Cathay Pacific Lounge Review(Taipei): Spacious & Best Beef Noodle

Cathay Pacific Lounge is said to be the best business lounge in Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

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Table of Contents

Introduction

As 2024 comes to an end, I embarked on a memorable trip to Nagoya for the autumn foliage. Utilizing Alaska Mileage Plan awards, I flew Japan Airlines business class on the outbound leg. It was my first time experiencing business class from Taoyuan Airport, which brought the thrill of visiting not one but two lounges: the China Airlines Lounge and the Cathay Pacific Lounge.

Edit: I visited Eva Lounge in April and Starlux Lounge in June 2025 so don’t forget to check out my latest review

Starlux Lounge Experience at TPE Terminal 2: Luxury, Beautiful Design

Complete Guide to EVA Air Lounges at TPE: The Star vs The Infinity (2025)

Spoiler alert: Cathay Pacific was the clear winner! Even more exciting, my return flight, originally booked in premium economy, saw a surprise upgrade to Cathay Pacific business class. Huge thanks to Cathay Pacific for making this trip unforgettable.

A First Look at Cathay Pacific’s Overseas Brand Showcase

Before departure, I had the chance to visit Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles Experience Booth—their first overseas showcase. Located in both Terminals 1 and 2, I found mine in Terminal 2. A quick social media check-in earned me an adorable Cathay Pacific teddy bear sticker.

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Cathay Pacific Lounge Taipei Experience

The entrance to the Cathay Pacific Lounge is inviting and elegant. Although Japan Airlines provides access to the China Airlines Lounge, it didn’t quite meet my expectations in terms of food offerings. After a brief visit, we made a beeline for the Cathay Pacific Lounge, located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1.

Cathay Pacific Lounge Design and Ambiance

Reopened in August 2023, the Cathay Pacific Lounge spans 379 square meters, radiating the classic charm of the airline’s flagship Hong Kong lounges.

The iconic green tiles instantly transported me to The Pier in Hong Kong. The spacious and quiet environment featured high-backed chairs, offering privacy akin to a cozy personal booth.

By the way, I visited the Pier twice in August 2023, link to my Mandarin blog for some photos. Also here’s link to the lounge in Tokyo

Cathay Pacific Lounge Beef Noodle

The dining area, known as “The Noodle Bar,” is a highlight of the lounge. Here, I indulged in their signature beef noodle soup, served in a thick ceramic bowl.

The broth, simmered with tomatoes, was piping hot and reminiscent of a high-end restaurant’s quality. It easily outshined the offerings at the China Airlines Lounge. I am a Taiwanese and I know what a good beef noodle is.

How can you not drink a bubble tea while in Taiwan! I am sure you don’t want to miss it! Also, as a Taiwanese, the tapioca balls are okay. Not superb, not awful, the milk tea is great. One of the best drinks I have in the lounge.

Additionally, I sampled the “salty water dumplings”—a local delicacy that was flavorful without being overly greasy.

My partner who visited during breakfast hours recommended the dan dan noodles and pesto pasta. The beverage selection was equally impressive, featuring Cathay’s signature drinks like Cathay Delight and Cloud Nine.

While the Cloud Nine cocktail, a mix of vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and Sprite, didn’t stand out for me, the bartender’s personalized off-menu Daiquiri was refreshing and delightful.

Things to do in Taipei (great for layovers or short stays)

If you are visiting Taipei on a layover or short trip, there are several highly recommended ways to explore the city and nearby areas without worrying about transportation or planning.

One of the most convenient options is a fully private experience:

👉 Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup

This tour is ideal if you want to explore beyond the city and visit scenic areas in northern Taiwan. With hotel pickup included, it’s especially suitable for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more comfortable, flexible itinerary.

For those who prefer to focus on Taipei itself, another popular option is:

👉 Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour

This is a personalized city experience where the itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests, such as cultural sites, night markets, temples, or modern landmarks. It’s a good choice if you want a more in-depth look at Taipei without navigating public transport.

Bar at the Cathay Pacific Lounge

The lounge’s “Bar” area resembled a luxurious living room, with low-backed sofas and ample seating.

It offered a tranquil retreat where every seat felt secluded, ensuring privacy and relaxation. The bar stocked a wide array of beverages, including exclusive wines and spirits, with attentive bartenders ready to craft personalized drinks.

The XO sauce cookie is savory! A must try if you visit the lounge.

Practical touches included built-in charging drawers at select seats and Bamford toiletries in the well-maintained private washrooms. The lounge’s thoughtful details enhanced the overall experience.

The cake and the green color dessert is not as good.

The salads look nice but I didn’t try any of it.

Comparisons with The Pier Lounge in Hong Kong

While the Taoyuan Cathay Pacific Lounge is superb, it’s smaller compared to The Pier in Hong Kong, which spans nearly 1,000 square meters and boasts scenic views of the tarmac. The Pier also offers an expanded menu of Western dishes, a dedicated tea room, and a wider range of desserts. However, the Taoyuan lounge’s quality and comfort remain exceptional.

Conclusion

Spending an hour at the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Taoyuan Airport was a highlight of my trip. From the delectable beef noodle soup to the personalized cocktail experience, every detail was meticulously curated. The ambiance, service, and food quality exceeded expectations, making it a must-visit for travelers flying business class.

If you have the chance, don’t miss the beef noodle soup and the array of drinks at the bar. Here’s to hoping for more Cathay Pacific experiences in the future!

✈️ Planning a transit through Singapore next? If your flight from Taipei is connecting through Changi Airport, don’t let your travel perks stop here. You can pairing this Taipei lounge with Changi’s best credit-card hideout. Check out my multi-year [2026 SATS Premier Lounge Changi T1 Review] to plan your ultimate twin-lounge itinerary using your JCB card!

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Top Rate Private Scenic Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu & Pingxi from Taipei on GetYourGuide

Book Taipei: Layover City Tour