Open the wooden door that transcends time and space—a Japanese-style traditional teahouse infused with European elegance

Text & Photos /Mimi Han

Luzu Tea House probably counts as one of Tainan’s long-established old-building restaurants. Since 2010, it has quietly stood in this hidden alleyway. Even if you pass by the street outside countless times, you might not easily notice its existence~

Luzu Tea House is a three-story old building, with its exterior preserved in its original form. The exposed aggregate walls and weathered iron lattice windows tell the traces of its 6x years here.

In addition to Luzu Tea House, this hidden little area is closely surrounded by Hibari, Table on Luzu, 1967 Fashion Hall, and Soul Apartment. And that orange Japanese-style house seems to be getting ready for Luzu Tea House’s second branch.

The wooden door is like a portal through time, instantly creating an atmosphere of a different era. The European classical bar is adorned with a few high stools with cushions that seem a bit dirty, a black-and-white mosaic floor, a Japanese wall clock by the stairs, and... that relaxing feeling.

The space is really small, reminding me of the Japanese show “Tantei no Tantei” (“The Ultimate House Renovation King”). The owner has designed this not-so-big house to provide as suitable a dining environment as possible. Though it’s still a bit cramped, there’s no oppressive discomfort, and the overall texture is quite nice.

The first floor accommodates about 5–6 diners. The owner asked us to go upstairs via the stairs.

The first floor has a classical Western style, but who would’ve thought the second floor turns into a Japanese vibe, and the small area between the Japanese-style room and the stairs turns out to be the kitchen.

In this space where even two people walking side by side is nearly impossible, the owner manages to prepare delicious meals and brew fragrant tea. Interestingly, the owner’s resting spot is just sitting on the stairs XD

In the tatami-covered room, a few Japanese-style tables are placed. The old building harmonizes Eastern and Western cultural elements from the outside in, yet they all match so well—it must have taken quite some thought during the renovation~

On the wall hangs a military service certificate from the China Incident, dated Showa 15... That would be around 1937, when the Sino-Japanese War broke out~ This enlistment certificate must be older than the old building itself @@""

Sitting by the window and looking out through the old iron lattice windows at the new buildings outside, the contrast between old and new times immediately comes to mind. I think that sense of temporal collision is exactly why Tainan’s old-building revitalization is so popular~

The owner hands us the menu, but we have to write down the dish names ourselves with a pen~

There are only two brunch options. The main course is either bread or pancakes, both priced at NT$240, and include soup, scrambled eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables, plus a NT$130 drink. There are also other options like afternoon tea, various pancakes, and honey toast. After thinking it over, Mimi finally decided on a brunch and a Japanese-style parfait~

Since Luzu Tea House is called a "tea house," beverages naturally take up a large part, offering many choices from 【France’s century-old tea house – Mariage Frères】. Just reading those names makes me want to try each one = =

At checkout, we were given a NT$50 voucher for the neighboring 【Table on Luzu】, which sells many utensils full of old-time charm. It’s also worth a visit. Mimi will find a chance to come back and do a dedicated post about it another day.

The soup, simply sprinkled with pepper, has a rather thick texture.

The hearty brunch doesn’t contain any processed sausages, ham, or cured meats. It mainly consists of vegetables, fruits, and king oyster mushrooms. The middle dip seems to be fruit vinegar, and there’s also a bagel spread with homemade strawberry jam—feels quite healthy.

I’m not sure if these are all, but the two drinks served were both sugar-free. The 【French Theater Tea】 based on Japanese sencha has a sweet and captivating aroma, while the 【Earl Grey Latte】 is infused with cornflower and bergamot, tasting rich and smooth. Between the two, Mimi personally prefers the Earl Grey a little more XD

The Japanese-style parfait is a strawberry pancake tower made of five stacked pancakes—just looking at it is delightful. A sundae combining many fruits with pudding feels flamboyant and sweet~ The red bean matcha jelly has a slightly chewy texture that’s somewhere between jelly and marshmallow, and it’s pretty tasty.

Unlike bright and spacious storefronts, such old-building brunch spots tucked away in alleys may lack flashy exteriors, but they instead give off a quaint and elegant feel. Temporarily escaping the hustle and bustle, even just quietly gazing out the window feels comforting~ A simple share~

Tainan Food Establishment Info
Luzu Tea House
No. 1, Lane 70, Weimin St., West Central District, Tainan City
0919 - 633225
Business Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00, Holidays 09:00–18:00
Irregular holidays, limited seating, reservations preferred.

Mimi Han
mimi韩's Travel Footprints
Mimi韩's Happy Little Corner.