Brunch in the market and by historic sites: Three unique shops in Banqiao’s alleys

▲ A brunch spot located at the market corner.

▲ Wenchang Street Lane 24 is right near the market..

Reported by Jiayun Yu / New Taipei, photos and interviews

When most people think of a market, they imagine a chaotic space filled with diverse stalls and noisy surroundings. It’s hard to picture such a place offering trendy brunch options favored by young people, creative exhibition spaces that connect local farmers with culture, or stylish designer tailor shops.On Wenchang Street in Banqiao, a lane that sits next to both the market and the historic Lin Family Garden, three rather incongruous shops have opened over the past two years. Yet, they’ve injected fresh vibrancy into this alley, once dominated by mahjong-playing lottery bettors.

Wan Dao, eat your first meal

“Wan Dao” means “my home” in Taiwanese. Chen Zhaojun, who came from southern Taiwan to work in Taipei, quit her previous job over two years ago and boldly chose a path she had never explored—catering. She had hoped to avoid the fierce competition of central Taipei, but upon arriving in Banqiao, she found it was also a battleground for brunch spots. Nevertheless, the cozy surroundings around Wenchang Street, along with the nearby traditional market, helped shape the style of Wan Dao, Eat Your First Meal.

▲ Not only does the shop name carry a Taiwanese flavor, but the decor also features retro elements.

To save money, the shop’s design and decoration were all done by the owner herself. Chen Zhaojun said she even DIY-ed the tables and chairs to achieve her desired look. The hand-painted blackboard menu and bright yellow ceiling fan create a warm and inviting atmosphere in this small space.

▲ Small but cozy.

In addition to classic English-style brunch,the shop also features a variety of burgers and sandwiches made with local ingredients, which are a major highlight. The basil stir-fried San Bei chicken burger and the organic rose cherry duck breast burger are full of local Taiwanese flavors. There are also French toast beloved by women and locally produced coffee.Chen Zhaojun explained that due to limited demand, some ingredients are purchased directly from regular vendors at the market. This local connection is what makes Wan Dao unique.

▲ Basil stir-fried San Bei chicken burger.

▲ Dreamy desserts with a girly touch. (Photo / Provided by Wan Dao, Eat Your First Meal)

Wan Dao, Eat Your First Meal
No. 22, Wenchang Street, Banqiao District
Business hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)

YVES Clothing Studio

This clothing studio, which looks like a trendy fashion boutique, is completely different from traditional alteration shops. At first glance, passersby might even mistake it for a café. This unconventional clothing studio has not only become a highlight in the market alley but its owner’s “magic hands” have even attracted customers from as far as Kaohsiung who come just to have a single item altered.

▲ YVES has a very fashionable exterior.

Owner Li Yujin, who loves fashion and dressing up, started teaching herself to sew at the age of 21. Starting with just one sewing machine at home, she began by taking apart clothes and reassembling them. After four years of experience and continuous improvement, she now runs her own independent studio.She also designs her own clothes and even beat well-known designers to win the Taipei Good Fashion Designer Award. That recognition shot her skilled hands to fame, attracting more customers to seek her alteration or custom clothing services., attracting more customers to come to him for alterations or custom-made clothing.

▲ The shop’s interior decor was all done by the owner.

▲ The clothes displayed are all designed by the owner.

Li Yujin stated that the biggest difference between her and other alteration shops is her ability to tailor customers’ clothes to fit as perfectly as if they were custom-made. Her expertise and attention to detail have also infused traditional garment work with an artisan spirit. It is this dedication that has allowed this hidden alley studio to receive over 100 orders per month, with plans for continued expansion.

▲ The studio is where clothes are altered and designed.

YVES Clothing Studio
Brand clothing sales; custom clothing; general alterations; special alterations
No. 1, Lane 24, Wenchang Street, Banqiao District
Business hours: 09:00 - 20:00
KuanPu X Together One&Together

“A wonderful place where good things happen” is how Together describes itself on its fan page. This space that blends culture, creativity, small-scale farmers, beverages, and performances has also become a cherished part of Wenchang Street by collecting stories from all over.

▲ Together at the end of Lane 24, Wenchang Street.

As soon as you step into the shop, the shelves on the left are filled with all kinds of agricultural products, decorations, and a variety of small items. Together’s owner, Zheng Dafang, says his wife used to travel across all 319 townships in Taiwan for work, which allowed her to meet many brands earnestly “marketing” Taiwan—from honey and nougat to energy-saving LED night lights and handmade soap.This makes the place not just a shop selling goods, but also a space that conveys beliefs and strives to let “Made in Taiwan” be seen by more people.

▲ Most of the products sold by Zheng are local agricultural goods.