Written by Chen Chih-hao. This article traces the historical evolution of Taiwan tea from its introduction by migrants from Fujian and Guangdong to its emergence as a globally recognised cultural product. It argues that Taiwan tea was shaped not only by environmental adaptation and technological innovation but also by interethnic collaboration, shifting global markets, and changing domestic consumption, revealing tea as a material expression of Taiwan’s social resilience and cultural identity.
Written by Po-Yi Hung. Taiwan’s tea is often associated with its mountain landscapes, but its influence extends far beyond the island. This article traces how Taiwanese tea varieties, cultivation techniques, and agricultural expertise transformed the former opium-growing borderlands of northern Thailand. It reveals tea as more than an agricultural commodity, as a vehicle of diplomacy, territorial governance, and cross-border mobility that quietly reshaped the Golden Triangle.
Written by Gawin Tiansuwan. In Part 2, the author follows a deeper immersion into tea culture, spanning Canada, Thailand, and Taiwan. A life-changing move to Taipei to study Mandarin leads to a deep connection with Taiwan’s tea community, historic neighbourhoods, and a young master in Pinglin. Using these Taiwanese tea-making insights, he returns to Northern Thailand to help revitalising local wild tea traditions.
Written by Gawin Tiansuwan. In Part 1, the author traces a personal journey of self-discovery through tea. Moving from Western blends in the UK to traditional gongfu cha in Hong Kong, the author explores how tea provided stability during burnout. Crucially, an inspiring trip to Taiwan’s iconic teahouses sparked a lifelong passion, prompting the purchase of his first Yixing teapot and ultimately bridging a connection to his ethnic heritage.
Written by Ming-yeh T. Rawnsley. This article explores how food functions as a cultural language in Taiwan through three works: Eat Drink Man Woman, Zone Pro Site, and Taiwan Travelogue. It argues that food expresses family ties, community traditions, colonial encounters, and cultural hybridity, offering a compelling lens for understanding Taiwanese identity and memory.
Written by Gita T. This article argues that Taiwan has a chance to avoid overtourism and achieve ESG goals by leveraging its food culture. Taiwan’s snack-based dining offers a natural way to spread visitors beyond overcrowded sites. This could include gamified snack trails, an authentic cultural experience, and curated insider routes for continuity travellers.
