)
Facebook:Santal 29
Reservations available | Cash only | 10% service charge | Wi-Fi and power outlets

FoodCraving, SnapShots
Urban dwellers in Taipei living life at a slower pace amid the hustle.
We love uncovering hidden culinary gems tucked in the city, alleys, and right by our doorstep — passionate about exploring corners filled with stories.
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