By TRAVELER Luxe
It felt like stumbling into a scene from Alice in Wonderland—the flustered, top-hatted White Rabbit darted off in a flash—when this white glass house emerged before us, as if tucked deep within an enchanted forest, a fairy-tale haven where sprites dwell, beckoning us to step inside.
Bakku All Pass features a lofty, spacious interior, with a spiraling grand candelabra seating that evokes a fantastical, classic ambiance. (Photo credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
Bakku All Pass is located next to the school wall at the end of the first right turn after entering the campus gate. Stepping out of the car, the dry air carries a hint of fresh grass—a breath of pure refreshment. Sunlight spills freely, and the white glass house stands before you, flanked by a towering banyan tree with dense aerial roots draping down, like a hidden paradise tucked away in a quiet corner of the world—one you might easily miss. Just a single red brick wall separates it from the outside world, and the transparent glass design frames the lush greenery outside. As the school bell rings, young figures in basketball jerseys laugh and hustle by, a vivid reminder that youthful vibrancy is essential—and you’re instantly swept up in an upbeat, cheerful atmosphere.
Postmodern Art Gallery
Step inside, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the vibrant paintings beneath the bar counter. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice exquisite, ornately carved classic picture frames housing both mirrors and artwork. The mirrors create a surreal interplay of reality and illusion, while the paintings exude a dark, eerie charm with a postmodern, deconstructed collage aesthetic—a stark contrast to the pristine white freshness you might expect, playing instead with a delightful clash of styles. The designer’s ingenuity gives the impression of stepping into a modern art gallery in New York: a dreamy long-haired girl with a pounding heart, a rebellious maiden fresh from a noble ball, pouting her cherry lips as she steals a glance at you from the corner of her eye; a fluffy, purple two-headed rabbit peeks back from a vibrant path of roses, as if waiting for something; and a group of playful skeletons and goblins wearing floral crowns sip tea merrily—the kind of artwork that lingers in your mind.
A bar counter with a postmodern gallery vibe and crystal chandeliers, stylish and avant-garde. (Photo credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
The expansive, high-ceilinged space lets in sunlight effortlessly through floor-to-ceiling windows. A spiraling candelabra-like column, resembling a giant installation piece, anchors the room’s design. The mosaic floor, a blend of deep gray and white, yellow crystal-cut transparent chairs, and a chandelier overhead mimicking candleholders with an ice-crystal texture, all come together. A brownish-gray royal-style sofa adds a touch of fashion and elegance. If the Queen of Hearts suddenly appeared here, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising.
Wang Shenghong, responsible for the restaurant’s design and management, shared that since the venue is located on campus, the initial goal was to create a bright, simple, and comfortable dining space. The overall style is a casual take on neoclassicism, with a white base palette enhanced by a few artworks to craft an alternative, slightly eerie atmosphere—breaking away from the typical image of a school cafeteria and aiming to become a standout highlight within the campus.
Turn a corner, and you’ll find a branch-covered wall in white and grass green, accented with red and blue flowers, extending the outdoor natural scenery indoors. The stylish hollow white branch-shaped seating and white tables echo the green wall, cleverly sectioning off the space. By the window, a group of students enjoys a lively gathering, while nearby, others read books, discuss reports, or type on laptops—reminders that yes, you’re still very much on a school campus.
Exquisite plating paired with hearty ingredients makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a high-end Western restaurant. (Photo credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
High Quality, Generous Portions
Already famished, we were greeted by a salad plate larger than our faces, piled high with crisp greens and fresh fruit—an astonishing portion size. Three sauce options were available (American-style Thousand Island, Japanese-style soy-vinegar, and honey mustard), all for just a hundred NT dollars. The lettuce was fresh and crisp; the honey mustard, tangy and sweet, paired perfectly with the fruit, making it incredibly appetizing. Next came the French-style creamy mustard chicken pasta—vibrant green herbs, tomato red, and golden noodles that were nothing short of enticing, like a beautiful lady tempting all five senses. The moment you lean in, the rich aroma of cheese and the distinctive scent of yellow mustard greet you. One bite confirmed it didn’t disappoint: the yellow mustard and creamy richness coated the perfectly al dente noodles, while sour, sweet, and salty flavors harmonized like a delicate concerto. A bite of the tender, juicy chicken, complemented by crunchy cucumbers and mushrooms, balanced the bold flavors. Even finishing the entire plate left no sense of heaviness. Another dish, Sicilian seafood pasta, was generous to a fault—four plump shrimp and a bounty of seafood ingredients, each bite bursting with the ocean’s essence. The tomato-based sauce was equally impressive, holding its own against any top-tier restaurant in Taipei. “Great value” doesn’t even begin to cover it. For dessert, a mocha coffee featured an exquisitely piped heart-shaped latte art. One sip brought forth the rich chocolate and aromatic coffee—sweetness and bitterness perfectly balanced, both top-notch. At Bakku All Pass, it’s not just about filling up—it’s about savoring every detail.
Bakku All Pass shareholder Tsai Shih-wei explained that the decision to open on NCKU’s campus stemmed from a simple reason: one of the shareholders is an NCKU alumnus. A sense of mission, coupled with the observation that compared to the now-trendy Fengjia or Yizhong shopping districts, the southern area lacked unique, high-quality dining options, led to the idea. They also hoped to create a restaurant the school could be proud of—one affordable for students yet appealing to local residents. Nearly two years in business, the menu has been refined three times, evolving from classic Western fare to a diverse array of offerings—from salads, sandwiches, and pasta to curry rice and weekend American breakfasts—all born from accumulated experience. Bakku All Pass updates its menu each semester, introducing new dishes, so your next visit might bring something entirely different, ensuring there’s always something fresh. From packed weekdays to bustling weekends filled with families, it’s clear the eatery has won over both the NCKU community and nearby neighborhoods.
Ms. Hu, who’s visited twice already, often comes here for lunch and reading on her days off, spending the whole afternoon here. “It’s rare to find such a comfortable dining space on campus.” It seems students aren’t the only ones smitten with this spot.
Since NCKU has an Animal Husbandry Department, a visit here isn’t complete without trying dairy products from the university’s livestock research farm. Thanks to its campus location, Bakku All Pass also stocks five dairy items: fresh milk, yogurt, yoghurt, popsicles, and ice cream. Ms. Hu highly recommends their fresh milk yogurt, praising its rich, creamy flavor—it’s her go-to dessert every time she visits NCKU. Step out of the restaurant, and soak in the youthful energy of campus life. The campus adventure is just beginning.
[Info]
Address: No. 250, Guoguang Rd., South District, Taichung City (on NCKU campus)
Phone: 04-2285-4466
● Read more: Tainan Old Houses, A New Travel Experience
http://goo.gl/93Alj
A library-like space fit for a princess, elegant and luxurious. (Photo credit: TRAVELER Luxe)