1. Dave & Jess
2 F, No. 40, Pingding Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Dave and Jess both graduated from Tamkang University. After years they had worked aboard, they decided to back to Hongshulin of Tamsui, where their hometown was. The problems of Hongshulin’s lack of resources and inconvenient traffic situation had made Dave and Jess thinking about what they can do to improve those difficulties. Therefore, they started the very first restaurant which combined restaurant, cafe, and market. They sold fresh vegetables, fruits, seasonings, etc. The benefit of having restaurant and market together could make sure the cuisine was always fresh, and reducing the waste of foods that were near their expiration dates. Dave & Jess represents more than a restaurant, it’s a place where people can relax their minds and enjoy the time with their families and friends. We recommend lunch and coffee.
2. Mydeli
No. 22, Pingding Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Mydeli’s Chinese name came from the homophones of salty and sweet, also symbolized the balance between salty and sweet. The reason for the owner wanted to open the shop was related to the quality of foods for the next generation. They started with a workshop which did outsourced desserts for other cafes, now have their own brand. Although the owner was low-profile about the background of growing up in Holland, you could still see the simple style of Holland in their decorations and foods. Open kitchen not only let the customer understood the making process and good ingredients they used, but also creative a room for owner and customers to have more conversations. Didn’t want to settle with the monotonous life style of Holland or the busy life style of Taiwan, Mydeli have found the perfect balance in the environment of Hongshulin just like the meaning of its name. We recommend spaghetti and lasagne.
3. A-Pan
No. 22, Pingding Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Located in a quiet community with a green woodland, A-Pan was founded by the famous singer Michelle Pan. The store is full of her antique collections for years, including furniture, records, and costumes and the past performance clothing. The store was renovated from the old house and retained its nostalgic vibes. From the furnishings of the courtyard, it can still tell the traces of the years, perfectly echoing the collections of antiques and remaining artistic atmosphere.
4. Compassion Cafe
No. 25-1, Lane 16, Danjin Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
The coffee shop owner who was also a dietitian pays much attention to health. He is very particular about seasonal vegetables and other ingredients. The meal is delicate but it does not cause physical problems. In addition, the owner often organizes workshops, providing neighborhood residents to learn handicrafts such as dyeing, bamboo weaving. Sometimes he will organize events such as the farmer markets or the flea markets, not only selling organic products like eggs and wheat but also second-hand goods.
5. Kenbakery
2F., No.69, Sec. 2, Zhongzheng E. Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City
Kenbakery's owner Ken, who came back from Australia and loves print painting, treats bakery as one of his art works. He only uses the best ingredients on his food without food additives. We recommend try his pork panini in the noon, and it will be worth your time.
6. Jade Green Fruit
No. 20, Danjin Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Being hungry at night and worried about having Taiwanese fried chicken is too unhealthy? Well, Jade Green Fruit opens 24 hours a day, allowing consumers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at any time. Because of the various fresh fruit, fair prices, and friendly service, it has been a good place for local residents to purchase fruit. In addition, the store also offers high-level fruit gift boxes that allow consumers to choose easily.
Others such as the Lao Ma Zi noodle stand, Green Garden Dessert Bakery are also quite recommended. If you were tired of the hustle and bustle life, you can come visit to Hongshulin Community, getting chilling and relaxing here.
Figure 1: Dave & Jess, Photo by Yiart.
Figure 2 top left: Photo courtesy of Mydeli Instagram.
Figure 2 top right: Photo courtesy of Mydeli Instagram.
Figure 2 bottom: Jade Green Fruit, Photo by Yiart.