Hualien Dawn Black Tea Boasts 30 Years of Warm Hospitality — Even the Shop Cat, Mimi, Helps with Customer Service

▲ The silver-white tin cabinets and glass display cases exude a simple, old-fashioned charm.

Text & Photos / Nine-Five Nagging Wife

I once visited Hualien and was deeply impressed by a temple-front black tea shop that served drinks through “steel tubes.” But many friends told me:“There’s another great black tea shop nearby called Dawn Black Tea — it’s what us locals in Hualien drink!”This made the Nine-Five Nagging Wife very curious about this low-key Dawn Black Tea.

▲ Though there’s no long queue, Dawn Black Tea still has plenty of loyal customers.

Having been in business for over 30 years, Dawn Black Tea’s traditional white tin ice cabinets and glass display windows show its history. A few worn high stools also evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of old-fashioned ice cream parlors.

The shop offers a wide variety of items, from black tea and mung bean soup to egg pancakes and sandwiches — around seventy to eighty choices in total. On hot summer days, many locals come here for a refreshing cup of black tea, or order a bowl of instant noodles as a late-night snack. Before leaving, they might pick up a bag of small pastries as a souvenir.

▲ A drink paired with a small pastry makes for the perfect Hualien-style afternoon tea.

I ordered a cup of black tea and an almond-peanut soup. The black tea was mellow without being overly sweet, and the peanut bits in the almond soup had a subtle aroma — everything had a simple, old-fashioned taste. Paired with Hualien’s sunshine and relaxed pace, it gave off a uniquely comfortable and laid-back vibe.

▲ The shop cat, Mimi, has a gentle temperament and often comes out to “greet” customers.

The owner said she started out selling grilled corn, but as times changed, she began selling black tea and sandwiches near the train station. In 1988 (the 77th year of the Republic of China), she moved to the current location, where she’s remained ever since. In her younger years, the shop operated 24 hours a day, but due to the hard work in the kitchen and now advancing age, she opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM. On holidays, she closes even earlier at 7 PM. The owner laughed and said, “It’s really tiring!”

▲ The always smiling owner is incredibly approachable.

Compared to other well-known shops, this place sees fewer tourists, but it’s full of warm hospitality and friendly service. Watching the smiling owner and his wife bustling about, occasionally chatting and joking with customers, and seeing the shop cat Mimi — who loves sleeping next to the gas tank — wake up in a good mood and come out to “greet” guests, this genuine local warmth is probably why so many Hualien locals love Dawn Black Tea.

▲ A few worn high stools add a touch of history to the shop.

Dawn Black Tea
Address: No. 185, Nanjing Street, Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: 03 835 6883
Business Hours: 06:00–21:00, Saturday & Sunday 06:00–19:00