Melange Cafe 米朗琪咖啡館 (Taipei)

Melange Cafe (米朗琪咖啡館) was the only cafe that we had planned to visit prior to the trip, for we had read many rave reviews about their waffles and desserts. We reached there at around 2pm and perhaps it was a mistake for us to visit them at the peak tea-time period. It was a good 90 minutes wait for the table!

When we arrived there, we took a queue number and were told about the 90mins wait. Resigning to our fate, we decided to wander around the streets and shops near the cafe. Fortunately, there are a few shops selling clothing and zakka items that entertained us for a bit. 

There are actually two branches along the lane and we were allocated to the main branch. If I'm not wrong, there is a minimum spending of NT100 each. Be sure to hang around the area when it is nearing your stipulated time as they will serve the next customer if you miss your turn.

(The photos here were taken by my iPhone 4, so the quality is not as good as we will all like it to be. My apologies!)

The main store.

The other branch further along the lane.

The cafe itself is very elegantly decorated and we were seated in front of their drip coffee centrepiece. It is however a little too noisy and crowded to properly kickback and enjoy our coffee. Our drinks arrived first and we then waited for about 20-30 minutes for all of our food to arrive.

Hustle and bustle in the cafe.

Some of the cakes and desserts available.

We each ordered a drink and shared three dishes. I ordered their drip coffee and I have to say I really like their presentation of the beverage, especially the coffee cube which added a nice touch.

Iced Dutch Water Drip Coffee (NT160)

Of the three dishes that we ordered, I have to say that their matcha cake or should I say tart,  is my favourite. With a rich matcha mousse-like consistency and a tart base that is neither dry nor crumbly, it is certainly well-worth it's price.

The Matcha (NT150)

The Strawberry Cream Waffle has a cake-like texture, which makes it denser and chewier for those of us accustomed to the crispy ice cream waffles in SG. The waffles are served with fresh strawberries and ice cream, which complements the thick waffles well. The quiche that we ordered was however very disappointing and lacking in flavour.

Strawberry Cream Waffle (NT170)

Ham and Vegetable Quiche (NT150)

A two hours wait is rather long or perhaps my expectations were too high. But if given the chance, I do not think that I will be willing to wait for such a long period of time again, since there are many other and perhaps better cafes offering a similar menu. A visit during off-peak hours is probably a more viable option. 

Address: No.23, Lane16, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Nearest MRT: Zhongshan MRT Station, Exit 2.