Lately, I’ve traded far-flung adventures for local escapes—and found hidden treasures along the way. Picture charming cafés with city-worthy style, tucked in spots that feel almost mythical. From blossom walks to coffee under the open sky, it’s the kind of simple pleasure that feels timeless. This time, Yoyo takes us to an old house by the Xiongkong Sakura Forest—coffee in hand, countryside in our hearts.
In March this year, when I went to Xiong Kong with my family to see cherry blossoms, I noticed bilingual signs on a suitable hillside. Later, after visiting the nearby Daliao Tea Culture Center, I thought of stopping by the café. However, I discovered that it was closed on non-business days. It turns out this café has a unique personality, operating only from Friday to Sunday each week.
The sky drizzles gently, nourishing the small flowers and grass on the slope. Even in early May, a few clusters of wisteria are in full bloom. The air is filled with the fresh and comfortable scent of plants. Having coffee here is a delightful way to enjoy nature and take a leisurely stroll. 🌿
The atmosphere both inside and outside exudes the leisurely charm of mountain living. The mottled white spots beneath the window lend the house a captivating vintage feel. Sitting by the open door, you can admire the abundant greenery. The few touches of red and a splash of green in front of the row of red brick old houses add vibrancy and a touch of youthful energy.
In Taiwan, there’s been a trend in recent years to transform old houses into various types of shops. This practice disrupts the traditional concept of old houses, repurposing them for more modern commercial use while still preserving their original rustic and cultural qualities. Paired with the pristine mountains and water of Xiong Kong in Sanxia, the overall atmosphere is wonderfully soothing. Who wouldn’t enjoy spending extra time here?
From the decorations, you can see that the café owner has poured a lot of effort into nurturing and breathing new life into this old house. Even the small ornaments on the wooden cabinet require thoughtful curation over time.
The décor sometimes changes with the seasons, adding subtle details. Whether you’re inside or outside the café, every angle captures an artistic vibe. Every candid photo becomes Instagram-worthy, and everyone in the frame exudes a certain elegance.
Even though it’s raining, sitting by the window, there’s still a gentle light streaming into the room. ☔
Despite the faint drizzle, sitting outside allows you to feel the cool freshness in the subtle air.
The space itself is a visual delight, with tiled floors in ornate patterns that whisper of Spanish artistry. Perched on a gentle hillside, this pet-friendly haven invites both people and their four-legged companions to linger—indoors or out—while savoring the moment together.
The café has a minimum order requirement of one drink or dessert per person. The latte art on the hot latte is stunning! Visually, it definitely sparks a desire for coffee.
Another popular drink here is the ‘Stovetop Milk Tea.’ As the name suggests, it’s made by using locally sourced fragrant black tea leaves from Sanxia and simmering them with fresh milk in an iron pot. The result is a delightful blend of tea aroma and creamy milk flavor.
Let’s talk about the popular dish that receives rave reviews at our restaurant. It’s none other than our spectacular creation! This dessert is so elegant and impressive that you won’t find anything like it elsewhere. The catch is that it’s not always available (once it’s sold out, we don’t offer it anymore). Allow me to introduce the Lemon Summer Clear Milk Pancake, which we only started selling in early April. Picture this: a hot season, fresh seasonal fruits drizzled with a perfectly balanced tangy and sweet homemade lime sauce, all paired with refreshing lemon yogurt milk ice cream.
As you step outside, you’ll find a long white table adorned with several adorable mini plants. This outdoor setting is perfect for group gatherings, where you can relax and enjoy a tranquil countryside atmosphere.
