If you live in Banqiao, New Taipei City, Taiwan, and happen to be a cat lover, you have surely heard of Camulet, the hugely popular cat café located in the bustling Xinpu shopping district. Just a 3-minute walk from Xinpu MRT Station, Camulet offers a quick escape into the charming world of adorable felines.
Even on days when the café is closed, passersby are often drawn to the window by the cats' irresistible charm, a testament to the café's widespread popularity.
Founder's Inspiration and Vision
The founder, Wu Miao, started Camulet out of pure love for her cat MIUMIU and a desire to provide a spacious environment for cats, as her home was too small. She also wanted to combine this with her interest in running a brunch café. Wu Miao's ambition was to create a place that cat lovers both local and international would want to visit as a kind of pilgrimage.
Cat-Friendly Design and Atmosphere
From the moment you enter, the café's thoughtful design for cat safety and comfort is evident. For example, there is a handwashing station right at the entrance to encourage hygiene before petting the cats. The dining area features Japanese-style floor seating, allowing guests to be at eye level with the cats and fully immerse themselves in their world.
The café's interior includes an impressive large cat scratching post and a sky-high catwalk, designed not only for the cats' enjoyment but also to inspire visitors with ideas for creating their own "cat homes".
Resident Cats and Adoption Program
Camulet houses six popular resident cats:
- "Kiki" – a friendly American Shorthair
- "Meimei" – a Maine Coon-Persian mix who loves having her rear photographed
- "Rait" – a Russian Blue
- "Jumei" – a British Shorthair
- "Black Tiger" – a black cat
- "Little Blue" – a white cat
The café also supports foster cat adoption, carefully limiting the number of foster cats to 4-6 to ensure they have enough space and avoid stress. Wu Miao places great importance on the cats' mental well-being.
Food and Seasonal Menu
Camulet's food is a major draw for repeat customers. The menu emphasizes dishes that are "non-messy" and "non-splashy", with the signature Italian-style cat ear pasta made from handmade red and green sauces, each bite full of sincerity and flavor.
The menu changes seasonally, featuring:
- Spring: Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake)
- Summer: Special flavored cat ear pasta like seaweed and shiso
- Autumn: Curry rice
- Winter: Hot pot dishes
No matter when you visit, surprises await you on the menu.
Encouragement for Cat Adoption
If you love cats and are considering adoption, Camulet warmly welcomes you to visit and interact with the cats in person. Wu Miao encourages potential adopters to spend time with the cats to appreciate their personalities and assess compatibility. She reminds everyone that adopting a cat is a lifelong responsibility and that love means commitment to care for them forever.
Location and Reservation
Address: No. 6, Alley 3, Lane 270, Section 1, Wenhua Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays
Reservation: Please refer to the café's Facebook page for booking details.