Coffee shops worth a try in Nangang District
A slower caffeine scene in a less crowded district
Located in eastern Taipei City, Nangang District is the capital's least populated district and it's often overlooked in favor of flashier neighborhoods such as Xinyi and Songshan. If you stop by, though, you'll see there's a lot going on.
For decades, the area was shaped by industry, including coal mining, brick-making, and tea farming. That legacy is still apparent today, with historic buildings set against a backdrop of green hills. At the same time, Nangang has also transformed in recent years, with high-rise apartment towers popping up alongside major offices and research parks, turning the district into a growing tech hub.
Despite that, much of the district is mountainous or made up of green space, meaning cafes tend to be more spread out than in central Taipei.
This Is Taipei visited three coffee shops in Nangang District in early 2026 that are worth keeping in mind if you're in the area.
Whether you are coming off a hike, heading to a performance at the Taipei Music Center, or just looking for a reliable local cafe, one of these three could do the trick.
#1: Tian Ye Coffee
A work-friendly cafe in a quiet area
Tian Ye Coffee is located in a residential area near the Taipei Music Center.
The wooden furniture and green brick walls give the space a subtle industrial feel, and unobtrusive music plays in the background. A sign on the door reminds people to speak softly.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and attracts a mix of people on laptops and others catching up over a coffee. There's also bartop-style seating facing floor-to-ceiling windows, which are a good choice for solo visitors who want a good view.
The menu is bilingual, and when This Is Taipei visited on a Saturday morning, the barista was keen to point out the range of desserts on offer. We only sampled the Lemon Iced Coffee (NT$150), but customers nearby who opted for a salad croissant seemed satisfied, and the portion size looked generous.
The cafe was surprisingly busy given how quiet the area felt, and tables turned over quickly. Overall, this is a calm place that’s great for getting work done without feeling antisocial.
Tianye Coffee is about a five-minute walk from Kunyang or Nangang MRT stations. It is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays, and from 10 AM to 5 PM on other days, except Tuesdays, when it is closed.
#2: Big Mountain Coffeeshop
Hand-brewed coffee in a bright space
Located a couple of minutes' walk from Kunyang MRT Station is Big Mountain Coffeeshop — an option for the coffee connoisseurs of Nangang. It is the second Big Mountain branch in Taipei, with the other located in Xinyi District.
A glance at the menu tells you that coffee is the focus. The range of beans on offer is impressive, and even the house-blend americano gives you a choice between floral or chocolate flavors. This Is Taipei went for the latter, which had a pleasant bitterness and was well-balanced. We also tried the Nicaraguan coffee, which tasted smooth, floral, and fruity. Each cup takes time to be crafted, so there can be a bit of a wait, but it's worth it.
It quickly becomes obvious how much the owner loves coffee. When This Is Taipei visited in January 2026, we saw him chatting with customers, explaining the different beans, and making recommendations.
There is also a daily dessert board, which is one of the first things you see as you enter. The cinnamon rolls seem to be popular — we could smell them as soon as we walked in.
The all-white color scheme, wooden door, and plants make the spot stand out amid residential buildings.
It's spacious and an easy place to spend an afternoon with a friend, reading, or working. Lots of the tables are for two people, so it's also convenient for solo visitors who need space for their laptops.
Big Mountain Coffeeshop is open between midday and 7 PM on weekends and 10 AM to 6 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It's closed on Wednesdays.
#3: Backmount Coffee & Food
A family-friendly cafe at the foot of the hills
Located inside the Nangang National Housing Complex, Backmount Coffee & Food is an easy stop if you're wandering in neighboring Nangang Park and need a boost, or if you are about to head into the hills or have just returned, hike complete.
The coffee menu has a creative twist. The Orange Americano (NT$150) has just the right amount of refreshing citrus flavor, while the Toffee Nut Latte (NT$160) is more indulgent and is basically a dessert in drink form. There is also food on offer — think brunch plates, toast, fried snacks, and yes, smiley potatoes for any Brits feeling emotionally vulnerable. There’s even a full English breakfast on the menu.
The atmosphere is communal — families drift in with strollers, and dogs wander around. Highchairs are on hand, and servers are all welcoming. Ordering is done via QR code, and you pay at the counter.
Inside, it’s bright and calm. Big windows, a white-and-light-wood color scheme, minimal decoration, and good music set the tone. Seating is mostly tables for twos and fours, or a sofa if you’re lucky.
It gets busy around lunchtime, then thins out in the afternoon, making it a surprisingly good spot to get some work done once the post-brunch crowd clears.
In conclusion...
Whether you live in Taipei or are visiting, Nangang District might take a little more effort to navigate, but these spots are well worth hitting up if you do find yourself in the area.
