In Taiwan, a society that is very much all about local breakfast culture, brunch is an intentionally trendy activity. And when it comes to brunch restaurants, it usually comes in one of two genres: vaguely western (more specifically Californian/Australian style) or vaguely Japanese. And often, the two have some overlap. Kouji sits solidly in the Japanese genre, but dabbles in the subgenres of Japanese western food (think Japanese Italian pasta, Japanese French pastry) and healthy foods (養生).
The all day cafe style restaurant uses the set meal formula (Japanese and Western selections) and offers a substantial alternative to the many popular afternoon tea style cafes in the city. You can choose between a handful of mains (proteins) and then choose between the Japanese set (yaki onigiri, miso soup, tamagoyaki, etc) or the Western set (shokupan toast, sunny side or scrambled eggs, daily cream soup, etc). There is also a pasta menu with sister restaurant Cin Cin Osteria, almost like a pop up within the cafe. And of course they also have coffees, teas and desserts to round out the experience. The simple formula, ample seating, free wifi and homey space make it a popular spot for casual dining and leisurely afternoon breaks.
the details
| Address | 中山 Zhongshan: No. 14, Lane 27, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City |
| Website | https://kouji-cafe.business.site/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/koujicafetw | |
| @koujicafetw | |
| Hours | 11:00 – 20:00 everyday at Zhongshan location, 21:30 or 22:00 at Q Square location |
| Price | $$ – sets are 300-400NT (~$9-12), drinks are 100-160NT (~$3-5) |
| Aesthetic | simple japanese slow living aesthetic, bright, natural warm tones, wood textures |
good to know
Go here for: a business/weekday lunch, a solo meal, a coffee break, a sunday morning brunch
Order this: a set meal (with a bias to the Japanese set)
Amount of time to spend: an hour or two
When to come: weekdays and earlier in the day are more chill, avoid peak afternoon times
Getting here:
- Zhongshan: take the red or green line to Zhongshan Station and use exit 3, walk east, crossing Zhongshan N Road and it’ll be two lanes up, near the park.
- Q Square: take the red or blue line to Taipei Main Station and follow the signs to Q Square (this is easier said than done but the best way is to walk north (if you’re coming from the blue line walk towards the red) and then walk around the train/HSR area to continue past the main station, it’s connected in the underground network.
Other things to note:
- The menu has Chinese, English and Japanese, and pictures for easy ordering.
- If you order a set meal, you can take 60NT off a drink, and 30NT off dessert add ons.
- Minimum order of $200NT per person, and they are cash only.
- They take reservations via InLine, but walk ins are pretty doable on a weekday.
Last visited: September 2021
Last updated: January 2022
