Zhongshan Taipei Guide 2026: Best Cafes & Spicy Noodles
Escape the crowds in Taipei's Zhongshan district! Discover vintage boutiques, aesthetic cafes, and the famous Master Spicy Noodle in this half-day itinerary.
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Escape the crowds in Taipei's Zhongshan district! Discover vintage boutiques, aesthetic cafes, and the famous Master Spicy Noodle in this half-day itinerary.
Zhongshan Cafe Street Guide
Taipei Travel Itinerary
Let me introduce you to a hidden gem near Ximending: Zhongshan Cafe Street.
Packed with aesthetic photo spots, amazing cafes, and vintage boutiques,
it's my absolute favorite Taipei travel spot that I visit every single time.
After Work in Taiwan
Words & Photos by Gyoni-pick
Zhongshan Cafe Street Guide
While bustling tourist spots have their charm, sometimes you just crave a quiet, relaxing day. That's exactly what led me here.
Located right near Ximending but boasting a completely different vibe, this neighborhood is full of charming, maze-like alleyways.
On weekends, it transforms into a creative hub loved by the local Gen Z crowd—think Brooklyn or Silver Lake. You can enjoy amazing food, unique boutiques, aesthetic cafes, and endless photo ops all in one place.
📍 By MRT
✔ Ximen Station (Blue Line) → Taipei Main Station
✔ Transfer to the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) → Get off at Zhongshan Station
✔ Take Exit 2, and you'll step right into the cafe street.
📍 Zhongshan
No. 16, Nanjing W Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Every single alley in Zhongshan is picture-perfect.
This is exactly the authentic local vibe I was looking for ♥ ♥ ♥
Its unique vintage charm and warm atmosphere completely won me over.
With cute retro signs, potted plants, and street murals, my camera didn't get a moment's rest.
It's the perfect neighborhood just to wander and window-shop!
On weekends, there's a flea market near the station that's definitely worth checking out. They sell beautiful accessories and clothes, though the prices can be a little on the pricey side!
It's a highly walkable and safe area, making it highly recommended for solo travelers.
On weekdays, it's uncrowded and incredibly relaxing.
Just keep in mind that Fridays through Sundays get pretty busy! :)
📍 The Master Spicy Noodle Zhongshan Restaurant
No. 36, Lane 42, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
📍 Address
No. 36, Lane 42, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
📍 Hours
Mon - Thu
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat - Sun
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
*The Zhongshan branch has an English menu available.
I've had my fair share of traditional beef noodle soup, so I was on the hunt for something unique.
That's when I found The Master Spicy Noodle, a brilliant fusion take on the classic dish.
It was packed with locals and expats, offering a truly authentic experience.
It's especially popular as a trendy hotspot for the local Gen Z crowd.
🍜 Recommended Menu
Mala Tang Noodles (swap the side for tofu)
*The default side includes duck blood, so definitely request the swap if that's not your thing!
*Pro tip: Add Youtiao (fried dough sticks) to dip in the broth.
Uniquely, the noodles and broth are served separately.
You can pour the soup over the noodles or dip them bite by bite.
I personally found the dipping method incredibly delicious!
There's a savory sauce at the bottom of the noodle bowl, so make sure to give it a good mix first.
The noodles are already perfectly seasoned, so just a quick dip in the broth is magical.
The mala (spicy and numbing) flavor isn't overpowering, making it totally approachable even for beginners.
Easily in my Top 3 best meals in Taipei!
If you're looking for a special noodle dish, this is a must-visit.
They have a few other branches too, so just look up the one closest to you.
📍 卜卜商店 (Bobo Store)
103 Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Lane 49, Chifeng St, 2號2樓
📍 Address
103 Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Lane 49,
Chifeng St, 2號2樓
📍 Hours
11:30 AM - 7:20 PM
To walk off that amazing lunch, I wandered back through the alleys
and headed to my bookmarked spot: Bobo Store.
The first floor is a charming lifestyle boutique, while the second floor is a cafe.
The entrance to the stairs is quite small, so keep your eyes peeled!
As one of the hottest cafes in Zhongshan, there was a bit of a wait.
Fortunately, they had immediate seating available on the terrace,
so I happily took it.
With its lush "planterior" design, the terrace actually felt like a better choice!
I was so full that I almost skipped dessert,
but noticing everyone around me ordering a personal treat with their coffee, I caved.
And thank goodness I did!
I would have seriously regretted missing out on this.
Even if you're stuffed, getting a dessert here is non-negotiable!
I ordered the Earl Grey Strawberry Cake and a pudding.
Both were perfectly balanced, not overly sweet, and absolutely delicious.
They also serve light meals alongside coffee and pastries,
making it a great spot for a late brunch.
The space has such a warm, tranquil vibe that time seems to slow down.
Sitting on the terrace and people-watching was incredibly relaxing.
Taipei Travel Itinerary
Whether you're flying solo, on a healing trip, or traveling as a couple, Zhongshan Cafe Street is flawless.
If you arrive around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, you can easily spend
4 to 5 hours exploring, having lunch, and chilling at a cafe.
11:00 AM
Stroll the alleys and snap some photos
12:00 PM
Lunch at The Master Spicy Noodle
1:00 PM
Walk off the meal while browsing local boutiques
2:00 PM
Relax at Bobo Store or another aesthetic cafe
After wrapping up my Zhongshan Cafe Street tour,
I headed to Yongchun'gang Park to catch the Taipei 101 night view,
making it the perfect Taipei travel day.
I'll share the details about Yongchun'gang Park in another post!
Have a wonderful trip! :)
Take the Bannan Line from Ximen Station to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to the Tamsui-Xinyi Line and alight at Zhongshan Station. Exit through Zhongshan Station Exit 2, and you'll enter the café street directly.
It operates from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's open from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The recommended menu is Mala Tang noodles, and a tip is to change the default congealed pig's blood to tofu and add youtiao.
Bo Bo Shop operates as a general store on the first floor and a café on the second floor. There might be a wait, but you might be able to get a terrace seat immediately. The Earl Grey strawberry cake and pudding are highly recommended, and they also sell simple meal options.
Arriving between 10 AM and 11 AM and spending about 4 to 5 hours exploring, having lunch, and enjoying a café will give you a relaxed experience. This itinerary includes a walk, lunch at Spicy Noodle, browsing general stores, and visiting Bo Bo Shop.
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