Donovan’s Coffee (杜坊咖啡)

Taiwanese have a keen interest in lifestyle trends popular abroad, and modern cafés and coffee shops now line the road along Danshui River (淡水河). Less than a two-minute walk from the MRT you’ll receive a warm welcome and superb Irish coffee (NT $110/160 iced) at Donovan’s Coffee (杜坊咖啡), Gongming Street, #10-1, 2F (淡水鎮公明街56巷10之1號2樓) (02) 2625-6234. Jovial expat owner Tim hails from Limerick, Ireland, known for its sedate River Shannon and King John's Castle, and the homey décor jogs memories of historical walking and boat tours. This cozy corner café boasts delectable drinks, free Wi-Fi to get you wired (along with the caffeine) and a balcony with a view. Open 11 am to 9 pm (10 pm weekends) Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays).

Eddy Burrito (墨西哥捲餅)

If you're heading to Danshui, be sure to stop by Eddy Burrito for some truly outstanding Mexican food.

At Eddy Burrito (墨西哥捲餅), experience the best chicken burritos (NT $79), sopapillas (NT $25), chicken quesadillas (NT $59) and horchatas (NT $35) on Taiwan! The stand is located on Danshui Old Street (淡水老街), Gongming Street, #15 (台北縣淡水鎮公明街15號), just up the road from Danshui Station.

Top right, the author (left) of Taipei In A Day Includes Taiwan From A To Z with two other satisfied Eddy Burrito customers.

Below, Eddy and Jo Gonzalez, founders of Eddy Burrito. They not only make fantastic Mexican food, but they're also great people who care about food quality and their customers. The couple will be opening a restaurant in Danshui this summer, so be sure to visit their website http://www.eddyburrito.com/ for updates.

See you soon! -Scott