Located on Dongda Road in Hsinchu, about a 7-8 minute walk from the Big City, the second branch of "23 Café" is a charming little café that specializes in coffee and desserts. I was already a regular customer at the first store (near Far Eastern Department Store) before the second branch opened 🥰.

This visit was my second to the second branch, which continues the minimalist literary vibe of the first one, although the downside is that the space is a bit small.

This time, I ordered the signature desserts that are staples in the café. In fact, I've tried most of the dessert items before ><.

"Caramel Earl Grey Malt Chiffon Cake"
The chiffon cake is soft and moist, with a delicate Earl Grey tea fragrance that spreads in the mouth with every bite, complemented by smooth whipped cream that enhances the overall layers. The malt adds a nostalgic touch, with a slightly crunchy aroma upon biting in. I usually prefer my drinks unsweetened, but I found this dessert's sweetness acceptable, possibly because the malt has a nostalgic feel (?). However, my friends who were with me didn’t particularly enjoy it, so it really depends on individual preference 🧁.

"Bourbon Vanilla Basque"
This has a rich and smooth texture, with a strong milk aroma. The overall flavor is not monotonous, making it easy to finish quickly.

"Local Roasted Brown Sugar Fresh Milk"
The top has a slightly crispy caramelized sugar layer with a thin milk froth, adding texture and depth to the drink.

"Orange Moon"
A basic tea drink that performs reasonably well, suitable for pairing with desserts.

In summary, although "23 Café" is categorized as a coffee shop, I see it more as a dessert shop in my heart, especially with their standout chiffon and Basque series. However, there is a minimum order per person of one drink, so I still choose a drink to accompany my dessert each visit. If you're tired from shopping at the Big City, it's worth a short walk to sit down here and treat your taste buds to something delightfulʕ •ᴥ•ʔ.