How Taiwanese Make Coffee a Daily Habit

When you walk into a café in Taiwan, you’re not just buying a cup of coffee—you’re stepping into a way of life. For decades, coffee in Taiwan has evolved far beyond a drink for the elite. It’s now a routine part of daily life, enjoyed by office workers, students, and families alike. But how did coffee become such a normal, even essential, part of life for so many Taiwanese people? One expert who witnessed this shift firsthand has some answers.

Taiwanese people drink coffee regularly—across all walks of life. It’s common to see office workers, parents, and children enjoying coffee not as a luxury, but as an everyday beverage. In fact, many families hang out in cafés together, especially during summer breaks, making it a social and familial staple.

The Woman Behind the Café Shift

Xu Liyuan, a seasoned coffee professional with decades of experience in coffee preparation, was recently recruited from Taiwan to manage Mabelé Roastery & Café in Xiamen. She brought with her the Taiwanese approach to café management and community-building. Under her guidance, the two-location Mabelé chain blends Taiwanese-style service with local flavors. Xu sees great potential in bringing more of Taiwan’s coffee culture—especially its casual, inclusive style—to Mainland China.

Coffee Beyond the Elite: Taiwan’s Everyday Café Culture

In Taiwan, coffee isn’t just for yuppies or hipsters. It’s a drink for everyone. From fast-food joints to boutique cafés, people from all backgrounds enjoy coffee throughout the day. Unlike in Xiamen, where coffee is still often seen as a treat for the “bourgeois,” in Taiwan it’s a normalized part of the day—like having tea or water. Cafés are spaces where parents bring their kids, students study, and office workers unwind. Many families even make weekend café trips a regular thing, especially in summer when the air-conditioning and desserts provide a cool retreat.

A Café for Every Mood: The Diversity of Taiwan’s Coffee Shops

Walk down any street in Taiwan and you’ll find a staggering variety of cafés. There are global chains like Starbucks and TASTY, celebrity-owned spots, and countless independent shops. Each offers something unique—from minimalist design and signature single-origin brews to themed interiors like cartoon-inspired cafés or rustic farm-style spaces. Xu Liyuan recalls encountering cafés located in the middle of open fields, where the smell of coffee mixes with fresh air and laughter. This diversity reflects how deeply embedded coffee has become in the fabric of Taiwanese urban life.

Why You Should Visit Taiwan’s Cafés

If you’re traveling to Taiwan, visiting different cafés is one of the best ways to understand local life. Each café tells a story—not just through its drinks, but through its atmosphere, clientele, and design. Xu Liyuan herself returns to Taiwan regularly and spends half her time exploring new cafés. She believes these spaces offer a window into the calm, self-sufficient lifestyle many Taiwanese people enjoy, where a good cup of coffee is always within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is coffee such a common drink in Taiwan?

Coffee in Taiwan is widely consumed across all demographics, not just by affluent or young people. It's considered an everyday beverage like tea, available in everything from fast food chains to high-end boutiques, making it a normal part of daily life for office workers, families, and students.

Do families really go to cafés together in Taiwan?

Yes, it’s common, especially in summer. Many cafés are family-friendly, offering free air-conditioning and kid-approved desserts, making them popular spots for parents to bring their children. It’s a social activity and a way to spend leisure time together.

Are there different types of cafés in Taiwan?

Absolutely. Taiwan has a huge variety of cafés, including global chains, themed spaces (like farms or cartoon motifs), minimalist designs, and celebrity-run venues. Each offers a distinct atmosphere and often features unique brews or food offerings.

What makes Taiwanese café culture different from Mainland China’s?

In Taiwan, coffee is a daily habit for people of all ages and classes, whereas in places like Xiamen, it’s still often seen as a luxury or something for younger, trendier crowds. Taiwanese cafés also tend to be more inclusive, affordable, and community-oriented.

Is it worth going to multiple cafés if I visit Taiwan?

Definitely. Each café offers a unique experience—different drinks, atmospheres, and local interactions. Visiting various cafés is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Taiwan’s urban lifestyle and understand how deeply coffee is woven into daily life.

What does Xu Liyuan recommend about café culture?

Xu suggests that the Taiwanese approach—where coffee is a normal, accessible part of life and cafés serve as community hubs—can inspire other regions. She aims to bring more of that ethos to her work in Xiamen, emphasizing inclusivity and everyday enjoyment over exclusivity.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Casual Café Drinking

For fans of Taiwan’s everyday café culture, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a balanced and approachable cup, ideal for relaxed environments. Their Sunflower Sunshine Blend brings a sweet, biscuity profile perfect for pairing with desserts, much like those found in family-friendly Taiwanese cafés. For a brighter, fruitier option reminiscent of summer café visits, the Strawberry Candy Espresso offers juicy notes and a smooth finish. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.