Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< Visited in Jul 2019 >

If you haven't guessed, Shiba Kori 此木二水's Chinese name - 此木二水 - combines to mean 柴冰 (literally Shiba ice). And what's a Shiba Kori cafe without a Shiba Inu? Other than the owner's (a Hong Konger who has since settled down in Taiwan) black Shiba who appears in various forms in the shop, patrons are welcomed to bring their dogs, especially Shiba Inu. Opened only in April this year, the Shiba Inu-themed cafe serves shaved ice, Hong Kong desserts and beverages. 

Located in a quiet stretch of a neighbourhood (vs a more centralised commercial area), I took a cab here after an outdoor bazaar to seek respite from the afternoon heat. Quite exceptionally without a prior reservation, I tried my luck if I could get seats in the small cafe accommodating less than 30.    

⇩ The wooden fence at the entrance - recently added to deter escaping Shiba Inus - needs some fiddling. 

⇩ There's a minimum spend of (any) 1 item per pax, or 1 item for 2 children (below 8yo). 

⇩ The cafe's seating policy - which was gently brought to my attention only after I went in (my bad for not spotting it prior). No wonder the service personnel looked surprised when I "barged" in during their preparation, but I quickly exited. There are 4 scheduled seatings a day, each accommodating 25 pax. I had arrived slightly before 3.30pm (quite fortunate, timing-wise) and there were reservations which would be attended to first, before staff can allocate remaining seats to walk-ins. I patiently waited for my turn outside but soon enough, was given a seat (lucky again, for a not-so-packed 3.30-5pm slot).  

The cafe interior is bright and simple, and has many Shiba Inu themed visuals and ornaments. 

⇩ A simple wooden shelf near the entrance has handicrafts by local designers on sale. The hanging Japanese charm tablets (绘马) make an interesting display - like those in Japanese shrines - these are currently given to customers who bring their Shiba Inu to the cafe (while stocks last). 

⇩ I read online that this belly-exposed and the smiley entrance-greeting Shiba Inus are custom-made 1:1 in Hong Kong, where the owner comes from. The black one at the entrance is outlet manager 店长 Kuro 酱 (presumably -chan in English) and the brown, assistant manager 副店长 Haru. I had caught a glimpse of Kuro 酱 when I "barged in" earlier, but he was grounded in the kitchen for being naughty. Haru was out and about, sometimes playing with the other Shiba Inu visitors.

There's even a packet of dog treats at the counter, for owners to share with their pets. 

The dessert cafe is not big, but is kept very clean and neat, definitely a challenge but also must-have for pet cafes. 

The (only) menu is right beside the counter, where you have to place and pay for your order. It was quite rare I had difficulty deciding, as most of the flavours appealed to me (having to pick one means I'll probably be back to try the others). Some of the flavours change daily, follow their FB for seasonal specials and flash promotions. 

I finally went with a Shizuoka hojicha 日本静岡焙茶 shaved ice set (NTD170), and choice of matcha jelly (among 3 options, the other 2 if I recall right, were black pearls and yam balls). The rice pops atop the strong-flavoured hojiacha shaved ice was a nice touch. The matcha jelly was light and refreshing, fortunately not stealing the hojicha's thunder. 

⇩ Some cafe guidelines from the "mouth" of the black Shiba Inu Kuro 酱 - who was kept within the kitchen area for being boisterous. I only caught a glimpse of her when I stepped in while the staff were preparing for the 3.30pm seating. 

⇩ Current promotions, such as freebies with FB or IG check-in, if you bring your pets, or even better, your Shiba Inu.

⇩ Customers have to practise self-collection and return of dishes.

⇩ Though Kuro 酱 was being "grounded", Haru was out playing. 

Even 2 Shiba Inus (1 very friendly patron's dog) provided plenty of entertainment and playful noise. 

This unassuming dessert cafe is a good hideout if you are looking for good afternoon tea or something to beat the heat. If you are lucky, the canine outlet managers may be on duty! 

============== 

Shiba Kori 此木二水
FB
Address --- No. 49 Chang Chun Street, West District, Taichung City 台中市, 西区, 长春街49号

檢視較大的地圖