Taiwan Coffee Chains Battle with New Stores and Concepts

Want a cup of coffee in Taiwan? You now have more choices than ever — and the competition is heating up. Big restaurant groups and budget-friendly cafés are rolling out new concepts to win over coffee drinkers. But who’s really serving what you want, and why does it matter?

Taiwan’s coffee market serves over 5 million people and generates NT$13.5 billion annually. To tap into this, major players like Wang Pin (Wang Steak) and Ding Wang (Ding Wang Hotpot) are launching coffee brands, while budget chain 85°C responds with larger ‘second-generation’ stores. Here’s what’s behind the new moves and what they mean for coffee drinkers.

New Coffee Brands from Restaurant Giants

Established restaurant chains are moving into coffee with dedicated brands. Wang Pin launched ‘Man Coffee’ in Taichung in late May 2023, focusing on mid-range coffee, cakes, and desserts. The brand aims to build a local coffee culture and opened a second branch in Taichung by September. Meanwhile, Ding Wang, known for hotpot, entered the coffee scene in July after previously expanding into tea. Their new brand, ‘Yue Coffee’ , debuted its first flagship store in Taichung’s Arts and Cultural Boulevard. This is Ding Wang’s fifth brand overall.

Ding Wang’s Multi-Brand Coffee Strategy

Ding Wang’s coffee expansion is part of a broader plan. According to CEO Chen Shiming, the coffee brand has been in development for two years, with rollout continuing into 2024. The goal is to open 20 locations across the group within the next year. The company already runs multiple food and beverage brands and sees coffee as a key part of future growth.

85°C’s Response: Bigger, Better Second-Gen Stores

Facing pressure from mid-tier and premium competitors, budget-friendly 85°C is upgrading with ‘second-generation’ stores. The first model location opened in Taichung, offering over double the space of original outlets — around 50 ping (165 m²) with 60+ seats. These new stores feature free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB charging. While keeping its core range of affordable coffees priced between NT$35–65, 85°C’s second-gen stores also introduce around NT$100 hand-brewed specialty coffee options and more upscale French-style pastries.

Why This Matters to Coffee Drinkers

The new store formats and brands reflect shifting consumer expectations. Mid-range and specialty coffee options are becoming more accessible outside traditional cafés. Whether you’re after a quick budget brew or a sit-down experience with better coffee and amenities, the expanding market means more tailored choices are hitting the streets — especially in urban hubs like Taichung.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Taiwanese restaurant chains are entering the coffee market?

Wang Pin (Wang Steak) launched ‘Man Coffee’ in Taichung in May 2023, and Ding Wang (Ding Wang Hotpot) introduced ‘Yue Coffee’ in July 2023 with its first store in Taichung’s Arts and Cultural Boulevard. Both aim to grow their coffee offerings significantly in the coming year.

What is an 85°C second-generation store?

85°C’s second-gen stores are larger format outlets with enhanced amenities such as more seating (60+), free Wi-Fi, power and USB charging points. The first opened in Taichung, offering both budget coffee (NT$35–65) and pricier specialty options around NT$100 along with upgraded pastries.

How many coffee shops and customers are there in Taiwan?

Taiwan has over 5 million regular coffee drinkers, contributing to an annual market value of NT$13.5 billion. This has driven major chains and independent brands to expand and differentiate their offerings.

What kinds of coffee does 85°C now offer in its second-gen stores?

In addition to its standard range of affordable coffees (NT$35–65), 85°C’s second-gen stores now serve hand-brewed specialty coffee at around NT$100 and feature more premium French-style desserts alongside their usual fare.

How many new coffee stores does Ding Wang plan to open?

Ding Wang’s coffee brand, Yue Coffee, is set to expand to 20 locations across the group within the next year, according to CEO Chen Shiming. The brand launched its first flagship store in mid-2023.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café Concepts

For the new wave of Taiwan coffee shops, FrontStreet Coffee offers several blends and single origins that fit different concepts. The Classic Blend delivers a smooth, well-rounded profile with rich body—ideal for milk drinks and appealing to a broad audience. For specialty offerings, the Ethiopia Humbera brings vibrant tropical fruit and juicy sweetness, perfect for pour-over or light roasts. If you need a crowd-pleasing espresso, the PWN Golden Mandheling offers low acidity and deep chocolate-mandheling notes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.