萬味福利社

About The Entry

Tucked away across from the Bopiliao Historic Block, wanweifulishe is a nostalgic eatery specializing in oden. The space was transformed from an existing storefront into a retro-style venue that invites diners on a time-traveling journey of taste and memory. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the previous owner, who dedicated his life to the business, the designer aimed to revive a bygone era of humble Taiwanese street food—when sticky rice was steamed in wooden barrels and soup was simmered in copper pots. Drawing from the imagery of old street houses and traditional eateries, the space recreates the warmth of “having a meal at grandma’s house,” welcoming both locals and travelers alike.

The design centers on “reproducing a memoryscape.” The entrance facade echoes the red brick aesthetics of the Bopiliao district, while the interior uses elements such as bamboo steamers, cutting boards, and old wooden doors to evoke the warmth of markets and home kitchens. The walls are lined with vintage TR bricks engraved with the brand's initials, representing a bygone commitment to quality; the flooring features the characters “萬味” (Wan-Wei), serving as an understated branding element. A weathered wooden display cabinet is preserved in the store, while the ceiling and electrical outlets reference early 20th-century designs. Reproduced lattice windows and porcelain insulators complete the impression of a nostalgic Taiwanese living room, as dappled light filters gently through the windowpanes.

The oden prep counter draws inspiration from traditional wooden tubs and cutting boards, with the height and corner dimensions reflecting the old couple’s habits while making traditional glutinous rice cakes. Materials with hand-finished textures were selected to evoke a sense of timeworn authenticity. For the designer, food venues are repositories of collective memory, and this space stitches together past glory and present-day charm.