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In Chiayi, three sisters who returned home to care for their parents have recreated the sweet memories of life in Thailand by opening a small café together. After years abroad, the eldest, Mei—a gifted pastry chef—brought her Thai husband back to Taiwan and is determined to bring the easygoing Thai vibe to Chiayi. Sānqiū Coffee is filled with Thai touches: Thai music plays in the background, and the menu brims with Thai flavors. Mei refined her recipe countless times to produce a gluten-free black-rice cake that suits Taiwanese palates and is safe for the gluten-intolerant; since its launch, the cake has grown steadily in popularity. The “Thai Tea Coffee,” spun off from the classic Thai milk-tea series, keeps the authentic preparation but uses a reduced-sugar, health-conscious formula, paired with house-blend beans brewed to order, yielding a rich fusion of Thai tea and fragrant coffee. Equally captivating to eye and palate, the “Thai Milk-Tea Pudding” is drizzled with Thai-tea sauce and light lemon whipped cream, offering three layers of flavor. Second sister Ola holds down the espresso bar as a professional barista, while youngest sister Holy is developing a moon-cake gift box. The true off-menu gems come from the Thai brother-in-law’s homesick kitchen: classic pad kaprao pork over rice, pad kaprao fried rice, and take-out-only specials. Photo credit: Chiayi City Government Tourism and News Department | Photographer: Margot