[Taipei 台北] Lang Lang Don't Cry Pet Halfway House & Cafe ♦ 浪浪别哭－Lynda's Taiwan-logue

Taiwan introduced a no-kill policy at state-run shelters in Feb 2017, amid much doubt that it could take off operationally. This remains a real challenge, especially in the remote areas, but shelters are putting in good effort. It is demanding and costly to expect all shelters to comply instantly with the new ruling BUT, just like how Taiwan legalised same gender marriage, I can only say they have my respect for their initiative, way faster than what many supposed civilised countries are doing.

I am an animal lover with my own furkids. I can't quite remember how I got to know Lang Lang (literally Wandering Strays) Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 - though likely from researching for pet cafes. What evolved since that accidental find is the discovery of a really purposeful establishment, founded by a couple who wanted to be halfway-house fosterers for cats and dogs, but felt that keeping these animals at home could barely give them the needed exposure among adopters. Marrying their love for old houses, the idea of a cafe, and a platform for dogs and cats looking for furever homes, Lang Lang Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 was conceived. (In September 2017, they established a second cafe in Taichung, as part of their grand plan and from crowdsourcing funds; and in Feb 2020, testing operations in their third outlet in Tainan.)

To find out more or support their campaigns, check out their social media channels:
Taipei outlet FB | Taichung outlet FB | Tainan outlet FB | YouTube | Website

< Visited the relocated outlet in Mar & Jul 2019 >

As the lease came to an end for its previous location, Lang Lang Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 found a new home about 15 minutes stroll away, nearer Shandao Temple MRT Station 善导寺站. Despite being bigger than the old outlet, it is usually still packed, hopefully with love from their ardent fans (like myself) though they do have the occasional problematic patron. Reservation is highly advisable for your 90min stay.

The lit sign at the entrance says - let me wait with you for your home 让我陪你等家. SOP to sanitize your hands at the waiting zone, where the server (and maybe some dogs) will greet you.

The current series of merchandise. Bagged a curtain, tote bag & cup sleeve so far. The cabinets below serve as cubicles for puppies to nap - very thoughtful.

The canines waiting for their homes when I went in Mar 2019 - most of them go to homes fairly quickly, but after a stringent selection process. Even if you are not here to find your fur-mate, you can still do your part by socialising with these lovely kids, or just to enjoy the fun vibes over some pretty good food. Like their slogan goes - let us wait with them for their homes.

Xiu Xiu 秀秀 (below) the "celebrity" pup was there too (post-surgery), with the boss (in black specs) who obviously was adored by all the doggies. It was nice seeing them in the flesh, after following their FB and IG for so long, and being part of Xiu Xiu 秀秀's road to recovery - and her forever home in a matter of days. (Yes, she has a loving mommy by now, dedicated to helping her with her physio.)

Actually famished when I was there, it was time for a good lunch of pesto sauce chicken risotto and iced fruit tea - remember, 3% of your spend goes to helping more animals. I must say the cafe puts in good effort into their menu, nothing sloppy at all.

I asked if I could visit the cat zone, now on the same floor, at the back of the cafe.

More shelves for the cats to roam (and probably hide when not in the mood to entertain humans).

Back in Jul 2019...

Everyone wants a piece of the kids! Though, to be honest, most patrons are respectful when the kids need to rest, and will only play with them when they are awake. Having said that, there is still a handful of humans who may not quite know how to interact with animals but are willing to comply with guidelines, and an even smaller group who actually displays bad attitude and gives negatives reviews online when reminded what not to do. This last minority, seriously, is no loss to any decent business.

I usually turn up hungry and thirsty. Kudos to the operators for upping the game where their menu is concerned at the new (and Taichung) premises, so I actually look forward to dining here, other than spending time with the kids.

↓ Lunch of cream sauce spaghetti with clam and iced rose milk tea.

Had to make my way to the cat zone (I must sit here the next visit!) for the loo. A puppy wanted in, and the cats wanted out - always a joy to be entertained by these kids.

Till the next visit ~

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Lang Lang Don't Cry Pet Halfway House & Cafe 浪浪别哭
(Website in Chinese only)
Address --- No. 13, Alley 9, Linsen North Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 中正区，林森北路9巷13号
Nearest MRT --- Shandao Temple Station 善导寺站 (BL13) / blue line

檢視較大的地圖

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In March 2017, after months following the canine and feline adoptees that came and went (to better places) on FB, subscribing to their YouTube videos and feeling like I am part of their journey, I finally paid them a visit, albeit with concern that it may be an emotional one for me. But the founders of this halfway house cafe have done such a fabulous job creating a relaxing and positive ambience, that I landed in a place of hope, warmth, fun, and almost like being at your animal lover friend's home.

I made a prior reservation via FB PM (highly advisable to do so) for a Friday evening slot, and I was glad I did so as very soon after I arrived, walk-in customers had to be turned away from the full house. The cafe has become quite well known among locals and foreigners, and earned a significant following - even Taiwanese singer Jam Hsiao is an adopter.

