When people think of Taiwanese drinks, bubble tea almost always comes to mind. But while milk tea has become one of Taiwan’s biggest exports, it tells only a small part of the country’s tea story.
For centuries, Taiwan’s mountains have produced some of the world’s finest teas, cultivated by generations of tea farmers whose dedication has turned tea-making into both an art and a way of life. To truly appreciate this heritage, travelers need to leave the busy streets of Taipei behind and head up to the tea-covered hills of Maokong.
Nestled high in the mountains is Mei-Jia Tea Garden, a family-run tea farm and restaurant that has been introducing visitors to authentic Taiwanese tea culture for generations. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (closed on Mondays), Mei-Jia is more than just a scenic tea house—it is where guests can enjoy premium locally grown teas paired with traditional Taiwanese snacks while overlooking one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei.
During our five-day Familiarization Trip organized by the Taiwan Tourism Administration, our visit to Mei-Jia Tea Garden became one of the most relaxing stops of the journey. After riding the Maokong Gondola and making the uphill walk to the tea garden, every sip of tea felt like a reward.
Tea has been part of the Zhang family’s life for more than a century.
The family’s story began in 1895, when tea seedlings from Anxi, Fujian were brought to Taiwan and planted in the fertile hills of Muzha. Over the decades, the family carefully cultivated not only their tea plants but also their knowledge of tea production, passing their expertise from one generation to the next.
Today, Mei-Jia Tea Garden is already managed by the family’s tenth generation, making it one of Maokong’s most respected tea destinations.
Unlike commercial tea shops found in the city, every cup served here reflects generations of experience—from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing.
The undisputed star of Mei-Jia Tea Garden is its Muzha Tieguanyin Tea (木柵鐵觀音).
Considered one of Taiwan’s finest oolong teas, Tieguanyin from Maokong is famous for its rich roasted aroma, smooth body, and lingering floral and fruity notes.
The first sip immediately reveals why this tea has earned international recognition.
Its roasted fragrance is warm and inviting without becoming overpowering. As the tea cools slightly, delicate floral aromas begin to emerge, followed by subtle fruity sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the palate long after each sip.
Unlike heavily sweetened beverages, Tieguanyin encourages slow appreciation.
Every infusion reveals something different.
The aroma evolves.
The flavor softens.
The sweetness becomes more noticeable.
It is a tea that rewards patience.
For those who prefer lighter flavors, Mei-Jia also serves the elegant Wenshan Pouchong Tea (文山包種茶).
Compared to the roasted richness of Tieguanyin, Pouchong offers a gentler profile characterized by its fresh floral fragrance, refreshing taste, and naturally sweet finish.
Lightly oxidized, the tea feels incredibly clean on the palate.
Its delicate aroma evokes blooming flowers, while its subtle sweetness makes it approachable even for first-time tea drinkers.
It is easy to understand why Pouchong has become one of Taiwan’s most celebrated premium teas.
Whether enjoyed during a quiet afternoon or paired with light snacks, it perfectly reflects Taiwan’s refined tea culture.
At Mei-Jia Tea Garden, drinking tea is never rushed.
Instead, every pot is accompanied by a carefully selected assortment of traditional Taiwanese snacks designed to complement rather than compete with the delicate flavors of the tea.
One of the most addictive pairings was the Garlic Peanuts (蒜味花生). Crunchy roasted peanuts coated with savory garlic seasoning delivered the perfect balance of saltiness and nuttiness. Each bite enhanced the roasted character of the Tieguanyin while providing a satisfying contrast in texture.
They were simple, familiar, and impossible to stop eating.
Another classic companion was the Tea-Preserved Plums (茶梅). These sweet-and-tangy preserved plums are infused with tea during the curing process, creating a unique balance of fruity acidity and subtle tea fragrance.
The plums offered a refreshing burst of sweetness that cleansed the palate between sips, making them an ideal accompaniment to both Tieguanyin and Pouchong tea.
It is one of those uniquely Taiwanese delicacies that perfectly demonstrates how tea extends far beyond the teapot and into the country’s culinary traditions.
The Crispy Cashews (香酥腰果) proved equally enjoyable.
Lightly roasted to preserve their natural sweetness, the cashews were wonderfully crisp with just enough savory seasoning to enhance their rich, buttery flavor.
Combined with freshly brewed tea, they created a pairing that felt both indulgent and comforting.
Their mild flavor allowed the delicate characteristics of the tea to remain front and center, making them one of the simplest yet most satisfying snacks on the table.
Tea culture at Mei-Jia isn’t limited to nuts and preserved fruits.
One of Taiwan’s favorite traditional snacks also made an appearance—the Shredded Dried Squid (魷魚絲).
Soft, chewy strips of dried squid offered a naturally sweet and savory flavor that seafood lovers would instantly appreciate.
Its pleasant chewiness contrasted beautifully with the smooth, refreshing teas, while its gentle umami added another layer of complexity to the overall tasting experience.
Although it may surprise first-time visitors, dried squid has long been a popular companion to tea across Taiwan, reflecting the island’s deep connection to both the mountains and the sea.
One of the biggest differences between enjoying tea at Mei-Jia Tea Garden and ordering tea elsewhere is the setting. The tea simply tastes better. Perhaps it’s the cool mountain breeze. Perhaps it’s the panoramic view overlooking Taipei Basin.
Or perhaps it’s knowing that the tea being poured into your cup was grown just a short distance from where you’re sitting. Every sip carries a sense of place.
Unlike tea shops in busy shopping districts, Mei-Jia invites guests to slow down. There is no rush to finish your drink. Instead, visitors are encouraged to enjoy multiple infusions, appreciating how each steeping reveals new aromas and flavors. It becomes less about drinking tea and more about experiencing Taiwanese tea culture.
The uphill walk from the Maokong Gondola station may leave visitors slightly out of breath, but the reward waiting at Mei-Jia Tea Garden is more than worth the effort. Excellent tea.
Traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Fresh mountain air.
Breathtaking views.
And generations of tea-making expertise poured into every cup.
For travelers hoping to discover Taiwan beyond bubble tea and trendy cafés, Mei-Jia Tea Garden offers one of the country’s most authentic culinary experiences.
Here, tea isn’t simply a drink.
It is history.
It is craftsmanship.
It is hospitality.
And perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that Taiwan’s greatest flavors are often found not in the cities, but high in the mountains where every cup tells a story more than a century in the making.
