Taipei seems to have an over-indexing affinity for bakery cafes that feel vaguely American. Like if it were designed by someone who had the idea of an American bakery cafe described to them. Miss V is one of those places. Beloved by bloggers, Miss V has two locations one in the quiet residential side streets near Songshan Airport and one in the popular alleys by Zhongshan Station. Both locations offer a casual homey atmosphere with few tables that are nearly always occupied, and a constant stream of customers picking up their desserts and pastries to go.

The sit down cafe has a menu of vaguely western dishes that are a hit or miss. Their coffee (and other beverages) are fine but forgettable, about as you’d expect in such an establishment. So what’s up with the hype? Where Miss V passes as a cafe, it excels as a bakery. Cinnamon buns come in several rotating flavors and roll out the door by the box. Their cakes and tarts are as pretty as they are tasty, often featuring seasonal Taiwanese fruits.