High-value brunch in Taipei’s alleys: A hearty breakfast with fresh juice for under NT$200!

▲The early European-style brunch offers hearty ingredients at an affordable price.

Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu / Taipei

More comfortable than a breakfast shop and much more affordable than a typical brunch restaurant, "brunch spots" have been popping up like mushrooms lately. A new one, "Early Brunch," has quietly opened in a Taipei business district alley.For just NT$190, you get a generous plate of a big breakfast plus freshly squeezed juice—a great budget-friendly option for young professionals seeking a satisfying brunch.

The early bird catches the worm. Tucked away in an alley near Zhongshan Junior High School MRT Station in Taipei, "Early Europe Brunch" opened in July and operates only from 7 AM to 2 PM—perfect for early risers.

▲Tucked away in an alley near Zhongshan Junior High School MRT Station in Taipei, "Early Brunch" opened in July and operates only from 7 AM to 2 PM.

The most impressive item is undoubtedly the "big breakfast plate" loved by brunch enthusiasts. It includes a bagel (today’s bread), German sausage, bacon, mashed sweet potato, scrambled eggs, a large salad, and a glass of freshly squeezed juice—all for NT$190. “Don’t underestimate this juice—it’s made with 3.5 to 4 apples plus a quarter of a dragon fruit,” said the owner. One sip and the sweetness spreads across your taste buds—you won’t want to stop drinking. You might think extra sugar was added, but the owner, Chen Hongda, assured us, “Nope, it’s 100% sugar-free.”

▲The signature "big breakfast plate" features a bagel (today’s bread), German sausage, bacon, mashed sweet potato, scrambled eggs, a large salad, and a glass of freshly squeezed juice—all for NT$190.

Besides the signature big breakfast, the shop mainly offers sandwiches, soft buns, and burgers, each paired with choices like boneless chicken thigh cutlets, steak with cheese, and other meats. The flavors are balanced with pickles and lettuce, keeping meals filling yet not greasy. Prices range from NT$130 to NT$155, and all meals come with fries and black tea.

▲Grilled chicken thigh sandwich for NT$130, served with black tea and fries.

“We try to use only unprocessed ingredients—even the meat is prepped by us. Except for the bacon and German sausage in the big breakfast (because customers love them), we don’t use any ready-made products. The beef is also sous-vide cooked,” said the owner’s wife.

▲%The entrance of the brunch restaurant on the first floor.

When asked why the shop is named "Zao Ou," owner Chen Hongda explained, “‘Zao Ou’ is like greeting a neighbor or friend.We hope to bring the same warmth and friendliness to our customers, starting their day with a hearty breakfast.”

▲Emoji-themed photo spots on the first and basement floors of the restaurant.

These days, customers have discerning palates. Keeping costs low while maintaining quality is no easy feat, highlighting the challenges of balancing both in the F&B industry. But one thing is certain: though "Early Europe Brunch" may not have the luxurious decor of other brunch spots, its comfort and great value make you want to come back.

Early Brunch
Address: No. 60, Lane 222, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 7:00 - 14:00
Facebook Page