Rich Japanese flair at Taipei’s Shida "Matcha" Dessert Specialty Store

Text & Photos /KUNI

(Matcha Mille Crêpes from Heiankyo Chashi)

Heiankyo Chashi, a matcha specialty store we stumbled upon online. We dropped by in the evening, located on Shida Road. Compared to the lively night market scene across Roosevelt Road, it was much quieter.

The space was unexpectedly large, and the sign at the entrance resembled a kind of shield—aside from the very strict time limits for dining (90 minutes on weekdays, 120 minutes on holidays), there was also a high minimum spend: NT$300+10% on weekdays, NT$450+10%.

(The entrance)

(Walking into the courtyard)

(Signboard)

The interior was very spacious, with wooden decor enhanced by soft white lighting that added atmosphere and texture. A glass display case nearby showcased many high-end Japanese tea utensils. As someone who usually collects some kiln-fired items, it was really hard to walk away from these. I had to try my best to hold back, snapping just a few photos before quickly returning to my seat—otherwise, I definitely would’ve gone on a shopping spree.

We ordered a total of:
Cake Roll Set (2 pieces) (NT$450)
Matcha Mille Crêpes Set (NT$350)

(Display cabinet selling high-end Japanese tea utensils)

(Wow, I really want to take one home)

(Seating area)

(Menu)

(Different types of Japanese matcha powder)

(Store-made matcha ice cream)

(Tea preparation: the owner is about to make the paste)

The prices here are really quite high, so it's easy to be critical. The initial matcha Swiss roll didn’t disappoint—the delicate whipped cream had a sweet aroma, with a refreshing bitterness that stood out but wasn’t overpowering. The flavor profile became clearer with each bite.

The brown rice tea roll was a pleasant surprise—you could clearly taste, “Yes, this is definitely brown rice tea.” But it wasn’t overly intense; instead, it gently emerged from the whipped cream filling. Just that alone earns my respect for the effort put into the kitchen’s preparation.

The matcha latte was also exceptional—it wasn’t just about balancing matcha and foam. While the hot milk was sweet and fragrant, midway through, the same refreshing bitterness as the earlier matcha roll subtly came through, and by the end, it gradually turned sweet again. Nicely done.

(Matcha cake roll served)

(Matcha roll and brown rice tea roll)

(A very beautiful cross-section)

(Matcha)

Mille crêpes are a familiar and often-enjoyed dessert item, but Heiankyo Chashi’s might be the hardest to cut we’ve encountered. The texture was top-notch, incredibly smooth. The matcha and whipped cream blended seamlessly into a rich and enchanting matcha sweetness, radiating its unique richness and slight bitterness between layers of tender crêpe.

(Matcha mille crêpes served)

(Beautiful plating)

(Matcha Latte)

(A beautiful slice of matcha mille-feuille)

I hadn’t had such high-quality matcha desserts in Taipei for a long time. As I left, I glanced at that sign on the door again and couldn't help but sigh.

Heian-kyo Tea Affairs
Address: No. 165, Shida Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2368-2277
Hours: 12:30–21:30, Tue–Sun

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