Growing up in the southern United States, drinking tea was a major part of my life. However, to someone from Asia, my experience with tea would look extremely foreign indeed! I will use this week’s post to discuss one of my absolute favorite things about Taiwan: tea and its associated culture. I enjoy tea in Taiwan so much that I unfortunately found myself a little snobbish upon returning to the US, no longer fully satisfied with our sweetened/unsweetened iced black tea. For this post, I will first introduce the role of tea in Taiwan in general before sharing with y’all how it fits into my day-to-day life (yes, I drink tea daily). Finally, I will briefly share a very special area near my apartment called ‘Maokong’ (貓空), where many people who live in Taipei retreat to so they can enjoy a breezy mountainside teahouse.
Nestled in the subtropical climate and blessed with high, misty mountains, Taiwan offers an ideal terroir for tea cultivation, so it’s no surprise that tea is woven into the very fabric of Taiwanese culture. More than just a beverage, tea in Taiwan is a social lubricant, a symbol of hospitality, and a daily ritual for many. You’ll likely hear the phrase “來喝茶 (lái hē chá)” – “Come drink tea!” – extended as a warm invitation into homes and businesses alike. From the bustling urban centers to the tranquil countryside, teahouses abound, serving a unique experience alongside the drink. These spaces range from traditional establishments where the Gongfu tea ceremony (功夫茶) is practiced with meticulous grace, to more modern iterations where people gather to chat, conduct business, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a carefully brewed cup. Sharing tea often serves in Taiwan as a way to foster connection and strengthen relationships, making it an integral part of social interactions and celebrations across the island.
Just as tea is a daily ritual for many Taiwanese, it has also become an essential and comforting part of my own daily experience here. Whether it’s meeting up with friends at a local shop to share a fragrant pot and catch up on our week, or simply grabbing a drink to-go with a classmate before we tackle our day, tea is often at the center of my social life. The sheer number of tea vendors here is astounding, ranging from traditional establishments focused on meticulously preparing tea in the traditional style to the ubiquitous bubble tea stands (which, as a fascinating phenomenon in itself, definitely warrants its own dedicated post!). My favorite way to consume has to be by getting an iced tea at the local “Oolong Tea Project” shop on campus, where I can enthusiastically sample a rotating selection sourced from local markets. It’s also incredibly convenient that I can reliably find a refreshing bottle – often a surprisingly good quality oolong or green tea – for just NT$29 (less than $1) at any convenience store when I’m on the go.
A note for those of you following my journey across the strait: Taiwan’s ease of access and variety stand in stark contrast to my experiences with tea in mainland China, where the options often felt less nuanced and the daily tea culture, while present, didn’t quite have this same vibrant and accessible energy (though it admittedly could’ve been because I was a tourist).
Now, sometimes to enjoy the truly high-quality varieties of tea, you need to travel. Luckily, I live 15 minutes away by bus from an area called ‘Maokong’. Nestled in the hills overlooking Taipei, Maokong is a haven for tea lovers, renowned for its stunning views and exceptional local teas. The journey there, often taken by tourists via the scenic Maokong Gondola, is an experience in itself, offering panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding mountains. As you ascend the pace of life slows, and the focus shifts to the art of tea. Storied teahouses dot the hillsides, each with its own unique charm, where you can settle in for an afternoon of leisurely brewing, conversation, and appreciating the subtle nuances of the tea. Many of these establishments also offer traditional Taiwanese snacks and dishes, often incorporating tea into the recipes, further enhancing the immersive experience. A personal favorite of mine (and many others) is the Yao Yue Teahouse. It’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a place I find myself drawn to whenever I want to reconnect with the more refined aspects of Taiwanese tea culture.
If you want to read more about another local town known for its tea culture, then read my Jiufen post!
Ultimately, my journey with tea, from a simple Southern iced beverage to the nuanced world of Taiwanese oolongs, has been a delightfully immersive trip into a culture that truly cherishes this leaf. Maokong, just a short trip from my doorstep in Wenshan, perfectly encapsulates this reverence, offering a tranquil escape where the beauty of the land and the artistry of tea intertwine. So, if you ever find yourself in Taiwan, be sure to seek out not just a cup, but also the experience of Taiwanese tea – you might just find yourself a little snobbish about tea back home too!
Next week, I’ll begin detailed posts about my recent trip across the strait to mainland China, starting with Beijing! So, please be sure to subscribe to emails if you are interested. As always, your comments are deeply appreciated. This week was Holy Week and midterms, so I appreciate your patience with this post. 🙂
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