【佐一茶屋】Saichi Chaya: afternoon tea with scenic views in Alishan
After our invigorating hike in Alishan, 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 Maps. Among them, 佐一茶屋 caught my attention.
What makes this place truly special is its elusive charm in Alishan.
Despite the plethora of glowing 5-star reviews on Google Maps, it's surprisingly absent from the web, with only an Instagram presence.
Drawn by the promise of breathtaking views and tantalizing food we saw in the Google photos, Gabriel and I couldn't resist the allure of this hidden gem. And so, our adventure unfolded!
* Please note that I'm not certain if 佐一茶屋 translates to Saichi Chaya, as the restaurant, despite its strong Japanese influence, features Chinese characters. I plan to contact the owners via Instagram to confirm.
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the location
Nestled inconspicuously among neighboring shops, 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 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 affair, guests are kindly asked to slip off their shoes before going up the stairs to settle onto the plush floor chairs.
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afternoon tea experience
Since we skipped lunch because we were hiking in Alishan, our afternoon tea adventure morphed into a huge feast with an huge variety of afternoon tea treats and some savory dishes on our table!
While every item was incredibly flavorful and tasted amazing, a few stole the spotlight and are absolute must-tries:
糯米糰子 紅豆+焦糖 Red Bean and Caramel Rice Dumplings: I loved these chewy rice dumplings! They’re sweet, but not extremely sweet. Perfect for sipping hot tea.
綠豆最中餅 Green Tea Monako: This monako is a sweet revelation that's sure to satisfy your matcha cravings.
黑糖拿鐵 Brown Sugar Latte: For the brown sugar milk tea enthusiasts, this latte strikes the perfect balance, offering a harmonious blend of brown sugar sweetness and the rich essence of tea.
阿里山高山烏龍茶 Alishan Alpine Oolong Tea: Rich in flavor and a bit sweet aftertaste. A must-try, especially if you appreciate the finest Oolong tea.
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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 afternoon tea offerings were beyond amazing — each dish was unique and they had their own unique taste to it. What truly stood out was the tranquil atmosphere, allowing us to savor every bite and enjoy the beauty of each moment.
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!
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What’s a unique afternoon tea experience you’ve had?
Share your thoughts and favorite moments below! ☕✨
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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
Milk Substitutes: Unfortunately, none available.
Perfect For: A picture-perfect afternoon tea, pure relaxation.
Pricing: $$
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HOURS
Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday - Sunday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
LOCATION
605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township (605台灣嘉義縣阿里山鄉)
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CHECK OUT MY TAICHUNG TRAVEL VLOG!
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