Experience Culture at Wistaria Tea House
Right next to a busy road in Da’an district, there’s a quiet tea house offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect spot to spend a slow afternoon in a calming atmosphere rich with culture.
Wistaria is about more than just tea; it’s an experience. Pass through a tranquil garden with a koi pond to find an historic Japanese-style wooden house that’s been restored to former elegance. Sit down with friends or a good book and enjoy a wonderful selection of quality teas and a lesson in tradition.
Wistaria was lovely to visit on a rainy Saturday afternoon in November. The charming decor was complete with clay pots adorning the furniture, and traditional paintings lining the walls.
Wooden tables and chairs occupy the front hall, but there are multiple rooms in the back with tatami floors for more authentic seating.
The menu has a huge selection of teas as well as snacks. Each visitor is required to order tea, which is then shared by the table. Since there were 3 of us, we had the opportunity to try 3 different kinds, and ended up selecting the following based on their poetic descriptions:
Lotus in a Golden Wind (NT$400)
Natural Ecosystem Bai Hao Oolong
This tea is processed by hand, using traditional methodology. The infusion is clear, presenting a shade of deep amber. It tastes fine, rich, and sweet with a hint of peach. The long-lasting aftertaste lingers, adding resonance to comfort.
Spring Delight (NT$350)
Pinglin wild-grown Baozhong tea
Pinglin tea district, uncultivated wild-grown artisan hand-produced spring tea. Rich with the unspoiled fragrance of great nature, the tea infusion is gentle and elegant, pure and fresh, imparting a deep scent of orchids. As if bathing in the countryside in spring with a gentle wafting breeze, sipping it brings a feeling of expansiveness and cheer.
Tai He (NT$320)
2004, Ancient-Tree Spring Puerh Tea
These thousand-year-old tea trees are 5-10 meters high. Their spring buds are long and corpulent, effusing a mysterious and powerful energy. Put 2 – 5 leaves (around 0.5 to 1 gram) in a tea bowl. These few leaves can then be brewed 7 to 8, or even up to 10 times. After 3 – 4 bowls, you’ll feel a warm energy flowing up your spine, and your whole body will begin to relax. In such a state, a natural, spontaneous meditation can arise and you might come to understand true emptiness.
The teas are served one-by-one, in order from weakest to strongest. They’re prepared by an English speaking attendant, who performs a small ceremony while educating customers on the history of the tea, how to optimally steep it, and the best way to enjoy it.
After the demonstration, we were left to appreciate the tea. We brewed each set of leaves many times, stretching our experience into the evening – we stayed about three hours in total. We weren’t bothered at all during this time, except to have our pot refilled with hot water. The service was excellent.
Overall, we really enjoyed the experience. It was a pleasant way to spend a slow afternoon in a peaceful environment, and the tea was delightfully comforting.
What’s the vibe?
Elegant and tranquil Japanese-style wooden house with multiple rooms and seating options. The atmosphere is peaceful and rich with culture.
Worth it?
Yes.
Expect to spend minimum NT$350 and a couple hours, but know that your time and money is worth the experience. It’s the perfect way to slow down and enjoy a rainy afternoon with good company.
Would you go back?
Yes.
This is a great place to bring visitors for a taste of culture and calm.
Visited: November 2017
| Wistaria Tea House |
| Chinese Name: 紫藤廬 |
| Hours: 10am - 10pm |
| Phone: 02 2363 7375 |
| English Address: No. 1, Lane 16, Section 3, Xinsheng South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106 |
| Chinese Address: 台灣台北市新生南路三段16巷1號 |
