COFFEE

Where to get your caffeine fix near Xingtian Temple

Three solid spots to grab a cuppa near the popular place of worship

LIFESTYLE
Two cups of Brown Sugar Latte from PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, May 2025 / © This Is Taipei)
Two cups of Brown Sugar Latte from PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, May 2025 / © This Is Taipei)

Xingtian Temple in Zhongshan District is one of Taipei's most visited temples. It draws a steady flow of worshippers, as well as tourists wanting an insight into Taiwanese religious practices.

For those spending time in the area and in need of a break or a caffeine hit, This Is Taipei visited three cafes located close to the temple.

Whether you are looking to sit for a while, grab a quick coffee, or pick up something to take away, these three are all convenient options.

#1: Cafe Raco

A large coffee shop with multiple seating areas

An Americano and Brown Sugar Latte from Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
An Americano and Brown Sugar Latte from Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

Cafe RACO is a large cafe located on Lane 147, Songjiang Road. It's a large space with multiple rooms and plenty of seating, although a lot of tables were reserved.

There's a mix of comfy sofas perfect for a catch-up and big tables ideal for settling in for a day of work. The rooms off the main cafe area are great if you want a bit of privacy. Books are dotted around on shelves throughout, and charging points are plentiful.

The coffee is decent and priced fairly, with an americano costing NT$115. The Brown Sugar Latte was sweet and priced at NT$160. Other flavor options include orange peel and caramel.

Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

The food menu includes full meals, light snacks, and desserts, with brunch-style dishes, pizzas, and quiches available.

Upon entering, customers are given a buzzer with a QR code to view the Chinese-language menu. You need to pay at the counter first and the buzzer alerts you when your order is ready.

Cafe RACO is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
Cafe RACO in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

#2: PAI Coffee

A compact cafe with all-day options

PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

A one-minute walk from Cafe RACO, PAI Coffee really stands out from the surrounding buildings with its dark blue exterior. The space is very small, comprised of one outdoor table facing the street, while inside seating is limited to counter seats and two small tables. Despite that, it's often buzzing, with many customers stopping by for takeout coffee and sandwiches at lunchtime.

Coffee options include a Brown Sugar Latte (NT$130), long blacks from NT$80, and stronger lattes for those wanting a more intense caffeine hit.

Food is available throughout the day, including bagels, toast, focaccia, and full brunch sets. There are also desserts, with cinnamon rolls among the most popular items.

PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

The baristas are friendly and speak English, and the owner boasts multiple barista qualifications from overseas. Inside, the blue color scheme continues, matching the exterior.

If you manage to get a seat, it’s a decent place to sit for a while and watch the street activity outside, but probably not ideal to settle in for a day of work.

PAI Coffee is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

#3: Drink Together Coffee

Skip the convenience stores for a proper on-the-go caffeine fix

PAI Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
A cup of Sicilian Lemon Coffee from Drink Together Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

As soon as you turn into the alley, the smell of freshly brewed coffee from Drink Together Coffee greets you. The setup is simple — a takeout-only counter behind a glass hatch in a space that’s half barbershop, half coffee stand — but the quality is standout.

It's ideal for those on the go who need a quality caffeine boost, but don't want to linger in a cafe. Skip the 7-Eleven or FamilyMart run — here, you’ll get carefully crafted coffee for nearly the same price.

The owner takes his time with every cup, and the care shows in each pour. He’s friendly, always up for a chat, and on some days you might even find the shop’s adorable cats lounging nearby.

Drink Together Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
Drink Together Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
Drink Together Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photos by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

When This Is Taipei visited in February 2026, we ordered the Sicilian Lemon Coffee. At just NT$60, it delivered a bright, refreshing balance of citrus and coffee without either overpowering the other. Drip coffee and americanos are also NT$60, making this one of the best-value quality coffee spots in the area.

Drink Together Coffee is open weekdays from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and closed on Sundays. If you’re near Xingtian Temple and in need of a quick boost, this is the place to get it.

Drink Together Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)
Drink Together Coffee in Zhongshan District. (Photo by KB, February 2026 / © This Is Taipei)

In conclusion...

Whether you are looking for a quick coffee or somewhere to slow down, these cafes offer easy options around Xingtian Temple. They’re well placed for a break before, during, or after a visit.

LIFESTYLE