The Taiwanese Story in Wagashi: Sanrizuka Tea Space
Auto-TranslationFollowing the sweet traces of Taiwanese tea, we arrive at a modern tea house nestled in the urban landscape, where a subtle renaissance of Taiwanese tea and traditional pastries is unfolding. Once considered “old-fashioned,” these items are now making a comeback with a fresh twist, creating waves in the fiercely competitive afternoon tea scene.
Sitting quietly in the gentle and refined Japanese space, I savor the wagashi named "Firefly" with small, thoughtful bites, accompanied by a pot of perfectly brewed hot tea.
"Firefly" exudes a delicate and refreshing tea aroma, and the founder and wagashi master Yang Yu-Ming explains, "The filling contains Beipu black tea." Wagashi is known for being an intricate and dense delicacy, so the tea leaves must be ground to a finer consistency to be incorporated into the filling. "It should be as fine as ash, so it can be blown away." Once blended into the filling, it must sit for 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully emerge.
The inspiration for the creation of "Firefly" came from a visit to a tea farmer in Beipu. "After chatting with the farmer, I stepped outside and was greeted by a valley full of fireflies, which led me to create this tea treat," Yang Yu-Ming recalls. This period, when spring transitions into summer, is indeed the season for fireflies, making it a charming experience to enjoy "Firefly" while listening to this delightful story.
"Firefly" exudes a delicate and refreshing tea aroma, and the founder and wagashi master Yang Yu-Ming explains, "The filling contains Beipu black tea." Wagashi is known for being an intricate and dense delicacy, so the tea leaves must be ground to a finer consistency to be incorporated into the filling. "It should be as fine as ash, so it can be blown away." Once blended into the filling, it must sit for 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully emerge.
The inspiration for the creation of "Firefly" came from a visit to a tea farmer in Beipu. "After chatting with the farmer, I stepped outside and was greeted by a valley full of fireflies, which led me to create this tea treat," Yang Yu-Ming recalls. This period, when spring transitions into summer, is indeed the season for fireflies, making it a charming experience to enjoy "Firefly" while listening to this delightful story.
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
