【佐一茶屋】Chaya Zoy in Chiayi, Taiwan
After our invigorating hike in Alishan, my partner Gabriel and I hopped on the bus down the mountains. As we neared the Mist of Trails, Gabriel pointed out a few afternoon tea spots that he saved on his Google. Among them, Chaya Zoy (佐一茶屋) caught my attention.
What makes this place truly special is its traditional afternoon tea seating and stunning scenic mountain views while you enjoy your tea and dessert.
Drawn by the promise of breathtaking views and delicious food we saw in the Google photos, Gabriel and I couldn't resist the allure of this hidden gem. And so, our adventure unfolded!
༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
the teahouse location
Located inconspicuously among neighboring shops, Chaya Zoy (佐一茶屋) reveals itself as a hidden oasis, easily overlooked by casual passersby. Despite its unassuming facade, the restaurant stands out as a relatively new addition compared to the surrounding establishments.
The exterior exudes a modernized, wooden Japanese aesthetic, complemented by Noren (暖簾, Japanese dividers) extending from the entrance, casting gentle shadows inside.
When stepping into Chaya Zoy (佐一茶屋), a welcoming waitress guided us to our seats strategically positioned for the ultimate afternoon tea experience. To partake in this cozy experience, guests are kindly asked to slip off their shoes before going up the stairs to settle onto the plush floor chairs with windows that’ll show you the stunning scenic views of the Alishan mountains.
༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
afternoon tea experience
Since we skipped lunch because we were hiking in Alishan, our afternoon tea adventure morphed into a huge feast with a huge variety of afternoon tea treats and some savory dishes on our table!
Even though everything we’ve ordered tasted amazing, here are some of my recommendations that you MUST try when you’re visiting:
Red Bean and Caramel Rice Dango (糯米糰子 紅豆+焦糖)
I loved these chewy rice dumplings! They’re sweet, but not extremely sweet.
Green Tea Monaka (綠豆最中餅)
With Monaka shell and green tea in the middle, it’s surprisingly sweet and chewy!
Dragon Whiskers (龍鬚菜)
One of the most incredible dishes we’ve tried was the Dragon Whiskers — or as Google Translate calls it Gracilaria. This is a Taiwanese vegetable that you can only find in Chiayi and tastes incredibly refreshing! Pair it with your tea and sweets. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Alishan Alpine Oolong Tea (阿里山高山烏龍茶)
Rich in flavor and a bit sweet aftertaste. A must-try, especially if you appreciate the finest Oolong tea.
„ ༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
final thoughts
Our afternoon tea experience at 佐一茶屋 was nothing short of extraordinary. The breathtaking view added a magical touch to the already amazing food, creating an experience that was both serene and tasty.
The service was exceptional, with a team that exuded warmth and friendliness. 佐一茶屋 left a lasting impression, and we still love this place to this day. This has become one of our favorite and memorable spots for afternoon tea.
Every moment spent there was a celebration of flavors, tranquility, and shared memories. Here's to hoping that 佐一茶屋 continues to grow and thrive — maybe with a website to showcase their culinary wonders to a wider audience!
༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO
Aim for 2:00 - 3:00 PM (14:00 - 15:00) to enjoy the views without the crowd
DRESS CODE
Casual
PAYMENT
Card or cash
PERFECT FOR
A picture-perfect afternoon tea, pure relaxation.
PRICING
$$
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Reservations are required! Make your reservations through Facebook Messenger
༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
HOURS
Monday - Sunday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
LOCATION
༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
check out my Taichung travel vlog!
༘ 🌱☁️ 🍵 .˚
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