Written by Monocle Edit Team
He insists on selling only black coffee, and only pour-over coffee. The number of cups he can sell in a day is limited, but Da Tou has no interest in chasing impressive sales figures. With his gentle demeanor and youthful appearance—barely thirty—Da Tou holds firm beliefs that set him apart, “Really, don’t accept preconceived notions. I want to start with coffee.”
A focused expression and masterful technique embody the spirit of Taichung’s local artisan craftspeople. (Image courtesy of Monocle Edit Team)
Da Tou’s philosophy on coffee is simple yet profound. He takes responsibility only for the quality of the beans and the accuracy of the brewing process. As for the flavor, he leaves that as a question for customers to discover, hoping they’ll break free from their preconceptions and experience the moment. “This Yirgacheffe last week had a lemongrass aroma.” He leaned in to sniff, catching a sweet scent. “The flavor of coffee beans changes.”
Da Tou’s shop is tucked away in Zhongxin Market. Buy a cup of coffee, and you’ll get a taste of today’s rare human warmth. (Image courtesy of Monocle Edit Team)
The flavor of each pour-over is unique—a private moment between you and the coffee. The exchange of sensations can’t be replicated, not even from one cup to the next. That’s the intriguing part of coffee. That’s why Da Tou hopes everyone will let go of past biases and simply enjoy the aroma in their hands.
A tranquil little space to savor coffee and reflect on life. (Image courtesy of Monocle Edit Team)
Da Tou doesn’t just sell coffee—he also generously offers the first-floor space of his café for art exhibitions. Over the past half year, there have been around four or five art shows, including static paintings, installations, and live musical performances. Is there an entry fee? “No, it’s free for them to use.”
Listening intently to Da Tou’s story, in this chaotic society where the surface seems bleak, encountering a young person like him 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:
Taichung Handmade Shop Micro-Tour: Discover the Artisan Warmth of Local Boutiques
http://goo.gl/98Fyzc
Plan your trip now and embark on a handmade shop micro-tour in Taichung. (Image courtesy of Monocle Edit Team)