Affordable brunch spot in Kaohsiung serves up handmade happiness!

Text & Photos byShadow

Turning your passion into your job can be a truly joyful thing. This brunch shop, located near the Fongshan Military Dependents' Village, is the only Western-style brunch place in the area. After retiring from military service, the owner longed for a rural lifestyle, so he and his wife decided to become their own bosses. This not only allowed the talented chef-wife to put her skills to good use but also gave the husband the freedom to manage his own time after retirement. The plain storefront may not catch your eye at first, but step inside, and you’ll find many handcrafted items that showcase the couple’s creativity and ingenuity — a charming little shop with character, just the kind of place "Shadow" loves.

For the owners, the meaning of handmade happiness goes beyond just the food — the entire shop’s design style was created by the couple themselves. The husband excels in woodworking, and most of the wooden elements in the store were made by him. The wife, aside from being an excellent cook, also holds an intermediate teaching qualification in decoupage (a collage art form), making her a truly versatile talent.

Many of the small decorations in the shop were conceived by the wife, and despite the compact space, it radiates a cozy warmth.

A mix of butter-yellow and white creates the main visual theme, giving the space an elegant and fresh American country vibe, completely unpretentious.

The space follows a semi-self-service model, with tea, utensils, and seasonings all neatly arranged in one area.

The menu is hand-made by the wife, clean and straightforward, complete with photos. Meals are available either à la carte or as set meals, all reasonably priced.

The menu is generally divided into brunch options, as well as pasta, risotto, and refined light meals served starting at 11:00 AM, plus afternoon tea desserts available from 2:00 PM.

Most items are priced under NT$200, which is really affordable compared to other brunch spots of similar caliber.

Thai Spicy Chicken Leg Combo Set – NT$110

The combo includes a side salad with vegetables and fruits, fries, scrambled eggs, and a drink of your choice for NT$40 (additional charge for more expensive drinks).

The vegetable and fruit salad features a variety of produce, such as cherry tomatoes, star fruit, and grapefruit. The dressing is homemade by the shop and pairs nicely with the fruits and veggies.

Topped with a hint of Thai sauce, besides the extra-thick chicken leg meat, there’s also plenty of fresh greens.

Who would’ve thought applying Thai spicy sauce to a combo platter could taste so unique?

Seafood Pesto Pasta Combo Set – NT$200

The combo includes a choice between French garlic bread or the vegetable and fruit salad, chef’s soup, and a drink of your choice for NT$50 (additional charge for more expensive drinks).

The French garlic bread is based on soft bread, with a mild garlic aroma that leaves you wanting more.

The chef’s soup is pumpkin soup. It’s not as thick as a typical cream soup — somewhere between a thick soup and a hot soup. It contains bits of bacon for flavor and you can taste the pumpkin fibers. Though not a showy soup, it has a simple and honest taste.

The seafood, whether shrimp or clams, is quite fresh; the pesto is one of our favorite flavors — rich with a garlicky kick. The pasta texture is well-executed, making it a big hit with us.

Honey Ice Cream Pancake – NT$110

The pancake comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and crispy wafers.

The grid-patterned pancake has a slightly denser texture with a fairly standard flavor. It’s less dry when paired with vanilla ice cream, or you can drizzle some honey for a nice twist.

The honey used is pure, supplied by the owner’s beekeeping friend, and has a longan flavor.

Matcha Latte – NT$60 (left), Pomelo Lemon Tea – NT$50 (right)

The matcha drink is recommended by the wife. It has a natural matcha aroma with a layer of foam on top. The overall taste is smooth, with a naturally balanced sweetness. The pomelo lemon tea is also one of the shop’s signature drinks. There are pomelo bits at the bottom of the cup — give it a stir before drinking for a better-balanced, tastier cup.

Get a free pound cake when you check in. The owner has a baking license, so she’s no stranger to making sweets.

The style of this shop is just like the impression the owner gives — fresh, clean, and neat. From the meals to the drinks and even the desserts, every item shows the care put into it. At first, we worried that such low prices might mean using pre-made items, but after trying the food, we truly felt the owners’ sincerity and authenticity. Having such a place nearby is a real blessing for residents. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy brunch, consider this place — a budget-friendly and delicious brunch spot we highly recommend.

Handmade Happiness
Address: No. 435, Ruixing Road, Fongshan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-7039865
Business Hours: 08:00–17:00
Closed: Mondays

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