One of the things I miss most about home in London is a proper Flat White. When I first moved to Taiwan in 2016, finding one was much harder than I expected; most shops primarily served Cappuccinos, Lattes, and Americanos. Eventually, I came across the local Taiwanese chain, Louisa Coffee. To my surprise, the barista was eager to point out that they did indeed serve them—though they call it an 澳洲小拿鐵Ào zhōu xiǎo ná tiě (Australian Small Latte), acknowledging the drink's Australian roots.

They serve it in a classic 8oz glass. The barista was very skilled and attentive to the coffee-to-steamed-milk ratio. The result was impressive: a strong, distinct coffee flavour balanced by perfectly smooth micro-foam. It truly reminded me of the Flat Whites I used to enjoy in London. Since then, it has been my go-to order. Best of all, at the time of writing in 2026, it costs only NT$75—roughly GB£1.74 or US$2.37. That is less than half the price of a Flat White in London!

Photo by Richard Elliott

With approximately 560 locations across the island, you are likely to find a Louisa nearby wherever you are in Taiwan. The prices are consistently reasonable, and most branches offer spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and full air-conditioning. It’s a popular hub for students, whom you’ll often see settled in for hours with laptops and textbooks.

Beyond the staples, they offer a wide range of specialty beans from Brazil, Kenya, and Colombia. Coming from the UK, I was particularly surprised and delighted to see Yorkshire Tea on the menu; to me, it’s the best-tasting tea in the UK. (It's Earl Grey, surely. But I won't fight a Brit on tea - Kalen). Their food menu is also extensive, featuring sandwiches, bagels, and cakes. While the flavours are slightly different than in Europe or the US, they are quite decent; I usually opt for the Smoked Chicken Sandwich with egg and cheese.

Photo by Richard Elliott

Recently, they’ve introduced the 活力新食感系列Huó lì xīn shí gǎn xì liè ("Fit Into Yourself") series—healthy bento-style meals consisting of meat or fish with vegetables and rice, aimed at providing a balanced, protein-rich option.

Ordering is easy. They provide English menus, and the staff generally try to assist in English when possible. Most stores are also tech-forward, equipped with iPads for ordering or QR codes at the tables so you can order directly from your phone.

Photo by Richard Elliott

If you are traveling through Taiwan and looking for a coffee, give Louisa a try. They serve some of the most reliable and authentic coffee on the island at decent prices.

Photo by Richard Elliott