Taiwan’s Faraway Elementary School Café

Ever wonder why hundreds of people willingly travel hours to a remote, long-shuttered elementary school—on purpose? The answer isn’t nostalgia or urban legend. It’s a working café nestled inside a former schoolhouse perched near the Taiwanese coast, drawing weekend crowds despite—or because of—its extreme remoteness.

Yes, it’s really called the "Faraway Elementary School Café" (officially, it should be "Far-away," but the typo stuck). On weekends, 200–300 people make the trip just to sip coffee inside real repurposed school desks, eat owner-made desserts, and gaze at sea views from a building that hasn’t held classes in years.

From Abandoned School to Art-Filled Café

Nestled in Shali, a remote area of Taipei’s Shimen District with few houses and zero attractions, the former Ganhua Elementary School Shali Branch had no reason for visitors—until it became something else entirely. After the school closed, local ceramic artist Zhang Geming rented the space and turned the grounds into the Alilao Art Space. The outdoor areas were fitted with driftwood collected during Taiwan’s devastating Typhoon Morakot (known locally as the 88 Flood), used creatively as part of the site’s “Mi Gong” art installations.

While the ground floor remains a working studio, the second floor found new life when Hugo, owner of Keelung’s Dè Bù Coffee, took over the space and launched a full-fledged café in 2014. The result? A hybrid art-café experience inside a real former elementary school, complete with repainted desks and ocean panoramas.

Why People Keep Coming Back

Despite its location in a nearly inaccessible corner of northern Taiwan, the café draws 200–300 weekend guests who come specifically for the vibe, the coffee, and the views. Visitors routinely describe the experience as "like going back to school," but with better coffee and seaside scenery. The café’s interior has been thoughtfully preserved: classrooms were merged, and the original school desks and chairs were repainted in soft pastel shades of pink, blue, and yellow—creating an uncanny, nostalgic atmosphere that feels both familiar and new.

Hugo, who also roasts his own coffee, serves a small but well-curated menu that has turned the location into a pilgrimage site for specialty coffee fans willing to go the extra mile. The combination of artisanal coffee, handmade desserts, driftwood art, and an actual functioning school space keeps the crowds coming—even if the drive is, frankly, a bit brutal.

The Coffee Menu: More Than Just a Cup

Hugo takes his coffee seriously. He roasts his own beans and crafts drinks that reflect both local ingredients and global technique. Among the most popular is the Ice Cane Sugar Latte, made with fresh sugarcane juice—not syrup—for a bright, summery profile. The drink layers pale yellow cane juice visibly in the cup and is served with fresh milk and Hugo’s own-roasted beans. "You have to use fresh juice,” Hugo insists. “Syrups just taste off.”

Another standout is the Osmanthus Brew Latte, made with a locally sourced osmanthus-honey syrup (from Keelung’s famous “Happy Family” festival dumplings). Available hot or iced, it’s become another top seller. Seasonal drinks rotate, but the commitment to fresh, house-made syrups—and high-quality espresso—remains constant. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s more.

Desserts Worth the Trip

Beyond the coffee, the café is famous for its homemade sweets, particularly the Almond Toffee crafted by Hugo himself. The toffee arrives firm to the bite, then reveals whole roasted almonds inside—a rich, chewy, not-too-sweet treat that keeps customers coming back. It’s described as "addictive," and pairs perfectly with the lighter, fruitier profiles of Hugo’s espresso blends.

The nostalgic setup, coastal air, and locally inspired menu create a full sensory experience. It’s not just coffee. It’s an event. And yes, you’ll need to drive quite far to get there—but that’s kind of the point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Faraway Elementary School Café located?

The café is in Shali, Shimen District, Taipei, Taiwan—a rural and coastal area with very few nearby landmarks or residences. It’s remotely located, hence its nickname.

Why is it called the Faraway Elementary School Café?

The café is housed in a decommissioned elementary school that locals nicknamed the “Faraway Elementary School” (or, more accurately, "Far-away Elementary School") due to its extreme remoteness. The café kept the quirky, misspelled name even though the correct Chinese phrasing should be “” (far-away, not far-dead).

How many visitors does the café get on weekends?

On weekends, 200–300 people visit the Faraway Elementary School Café, making the trek specifically to enjoy the coffee, food, and atmosphere inside the former school building.

What makes the coffee at the café special?

The café’s coffee is roasted on-site by owner Hugo, who focuses on fresh ingredients. Popular drinks include the Ice Cane Sugar Latte (made with fresh sugarcane juice) and the Osmanthus Brew Latte (made with local osmanthus honey syrup), both highlighting Hugo’s dedication to house-made flavors and quality roasting.

What desserts are available at the café?

The café is known for its homemade almond toffee, created by Hugo. It has a firm texture with whole almonds inside and is described as rich, not overly sweet, and highly addictive. Seasonal desserts may also be available.

What can visitors see besides coffee and desserts?

Visitors can explore an art space with driftwood installations made from debris collected during Taiwan’s 88 Flood. The café also retains the original school layout, with repainted pastel-colored desks and chairs, offering a nostalgic yet artistic environment with views of the nearby sea.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for School Café Brews

For a cup that channels the Faraway Elementary School Café’s spirit, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—bright with citrus and floral tones, ideal for pour-overs—or the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 for a smooth, balanced espresso that highlights Hugo’s roasting style. Pair either with the FrontStreet Classic Blend for milk drinks like the café’s signature Ice Cane Sugar Latte. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.