Some places exist so close to us physically, yet remain emotionally distant. For me, Dadaocheng has always been such a place—frequently visited, yet somehow unfamiliar.
A few months ago, while planning my Tomb Sweeping holiday, I considered buying a ticket to Japan—wherever was cheapest. But ultimately, I stayed in Taipei. My thoughts turned to Dadaocheng, where I imagined finding a hidden guesthouse for a night or two, sampling everyday delicacies not commonly in my diet, or perhaps… a breakfast worthy of a state banquet.
AKA Cafe has long existed on my mental map. I’ve always loved old buildings, especially wooden structures and terrazzo floors that reveal a warm glow after years of weathering. So I booked the earliest seating for brunch online, calculating that arriving early would mean fewer patrons.
I arrived slightly before my reservation time and easily spotted the faded red cloth banner hanging in the hidden alley. The address: No. 66 Minle Street. After a brief wait, I walked down the narrow lane and into AKA Cafe.
Online booking options for solo diners were limited. The staff led me deep into the courtyard, directing me to a single seat behind a column.
The spot was rather simple—a wooden tabletop about 2cm thick, barely supported by leather straps on both sides. The chair was a high leather stool showing signs of age, cracked and worn. The server handed me a QR code for ordering anything beyond my pre-booked brunch.
I quickly decided on a cappuccino and began exploring the surroundings.
This Minnan-style Western house was once the private residence of Guo Wulong, a merchant from the Japanese colonial period. After years of deterioration, it was revitalized by the proprietor and design team to create its current appearance.
Perhaps I lack the proper appreciation, but the decor seemed to lack cohesion—old furniture simply placed throughout, country floral fabrics, Showa-era Japanese elements, patterned tiles, dried branches, green bamboo, moss, ferns, vines… all so intricate that my eyes couldn’t find a place to rest.
My cappuccino arrived, and I regretted not specifying to serve it after the meal.
The “state banquet chef’s brunch” followed shortly. The table was so small that the server had to temporarily move my coffee to a nearby cabinet.
The state banquet chef refers to Qiu Denglu, known as “Chef Lu.” The restaurant claims this brunch features local Dadaocheng ingredients including meat porridge, pan-fried fish, fried egg tofu, golden abalone, and several side dishes.
To summarize, the entire brunch was predictably adequate. The meat porridge pleased me most, generously sprinkled with celery bits and enhanced with fried shallots and sesame oil, awakening my morning palate.
For some reason, the fried egg tofu had more flavor than the pan-fried fish.
Pickled radish, dragon beard vegetable, and purple sweet potato rounded out the sides.
The golden abalone offered a bouncy texture.
After eating, I went upstairs for a “stroll.”
Upon reaching the second floor, I was greeted by a long corridor.
At the end, I discovered open rooms on both sides. Peering in, they all appeared to be bedrooms.
Later, a staff member told me that guests are welcome to view the rooms. The tatami room serves as a space for “singing bowls,” while the Western-style room with a bed is intended for future rental accommodations.
I pushed open a door to find something resembling a Chinese meditation bench.
The layered old-house rooftops nearby were truly beautiful.
I continued to the third floor.
Upstairs was an open tea-drinking space. Honestly, from certain angles, the photos look appealing, but I still couldn’t discern whether the old house style was Chinese, Taiwanese, European, or Japanese.
Back at my seat, I ordered a Showa-era pudding, having heard the desserts here are quite popular.
After finishing the richly made pudding—so dense it was almost difficult to scoop—I could check another item off my wish list.
After this visit, I still couldn’t grasp Dadaocheng’s cultural style. Perhaps I should venture deeper into the alleys, into greasy food stalls for a bowl of pork leg noodles or braised pork instead.
[info]
AKA Cafe
Online reservations available
Rear building, No. 66 Minle Street, Datong District, Taipei
02-25571220
Tue-Sat 10:30-00:00 / Sun-Mon 10:30-18:30