Working with feeders and shelters, the owners keep a limited number of dogs (3 or 4) and cats (not more than 10) at any one point, before welcoming successors for their chance to find homes. What is heartwarming, is that when these kids are adopted, the parents set up dedicated FB or IG accounts - which are faithfully followed by fans. Perhaps, everyone has become so intimately involved in the adoption journeys and getting to know each kid, that we want to be in touch with how they live happily ever after. There are even regular reunions at the cafe or dog park for alumni and current adoptees. Seriously, there are just so much emotions and attachment involved.

Even if you are not able to adopt one of these cuties, the cafe encourages customers to come interact with the adoptees, as part of their socialising. 3% of customer spend (a decent decent menu if you are expecting anything sloppy or less) goes into a fund for feeders to help more stray animals. As a foreigner, I may not be able to consider an adoption, but I was quite happy to come see the kids and soak in the heartwarming atmosphere for an allocated 90 minutes.

The original location at Taipei Main Station was a five-minute stroll, just farther down from Q Square 京站 and Taipei Bus Terminal 台北转运站.

SOP upon entering the premises - sanitise your hands.

A modest bar counter makes beverages and waffles, and a kitchen at the back dishes out pretty decent meals.

A minimum spend of NTD90 per pax is required, which should not be difficult to fulfill even with just a drink.

My gal pal and I had a red date & longan tea, rose fruit tea and a waffle - totalling NTD480. (Remember, 3% of this goes into a fund for stray animals.) Their F&B is not sloppy, which makes this a good cafe destination even if you are not looking to bring a new family member home.

This fearsome looking door separates the (some) feisty cats on second floor from the easygoing dogs on ground floor. From their FB, it's not difficult to find out who's the boss at Lang Lang Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 ...

Some of the felines have free roam on both floors, quite nonchalant about the canines.

<Below> Boss Chi 奇老大, the resident cat whom no audacious fool should disturb during its nap.

The three dogs I met on this visit, who were all adopted shortly after my visit. Whenever new adoptees arrive, the official FB invites followers to help name them, but bearing the Lang 浪 family name.

<Below> Lang Ha Ha 浪哈哈

<Below> In the background with guests - Lang Tian Tian 浪天天

<Below> Ha Ha in a playful scuffle with Lang Mao Mao 浪毛毛

Patrons are welcomed to interact with the animals here, to help socialise the furkids, in a homely, casual environment. Having said that, with due respect to the well-being of the animals, any sensible customer should not compel the animals to play if they are resting or not ready. Me, I was contented to touch the furkids if they came close enough ... if not, to watch them from a distance, playing with the other customers

Bought two decals on my way out at NTD40.

In May 2017, the same street, the same scene, and the same excitement to see new furkids. Was ten minutes shy of the cafe opening for the day but there was already a group waiting before me. (Definitely worth making a prior reservation.)

Sat at the counter this time, by the grille door separating the felines upstairs from the canines downstairs. (But this door does little to deter a couple of the bossy cats allowed to wander downstairs.)

<Below> Resident dog Ben Ben 班班, who was a stray himself brought in to be adopted. His lovely temperament ended up with him being adopted by the cafe owners, and now he plays big brother to the adoptees.

Deliberately came for lunch this time - seafood risotto and iced latte.

After the pretty decent lunch, I asked the service crew if I may take a look upstairs at the cat zone I missed on the last visit.

Two cats were having a row when I headed up (avoid sparring cats at all costs!).

The space upstairs provides a quiet, cosy space for visitors to spend time in the company of cats - as cat lovers will know, they work quite differently from dogs. There are little reminders what not to do, so as not to get into the bad books of a fussy few (haha).

There's also a fenced-out area for cats not meant for interaction with visitors (yet).

Eeks, still at it when I headed down ...

For the third time in the same year, Lang Lang Don't Cry 浪浪别哭 had become a regular to-go whenever possible in Taipei. Over afternoon tea of fries and iced latte in Oct 2017, I watched patrons play with the boisterous dogs, soaked in the cosy ambience, and tried to write my notes while this "untouchable" cat lied beside me at the counter top!

Bought more merchandise this time - banner flag (NTD290 each) and multi-purpose cleaning cloth (NTD120 each).

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Lang Lang Don't Cry Pet Halfway House & Cafe 浪浪别哭
(Website in Chinese only)
Address --- No. 7, Alley 3, Lane 24, Huayin Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 中山区华阴街24巷3弄7号
Nearest MRT --- Taipei Main Station 台北车站, red/blue line interchange, exit R1
Note --- As you can see from the photos, do not expect any fancy IG-friendly interior - this is really optimal for a place with animals and the possible mess they created. Seats are limited, best if you can make a prior reservation or be open to sit at the counter if you are alone. There is no fancy breed up for adoption, as the name suggests, this is a gathering point for mongrels. The owners have opened a second cafe in Taichung, after a well-thought out plan and crowdsourcing funds - if you are in Taichung and their hood, remember to pay them a visit.
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