Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
The old houses of Tainan bring new inspiration to travelers, continually attracting people in search of lost times. Following the alluring aromas wafting from these historic buildings, the stimulation on the taste buds either resonates with or contrasts against the ambiance of the ancient houses. Old Houses X Cuisine has gone beyond mere preservation and maintenance of aged architecture, and extends beyond the character of ingredients and culinary skills. It embodies the inheritance of local memories and the cultural sparks ignited between old and new eras, allowing visitors from all over to savor both the old stories and the new vitality of this ancient capital.
While sampling various cuisines in these old houses, remember to slow down your pace and keep the old times and emotions of Tainan in your heart. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Tung Hsing Foreign Firm — A Century-old Western-style Building Exuding German Charm
The German-owned Tung Hsing Foreign Firm is one of the five major foreign firms in Anping. Its five-bay red-brick arcade exudes the classical elegance of a century-old Western building, with its arcade railings adorned with beautifully crafted green-glazed vases. Inside, the rooms are equipped with fireplaces—one of the rare features found in historic Western-style buildings. To recreate the splendor of the early days of the Tung Hsing Foreign Firm, the site now also serves classic dishes such as German pork knuckle, sausages, and beer. On Friday, Saturday afternoons and evenings, live band performances are also held.
[Info]
Address: No. 3, Lane 233, Anbei Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-228-1000
Top image: Enjoy cuisine in a historic setting, with seating available in the outdoor garden, corridor, and indoors. Bottom image: German pork knuckle is the most famous and popular dish at the German firm. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Breathe with the Light — A New Artistic Taste
From the shop name “Breathe with the Light,” you can feel a wonderful living space. This former clinic warehouse, once used for storing Chinese medicine and tools, has undergone renovations over sixty years, giving it a unique flavor distinct from typical old houses. Today, modern design is ingeniously integrated into the old structure—the Japanese wooden building seems to have donned a white new coat, with high ceilings, comfortable sofas, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Compared to the bustling Haian Road shopping area, it offers a uniquely leisurely and tranquil atmosphere.
[Info]
Address: No. 118, Section 2, Haian Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-221-6085
Top image: Breathe with the Light also serves as a venue for art, culture, gatherings, and exhibitions. Bottom image: A matcha red bean roll paired with fermented rose tea makes for a very relaxing afternoon tea experience. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Monster Tea Shop — A Fairytale Realm in an Old House
With a façade themed around a forest of strange flowers, Monster Tea Shop can be described as the most spatially designed light snack shop on Haian Road. Entirely white inside and out, its upside-down white branches further enhance the forest-of-strange-flowers ambiance. This 80-year-old house, through the installation art concept of renowned designer Liu Guocang, uses silhouettes to create a series of adorable and whimsical fairytale spaces. The owner has created unique and peculiar flavor combinations, just like the shop’s name—Monster Tea Shop—where unexpected pairings burst with surprisingly delicious results.
[Info]
Address: No. 54, Heping Street, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-229-0921
Left image: A characteristic space transformed from an old building, full of fairy-tale charm from its silhouettes to its furniture. Right image: Herbal ice cream paired with lactic acid drinks, and you can even sip little popping jelly sprites too!) (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Taiku Department Store — Sipping in a Modern Furniture-Filled Historic House
Run jointly by two brothers who have long collected antique Western furniture from Europe and America, Taiku Department Store displays cartoonish American classic figurines in wooden cabinets along the walls, casually arranging a variety of retro tables and chairs to create a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. The front wooden bar counter serves simple alcoholic snacks, while the back building, a washed-stone house, is set up as an exhibition space for vintage furniture. This unique combination of themes truly adds a surprising charm to the old house.
[Info]
Address: No. 94, Shinong Street, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-221-1053
Top image: The wooden old house building naturally exudes a nostalgic vibe. Bottom image: Taiku Department Store serves simple alcoholic snacks. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)