Tartine Bakery at Ryse, Autograph Collection

Our first point of call in Hongdae was a light breakfast and coffee at Tartine Bakery which is inside Ryse, Autograph Collection Hotel. The decor of the bakery is inviting and definitely not your usual tables and chairs as you are welcome to have a seat on the stairs whilst sipping your morning coffee.

Cool seating area.

Steps to order your coffee.

Feeling happy.

Iced yuzu tea, hot green tea and croissant for the morning.

The ambiance was relaxing and as we came here during the week, it wasn’t that busy but it does get busier during peak hours. Tartine Bakery is located a few minutes walk from Hongdae station exit number 9. Get here early and beat the crowd!

Shaved Ice at Roji Taiwan

During our trip to Taipei this October, we couldn’t miss our opportunity for shaved ice. Roji Taiwan popped up on the radar with its oh so cute monster eyes to accompany the shaved ice. By the way, the eyes are edible icing. Their one and only store is located in the Da’an District with the nearest MRT station being Zhongxiao Fuxing.

As we entered the place, there was a wall on the right hand side where there are cards that determine which flavour of shaved ice you would like and then you use the stamps to pick any toppings you would like to have (there are 25 different types of toppings available along with 25 stamps). See one of our choices below.

My matcha choice with matcha jelly and glutinous rice balls and ice cream!

Wall of toppings.

One matcha, two milk and one honey yuzu.

Close up of those eyes.

Chrysanthemum flavoured jellies.

Couldn’t resist snapping a picture with this one.

Upstairs seating area is Japanese style.

The portions were not that big but it is more than enough for one person. The shaved ice was refreshing and along with the toppings, was a great dessert. Most dessert places are noisy but we liked this one as the interior was nice and we were able to sit down comfortably as the shop was quite spacious. We will be back to see you again Roji!