If you don’t live in Taiwan or do but don’t like coffee you could probably care less, but today I discovered the best café latté in Taiwan. It only took me almost 10 years to accomplish this feat of discovery, too (let’s ignore the fact that this place is less then a km from my home).

The spot is called Café Ballet. It’s a very relaxed joint…modern jazz on the speakers, more sofas then chairs, a couple of cats sleeping in the sunlight next to the plate glass window, and no counter…just walk up to anyone in a smock and ask for what you want. The espresso machine, beans, and all that are placed around the outside of the main area so you can see what’s being made as it’s being made…not “Starbucks style” with the back of the espresso machine facing you.

They have a very good variety of beans available for sale too, including organic and fair trade varieties. What’s the most expensive? Kona, of course…NT$900 for 1/2kg. I need to call my sister in Honalulu more.

Anyway, the latté is NT$130 and is worth it.

Café Ballet is located near the San Min circle in an alley across from Jian Kong Elementary School. Their address is #33, Lane 107, San-Min Rd, Sung Shan District, Taipei. It’s the blue sign.