A Hidden Café at Taipei Main Station: Cultural Merchandise + Historic Vibes Like You’re in the Japanese Colonial Era

▲ The menu at No. 8, Kyomachi, is limited, featuring this pumpkin chicken savory tart. (Photo / Reporter Hu Shaofu)

Reported by Reporter Hu Shaofu / Taipei

At No. 8, Kyomachi, on the busy Bo’ai Road near Taipei Main Station, the café is run by Vicky and her husband. It has a cozy atmosphere, offering only coffee and light snacks. Interestingly, it’s located right across from the historic Fuitai Street Mansion in Taipei City. As a special promotion, starting now, download the "ETtoday EBC News Cloud" app, and you’ll receive a 10% discount on your in-store purchases.

▲ The Fuitai Street Mansion stands just across from the café. (Photo / Reporter Hu Shaofu)

The café is named “No. 8, Kyomachi.” Vicky explains with a smile that during the Japanese colonial period, the address was “Kyomachi 4-chome No. 8.” “Plus, my husband and I both love old buildings. I used to volunteer at the nearby Western-style building, and I often thought how wonderful it would be to sip coffee while admiring the old architecture.” A devout Christian, she prayed about it—and eventually found an available shop space here, just as she had hoped.

▲ The café also sells cultural and creative merchandise. (Photo / Reporter Hu Shaofu)

“I actually never planned to open a shop. I had worked in PR for 10 years and had the responsibilities of raising children—it felt like a big loss to give it all up.” But after praying, she says she kept hearing a voice telling her, “Don’t be afraid, just have faith!” So she took the bold step to leave her high-paying job and open the shop with her husband.

▲ The interior of No. 8, Kyomachi, has a charming vintage style. (Photo / Reporter Hu Shaofu)

“This area holds a lot of memories for people—students coming here to study or retake exams, others coming to buy cameras or browse the book streets, or visiting long-standing local shops. Everyone has different emotional connections to this place,” says Vicky. She hopes to turn this café into a land of dreams where ideas can grow slowly. “I also rent out space here for lectures, and I hope to host art exhibitions here in the future. I believe the business potential will only get better. We’re close to the Railway Museum, Zhongshan Hall, and the government is planning a pedestrian zone around Beimen. Plus, we’re at the end of the MRT line—there’s definitely potential.” But above all, she hopes that in the future, young culture lovers might spend a whole day here, soaking in the beauty of these historic buildings.

▲ A corner inside No. 8, Kyomachi. (Photo / Reporter Hu Shaofu)

The café currently offers a small selection of food items. This is mainly because Vicky initially envisioned it as a simple coffee shop without food offerings. However, she happened to befriend a French acquaintance who enjoys making savory tarts and lemon tarts, and the collaboration began. These two items have since become customer favorites.

For savory tarts, they offer pumpkin chicken and cheese bacon varieties. They’re delightfully flaky and soft. The café also adds freshly sliced greens like lettuce alongside, paired with red tomatoes and black olives, drizzled with pepper and salad dressing. Just looking at it makes your mouth water.

▲ No. 8, Kyomachi, has a special offer for readers of ETtoday EBC News Cloud. (Photo / Reporter Hu Shaofu)

Special deal: From now until January 25, simply download the “ETtoday EBC News Cloud” app and enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases made at the café.

No. 8, Kyomachi

Address: No. 8, Bo’ai Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Phone: 02 2381 2388
Business Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–18:00, Saturday 10:00–20:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00

ETtoday EBC News Cloud is currently collaborating with the café for an interview and promotional campaign
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