Despite its prime location right off the touristy Yong Kang Street, Orchard is easy to miss. The minimal and modern grey storefront blends in with its surroundings, save for the glint of the metallic signage and the soft warm light coming through. While most flock to the shaved ice shops to fulfill sweet cravings, the real gem for dessert is at Orchard. The bakery specializes in refined cakes and cookies and jams tailored for the Taiwanese palate. Not to sweet, delicate flavors of teas and fruits and sesame and chocolate neatly packaged up into enticing forms. Their financiers and tea cakes (by the slice) are individually packaged for snacking. Cookies are in portable and giftable containers, and their tarts and cakes are ready for a close up.

It’s an unexpected kind of bakery, namely in that bread and pastries are nowhere to be found. Rather, the French patisserie traditions are given a vaguely Taiwanese Japanese makeover in form and flavor. Whether you’re here for an “afternoon tea” after beef noodle soup, or looking to grab a little treat for sharing (you know you can’t show up empty handed), Orchard is the place to be.