Wistaria Tea House

Top choice in Taipei


History, nostalgia and fine tea combine in this charming former wooden dormitory from the Japanese era. Wistaria was built in 1920 for naval personnel and later used as a hang-out for artists, literati and political dissidents following the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident (which led to the arrest and imprisonment of most of the top democracy advocates in Taiwan).

The teahouse has a fine selection of oolongs, Tieguanyin, green teas and some rare pu'er (dark fermented) tea that could set you back thousands in one afternoon of drinking. Light meals and snacks are also served. Come in the daytime to enjoy views of the koi pond and leafy garden.