A Design Insider’s Guide To Exploring Taipei Like A Local
Taipei, but not the postcard version. Hidden cafes, design gems and streets begging to be explored — here’s your insider guide to the city’s coolest corners.
Graphic designer Danielle Ng is no stranger if you’re a regular film-goer in Singapore - after all, she’s the one behind the eye-catching posters for the excellent movies brought in by local indie film distributor Anticipate Pictures.
Graphic designer Danielle Ng
Ng relocated to Taipei in 2024 for her husband’s work, and has since been documenting her life in the Taiwanese city on Instagram.
“My husband and I said yes to the move because we love Taiwan and felt there was still so much left to explore; it felt like the right moment to step out of our comfort zones,” says Ng. “Taiwan is beautiful, welcoming, and home to a thriving creative scene. We now live near Songshan train station — convenient, yet pleasantly removed from the bustle.”
As the adage goes, if you want to uncover a city’s underground underbelly, turn to the creative crowd — they know which neighbourhoods are shifting, which spaces quietly shape culture, and where the real pulse of the city beats.
Ahead, Ng shares some of Taipei’s best-kept secrets that are perfect for those with an eye for design and slow living:
小泉自然酒&Saison bar
“My all-time fave natural wine bar (and bottle shop!) that’s really cosy and warm. It’s a small 12-seater place that we come back to time and time again whenever we want to try a new tipple. The owners are really knowledgeable and will gladly recommend something based on your likes. If you’re hungry, they do little tasting plates that pair wonderfully with the wine. A standout we had recently was an orange wine infused with fig leaves.”
110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, 444號一樓
RAMEN PETE / らぁ麺PETE / 拉麵彼得
“A counter joint run by two young chefs who are truly passionate about their craft, serving up super-delicious, elevated shoyu ramen with great depth of flavour. Add their house-made porcini and oyster sauce or garlic confit for a deeply satisfying bowl. While the menu is simple, the ramen is anything but.”
No. 22號, Lane 52, Section 1, Da’an Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
白鳳商店 / HAKUHO
“A cool new coffee house and bar with an effortlessly stylish interior and a record bar housed within. They serve up great coffee, signature cocktails and a mean apple crumble.”
106, Taiwan, Taipei City, Da’an District, Section 3, Civic Blvd, 148號1F
王李氏炸醬麵 / WANG LI’S FRIED NOODLES
“A hole-in-the-wall restaurant specialising in zhajiang mian (a Chinese dish consisting of thick wheat noodles topped with zhajiang, a fermented soybean-based sauce) that hits in all the right ways. The noodles are perfectly chewy, with a delicious, fragrant sauce that made it one of the best bowls of noodles I’ve had. It can get crowded, so make a reservation in advance if you can!”
No. 81號, Tongan Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
一茶一瓦 / ONE TEA, ONE TILE
“A refurbished tea granary that’s now a Taiwanese restaurant specialising in tea-based dishes and cocktails on tap, while retaining much of its original charm. We love coming here when we have friends or family in town, since the dishes are meant to be shared family-style.”
No. 2號, Alley 3, Lane 346, Section 2, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
食堂 平浪 / PEACEWAVE
“Tucked away on Tonghua Street, Peacewave is a tiny eight-seater izakaya serving Japanese fusion small plates. It’s intimate and cosy — perfect for a night out or a get-together with a close friend. Each dish is meticulously prepared with care and fresh ingredients.”
189號, Tonghua Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
不只是圖書館 / NOT JUST LIBRARY
“Located in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, this former 80-plus-year-old Japanese bathhouse has been converted into a library specialising in art and design books and magazines. I love spending a quiet afternoon here reading and working.”
No. 133號, Guangfu S Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
朋丁 / PON DING
“A few steps away from the popular Zhongshan area is Pon Ding, a three-floor space consisting of a bookshop, cafe and gallery with rotating exhibitions, events and workshops. I like the curation of both local and international creatives; there’s always something new to discover when I pop by. Oh, and drop by Wildflower Bookstore while you’re in the area!”
No. 6號, Lane 53, Section 1, Zhongshan N Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10441
軍艦岩 / BATTLESHIP ROCK
“A short, easy hike that’s easily accessible from Taipei (just a few minutes’ walk from Qilian Station), involving a fun little scramble up some rocks with a rope and beautiful views at every turn. Skip the usual Elephant Mountain trail and explore this lesser-known route — it’s less crowded and much more enjoyable.”
Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112