Naturally Nostalgic and Artsy Vibes: Belgian Waffles Hidden in Taipei National University of the Arts Campus

Text & Photos /Right Upper 45-Degree Angle Girl

Have you been to Taipei National University of the Arts in Guandu? I never knew there was such a lovely campus tucked away in the suburbs of Taipei until I stumbled upon it during an accidental photography class. And on the second floor of the university’s administration building is “Davinci DAVINCI CAFFE,” where my photography teacher mentioned that his daughter absolutely loves their Belgian waffles here.

I can’t say no to food, so I immediately decided to arrive early before the photography class and treat myself to a waffle first—satisfy my cravings right away~

Take the Red 35 bus from Guandu Station, which loops around Taipei City University of Science and Technology and the Taipei National University of the Arts campus, and get off at the “Administration Building” stop. Once inside, on your right is the Art University Bookstore, and straight ahead is Davinci Café.

The restaurant has three operating time slots—you can check the menu first to make sure the style and pricing suit you before going in to dine. (If I may be a bit picky, since this is at Taipei National University of the Arts, could they make the chalkboard writing more artistic and appealing?) The entrance decoration has a faintly vintage feel, reminiscent of Western restaurants from twenty years ago.

Once inside the restaurant, the interior decor style is really quite fun. It turns out the old-fashioned exterior pairs perfectly with the interior décor too. But honestly, I really like it. Many newly opened nostalgic artsy cafés often have that forced “old” vibe, but this place doesn’t have any of that. It’s truly been refined over time, slowly aging naturally. The tendrils of time are spreading and growing throughout this café—everything feels completely organic.

There’s an old-style desk and birdcage near the entrance, giving off a delightfully messy kind of charm.

The dining area features a high, pointed ceiling that I really like. The tables and chairs also have an old-school Western restaurant atmosphere—it’s actually quite rare these days to see places still using white metal chairs. I have to mention that the white uniforms of many male servers are made of overly thin fabric and worn without undershirts, which is a bit visually uncomfortable. That’s definitely something that could be improved.

Sitting by the window, you can gaze out at the scenery of Guandu Plain, lush and green. In the distance, the chimney of the Beitou Incineration Plant is quite prominent. I’ve heard that if the air were cleaner, even Taipei 101 would be visible.

This place is also great for family gatherings—the space is large, parking is convenient, and after meals, you can take the kids to run around and play on campus. It’s really a very handy location.

Suddenly, there's a traditional Chinese medicine cabinet against the wall—no idea where that creative idea came from (laughs).

“Honey Fruit Waffles” and “Iced Latte.”

Before stirring, take a sip of the iced latte below—the slight bitterness and coolness of the coffee feel comfortably soothing in the throat, and once swallowed, a mouthful of sweet, fragrant aroma lingers. This cup likely uses non-dairy creamer rather than fresh milk; once stirred, it tastes like the nostalgic flavor only old-school cafés used to offer—smooth and creamy. It’s not the healthiest, but having one occasionally to reminisce about childhood is quite a rare treat.

The honey fruit waffles seem to use maple syrup, with a lightly bitter fragrance. I like the combination of one chocolate-flavored and one plain—they switch up the flavors just enough to keep things from getting boring.

The outside of the waffles is wonderfully crisp, and the taste is like an oversized version of “Meikou Waffles.” The inside is soft yet fluffy, with a mix of crispy and soft textures that kept me coming back for more. But it really must be eaten hot to be fully appreciated.

Stepping out of Davinci, let me show you the beautiful campus scenery of Taipei National University of the Arts.

The colorful buildings, as captured through the lens, offer a visual beauty rarely seen on Taiwanese campuses.

【Davinci DAVINCI CAFFE】
No. 1, Xueyuan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City (2nd Floor, Activity Center, Taipei National University of the Arts)
(02) 2891-7963
Business Hours: 11:30–21:30
Transportation: On holidays, you can drive into the campus and park along the roadside; or take the Red 35 bus from Guandu MRT Station into the Taipei National University of the Arts campus, and get off at the “Administration Building” stop.

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