How Taiwanese Made Coffee a Daily Habit

When you walk into a café in Taiwan, you’re not just there for the coffee—you’re stepping into a slice of daily life. That’s the message from Xu Liyuan, a veteran coffee professional with decades of experience in Taiwan who now runs two cafés in Xiamen. Her perspective sheds light on how deeply embedded coffee has become in the rhythms of Taiwanese society.

In Taiwan, coffee isn’t a luxury or a trend—it’s simply a regular part of the day. Whether you’re a student, office worker, or parent, you’ll find people of all ages sipping coffee in all kinds of settings. That cultural normalisation is what sets Taiwan apart.

The Taiwanese Way: Coffee for Everyone

Xu Liyuan moved from Taiwan to Xiamen to manage Mabelé Roastery & Café, a two-location chain she runs with a distinct ‘Taiwanese management style’. She noticed a key difference between the two places: in Taiwan, coffee is a universal drink. Office workers, homemakers, students—everyone drinks it. It’s not tied to any particular social class or lifestyle. ‘Many parents bring their kids to cafés, especially in summer. With free air conditioning and kid-friendly pastries, it’s the perfect place to hang out,’ she says.

A Café for Every Mood and Moment

Taiwan’s café scene is incredibly diverse. Major chains like Starbucks and TASTY are everywhere, but so are boutique cafés tucked into alleys and countryside spots. Some have quirky themes, others minimalist designs—but all offer a space to slow down. ‘There are even cafés located in the middle of open fields,’ Xu recalls. ‘The smell of coffee mixes with laughter—it’s not what you’d expect from a typical city-centre shop.’

These spaces serve more than caffeine. They’re places to relax, work, meet friends, or spend time alone. Many don’t mind if you stay for hours with just a inexpensive drink. This flexibility has made cafés a natural part of the urban landscape.

Why Taiwan’s Coffee Culture Works

The key lies in accessibility and routine. In Taiwan, coffee is not positioned as an elite or trendy item. It’s an everyday beverage found in fast-food joints and high-end cafés alike. That mindset has allowed coffee to weave into family life, work breaks, and personal downtime. ‘It’s about having a good cup of coffee anytime, anywhere, without needing a reason,’ Xu explains. ‘That’s when coffee truly becomes a habit.’

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coffee really considered a daily habit in Taiwan?

Yes. According to Xu Liyuan, coffee is treated as an ordinary part of daily life in Taiwan. People from all walks of life—office workers, parents, and students—drink it regularly, often without any special occasion.

Do Taiwanese parents really bring their kids to cafés?

Yes. Especially during summer, many parents take their children to cafés to enjoy the air conditioning and desserts. Cafés become a casual and comfortable spot for family time.

What makes Taiwanese cafés different from those in other countries?

Taiwanese cafés range from major chains to highly individualistic small shops, often in unexpected locations like rural fields. They offer diverse atmospheres and generally allow customers to stay for long periods, even with low-cost orders.

Why is coffee more mainstream in Taiwan than in some other places?

Coffee in Taiwan is not tied to social class or trends. It’s widely available in both casual and upscale settings, making it easy for everyone to incorporate into their daily routines without stigma or exclusivity.

Are cafés in Taiwan only for drinking coffee?

No. Taiwanese cafés are multi-purpose spaces used for studying, working, socialising, or relaxing alone. Many people treat them as extensions of home or office.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Café Culture

For fans of Taiwanese-style café culture, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—a bright, juicy Ethiopian offering with floral and citrus notes, perfect for relaxed sipping. Pair it with the Yirgacheffe for a classic light roast with lemon and berry tones. Both showcase the kind of vibrant, easy-drinking profiles common in Taiwan’s diverse café scene. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.