Girly Fun at a Mermaid-Themed Cafe in Zhongxiao Dunhua
We’re no strangers to the Taipei’s myriad of themed cafes, but once in a while, there will be one that makes us raise an eyebrow in curiosity. One such cafe is 美人魚網紅咖啡館, a mermaid-themed cafe in Zhongxiao Dunhua that we first spotted on a friend’s Instagram story. Feeling that it was unusual enough to merit a visit, we popped by one sunny weekday afternoon.
Mermaid Red Cafe — or When the Mermaid Meet Cafe, depending on which English name you use — is one of those made-for-Instagram affairs with cutesy decor and artwork that’s begging to be posed in front of. It was pretty empty when we first went but started filling up as people got off from work. We didn’t try visiting on a weekend, but from what we’ve seen on Facebook and Instagram, it can get crowded on weekend afternoons.
We spoke to the owner, a glamorous lady who had been inspired to create the cafe after travelling abroad. She told us that she had hoped to create an affordable but cute spot where girls could comfortably hang out and preen for the camera (that part was inferred).
Not only are the decor, food, and drinks made specifically for the ‘Gram, but they even have a corner for trying on and photographing yourself in mermaid-inspired outfits, complete with multicoloured wigs, bikinis, makeup, and accessories galore.
As you can imagine, the cafe is mostly full of girls who take this venture quite seriously; trying to up their social media game by pouting sexily in assorted mermaid outfits, being furiously photographed by a string of friends. No judgement from us: that’s what the cafe was made for. Still, you don’t have to take yourself too seriously to enjoy an amateur photoshoot with friends — we thoroughly enjoyed parading around in our glitter bikinis and wigs, the more ridiculous and unflattering the better.
We imagined the drinks would be over-the-top girly, and we were not disappointed. Most were in the $200-250 range, with lots of floral and chocolate options. Even the boring lattes and Americanos came with funky glassware.
The drinks weren’t mind-blowing, but we hadn’t really expected them to be. They were girly, sweet, and well-presented, in keeping with their mythical theme. We wouldn’t particularly recommend any one over the other, so you’re free to choose the one with an aesthetic that appeals to you.
Feeling peckish, we also ordered their special that day, which was quiche ($228). It was pretty decent and came with a massive amount of salad, but we probably wouldn’t order it again, considering all the great food options in the area.
There is also a range of cakes in a display case at the front of the cafe, most around the $200 mark.
The menu is in Chinese, but thankfully some of the drinks have photos, so you can point to whatever you fancy.
Overall, we were glad we checked the cafe out because it was on the unusual side, but we weren’t really the target demographic, so didn’t enjoy it as much as others might. Depending on your interests and personality, you could have the time of your life, or be bored out of your mind. Prices were okay, seeing as you were paying for the experience, and the food and drinks were cute and of passable quality. The rest depends on you!
What’s the vibe?
The girliest of girly cafes. Everything was pink, floral, glittery, or made of photogenic marble or rose gold. This is a place specifically designed for one kind of customer.
Worth it?
Meh, your call. It wasn’t for us, but it might be for you.
Would you go back?
No. As we said, we weren’t the target demographic.
Visited: April 2019
| When the Mermaid Meet Cafe |
| Chinese Name: 美人魚網紅咖啡館 |
| Hours: 12pm – 10pm (closed Tuesdays) |
| Phone: 02 8772 0798 |
| English Address: No. 7, Lane 83, Section 1, Da'an Road, Da’an District, Taipei |
| Chinese Address: 台北市大安區大安路一段83巷7號 |
