Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
Qingdao Soy Milk has been around for 60 years, and now it's closing. (Photo / ASDTT, same below)
The main reason for Qingdao Soy Milk’s closure this time is that the monthly rent is set to rise from NT$280,000 to NT$300,000 — an additional NT$20,000 per month — which was the final straw that broke the camel’s back.
Although Tonghua Street benefits from the foot traffic brought by the nearby night market, as well as attractions like the Second-Run Movie Theatre ns Mountain Cinema and a furniture street, many food and bubble tea shops choose to open here. However, store turnover is quite fast, and both high rent pressure and concentrated evening crowds are contributing factors.
Meanwhile, many brands and shops in Taipei’s East District have also shut down or relocated due to rental pressures. The issue of high rents has become a social problem and phenomenon. Some scholars have proposed implementing a vacancy tax on landlords to prevent them from preferring high rents over lowering them to secure tenants.
After news broke that Qingdao Soy Milk would cease operations at the end of March, the already popular shop saw even longer queues as people rushed to place their orders. Those who want to try the traditional baked sesame seed cakes and deep-fried dough sticks should hurry.