Forget Starbucks: Try these Taiwanese coffee chains instead
Starbucks dominates Taipei’s coffee scene, but local alternatives serve a good cuppa joe across the city at a lower price point
There are more than 500 Starbucks in Taiwan, and the Seattle-based coffee juggernaut is hugely popular among locals and foreign residents alike.
But with a caffè Americano priced at NT$115 and a caffè latte NT$140, a caffeinated beverage from Starbucks is a relatively pricey option given the abundance of alternatives to choose from.
Save your hard-earned Taiwan dollars by getting your caffeine hit from one of these go-to Taiwanese chains.
#1: Louisa Coffee
The orange-branded chain’s everywhere, and aunties and uncles treat it like their personal clubhouse
Louisa Coffee dominates Taiwan’s local coffee scene. Since opening its first store in Songshan District in 2007, it’s expanded to more than 500 stores nationwide.
The orange Louisa banner is everywhere in the capital, serving up regular-sized Americanos for NT$55 and lattes for NT$60. Higher-quality brews will set you back between NT$65 to NT$90.
The menu offers British-style, green, and fruit teas, which are a great cool-down during Taiwan's scorching summer. There’s food too, but don’t expect too much from the microwave-heated burgers and bagels.
There are generally no time limits at Louisa Coffee, so expect laptops aplenty as students and work-from-homers take advantage of the free air conditioning. At the same time the volume can get pretty loud, depending on how many uncles and aunties have settled in for a long, rowdy natter.
If you’re a digital nomad looking to charge your gear, it all depends on the seat. Secure a good spot before going up to order and don’t forget to return your cup to the waste-and-recycling area before you bounce.
#2: Cama Café
Solid brews and oat-milk options are served in bright yellow interiors
Cama Café, with its bright yellow and black branding, goes head-to-head with Louisa Coffee at a slighter higher price point — NT$65 for an Americano and NT$85 for a latte.
Like its rivals, Cama also offers “premium” brews and a solid range of teas, including local Oolong varieties. Oat-based lattes are also on the menu, priced between NT$105-NT$165 depending on size and flavor.
There’s food, but keep your expectations in check. Sandwiches and “toast” options range from NT$70 to NT$85.
There are around 160 Cama Café locations nationwide, and many of those in Taipei. Look out for the bright yellow banner when you need a decent caffeine fix.
When This Is Taipei dropped into a Songshan District branch in July 2025, the interior was bright, clean, and comfortable.
#3: Two Shots Coffee
The red-branded underdog deserves a mention for its solid coffee at standout prices
Two Shots Coffee may have far fewer outlets than Louisa and Cama, but it deserves a mention for decent coffee and competitive prices.
At its nine locations — six in Taipei and three in New Taipei — Americanos are served for an incredible NT$45 while lattes start from NT$70.
There are some cool flavors for latte lovers, including vanilla, banana and Baileys (yes, real alcohol — we checked).
Teas and “boutique” coffee are served at improbably low prices, and there’s a good selection of chocolate and milk drinks.
Two Shots tend to occupy smaller physical spaces, with bar-seating or small two-person tables — perfect for solo caffeination, not ideal for groups.
There are Two Shots locations near Dongmen, Guting, Taipower Building and Zhongshan MRT stations, so stop in for a cup if you spot the red banner!
In conclusion...
Battling for supremacy in Taipei’s competitive coffee market, Louisa, Cama and Two Shots are all great choices for a quick caffeine fix at prices that make Starbucks look decadent.
