With only an afternoon tour planned, we decided to make the most of our free morning. We kicked off the day by visiting the charming Shenji New Village, nestled in Taichung’s West District. This place has become a hotspot, especially for young folks, and you’re about to find out why!
Shenji New Village’s Unique Appeal
Shenji New Village was originally built in 1969 as housing for government employees. After years of neglect, it underwent a fabulous transformation into a hub of cultural innovation and entrepreneurship. Now, it’s a bustling neighbourhood adorned with trendy shops, each with its own distinctive style.
Step into the past
These buildings, over 50 years old, have been lovingly restored to combine vintage charm with modern trends. As you wander through Shenji New Village, you’ll be captivated by its vibrant energy and the perfect photo opportunities at every turn. Trust me, your Instagram game will level up here!
Discovering Hidden Gems
Although the area may not be huge (covering just 0.52 hectares), it packs a punch when it comes to unique businesses. Each store in Shenji New Village boasts its own character, creating a strong sense of community and local charm. It’s an absolute treat to explore every nook and cranny and uncover the individuality of each establishment.
A World of Delights
Shenji New Village offers not only cafes, restaurants, and bars but also workshops where you can try your hand at leather crafting or painting. Additionally, there are specialty stores selling one-of-a-kind artisanal goods exclusive to the area. You’re bound to find something special to take home as a souvenir.
The neighbourhood is a vibrant hub for artists, musicians, and writers. It’s a place where creative souls can showcase their talents and inspire others. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a weekend, keep an eye out for the eco-markets, where you’ll find an array of organic products and handmade crafts. The artistic vibes in Shenji New Village are simply infectious!
Some of the popular businesses in Shenji New Village include:
- Forestmosa 森林島嶼 – a store that sells natural, eco-friendly products like essential oils, bath salts, and hand creams.
- Kòu Jewellery – a shop that specialises in handcrafted, bespoke jewellery.
- Luho Puff 旅禾泡芙之家 – a bakery that specialises in cream puffs, bread buns, cakes, tarts, and other pastries.
- Nenn-Yih Stationery 能藝文具 – a stationery shop that sells writing tools, Japanese & Korean stationery, and creative products.
- Be Two Leather Workshop – where you can take a leather crafting course and make a custom cardholder, key pouch, or wallet.
- Protest Studio 抗議 設計工作室 – a design studio that can help design your logo, wedding invitation card, product packaging, etc.
- Slick Barbershop 俐落男士理髮廳 – a stylish barbershop that offers haircuts and personalized grooming services for men.
Come True Coffee 成真咖啡
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComeTrueCoffee.201/
Tel: +886 4 2302 6882
Opening hours: 10.00am to 8.30pm Mon-Fri, 9.00am to 9.00pm Sat-Sun
After walking around, we felt a bit peckish and decided to take a quick break at Come True Coffee.
Menu
Image source: Come True Coffee’s FB page
Image source: Come True Coffee’s FB page
Pretty Berry Time – Blueberry & Raspberry Smoothie
I was pleasantly surprised by the presentation of the smoothie, as it was separated into two clear layers of blueberries and raspberries, rather than being blended together. But it was a good thing as we could savour two different flavours in a single glass. The smoothie was delicious, with a balanced blend of yogurt, fresh milk, and the natural sweetness of the berries. Very refreshing!
Mango and Pineapple Souffle Pancake (Season Limited)
Beautiful presentation. Although the souffle pancake had a soft and wobbly texture, it was more like a light sponge cake compared to other souffle pancakes we had tried. Despite this, the dish was still delicious. The various elements complemented each other well, with the sweetness and tanginess of the mango slices and pineapple sauce balancing the richness and creaminess of the ice cream.
Sakura Shrimp with Cod Roe Sauce Pizza
The pizza was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The base was made of thin and crispy tortillas, making it light and perfect for snacking. The addition of sakura shrimps and cod roe sauce also elevated the flavour profile of the pizza. Moreish!
Final thoughts
Our time in Taichung exploring Shenji New Village and relishing the delights at Come True Coffee was an absolute blast. From the artistic vibes of the village to the mouthwatering food, it was an experience that left a lasting impression. If you find yourself in Taichung, make sure to carve out some time for these fantastic spots.
(the operating hours of each business differ)