Walking through Ximending, it is easy to be carried along by neon lights and crowds. What truly stays with you, however, are the places that invite you to pause. A steaming pot of hot pot, a well-balanced cup of milk tea, a café where an afternoon slips by unnoticed, or a piece of bread still warm from the oven.

We selected four places with distinct styles, each capturing a different side of Ximending. Through food, drink, and space, they reveal the everyday rhythm of the neighborhood.

Zhan Ji Spicy Hot Pot Ximen – A meeting of 1990s Taipei flavors and contemporary street culture

Stepping into Zhan Ji feels like entering a shared memory of Taipei. Hidden beneath the neon lights and retro interiors of Ximen World B1, this iconic hot pot restaurant blends the bold aromas of Taiwanese mala hot pot with youthful street culture. Signature items such as the yin-yang pot, duck blood, and tofu deliver rich, layered flavors that immediately draw you in. It is both a nostalgic landmark for longtime fans and a must-try scene for a new generation of travelers.

machi machi Ximen – More than a drink, a way of living

One of Ximending’s unmistakable flavors comes from this tea shop that turns drinks into a way of life. machi machi is not just about beverages, it elevates tea into a daily ritual. From ingredients and flavor profiles to the design of the space, everything reflects comfort, taste, and sharing. Sipping a signature milk tea or freshly brewed tea while the city flows around you is a moment many locals and visitors recommend.

BREAD,ESPRESSO & – The warmth of bread, coffee, and everyday comfort

This popular bakery café from Omotesando, Tokyo, has opened its first Taipei location in Ximending. Here, everyday happiness takes shape through bread and coffee. The signature Mou toast, crisp on the outside and soft within, paired with limited flavors inspired by local tastes and carefully crafted coffee, keeps guests coming back. It is not about luxury, but about making simple mornings and afternoons quietly memorable.

LOST and Found Ximen – Brunch, desserts, and light conversations in the afternoon

A café that invites you to slow down while staying in tune with Ximending’s energy. Designed in a Nordic mid-century modern style, its warm wooden interior offers instant calm. Beyond coffee, brunch plates, desserts, and seasonal creations such as pistachio affogato make it an ideal place to meet friends or spend a relaxed afternoon. It feels less like a café and more like visiting an old friend’s home.

Together, these four spots connect different tastes and rhythms, from bold and spicy hot pot to carefully brewed tea, gentle café spaces, and the comforting aroma of fresh bread. Ximending remains one of Taipei’s most storied neighborhoods not because of its many choices, but because each place seems to speak to you, inviting you to slow down, eat well, and feel the city. This is how MEANDER hopes you will rediscover urban life.

Zhan Ji Spicy Hot Pot Ximen

Address: B1, No. 81, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: Classic Taiwanese mala hot pot with a retro, trend-forward interior.

machi machi Ximen

Address: No. 162-2, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: Handcrafted tea that resonates with everyday taste and lifestyle.

BREAD,ESPRESSO &

Address: No. 69, Baoqing Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: A Tokyo favorite bakery café offering the flavor of everyday happiness.

LOST and Found Ximen

Address: No. 92, Liuzhou St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Recommendation: Nordic-style brunch, limited desserts, and comforting coffee.