Taiwanese cuisine gains international fame: Tao Douhua opens its first overseas store in Tokyo

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team

Aside from the global expansion of bubble tea shops, Taiwanese douhua has also gained international recognition. "Tao Douhua," located in Taipei’s East District shopping area, has made its first international foray by opening its first store in Japan in Tokyo’s busiest Shinjuku district. The store debuted on July 13.

With a history of 20 years, Tao Douhua currently operates its original store on Yanji Street and a flagship store in Dunhua South. They craft their health-focused douhua entirely by hand using traditional methods, avoiding genetically modified soybeans, and pair it with fresh seasonal fruits to create innovative and delicious desserts. It’s not only popular among locals but also attracts many visitors from Hong Kong and Japan.

The texture of the douhua is smooth and tender on the palate. Paired with classic sugar syrup cooked to perfection, you can even enjoy a hint of caramelized aroma—sweet yet not cloying—which has won over food aficionados. Unlike the tapioca pearls or taro balls commonly found elsewhere, they use fresh seasonal fruits, such as mango and watermelon in summer, and the sauces are also made from fresh fruit purees.

Thanks to its high-quality ingredients and authentic taste, the concept caught the attention of a Japanese business owner, leading to active discussions about collaboration. Finally, in July this year, the first Japanese store opened in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. The menu will primarily feature Taiwanese street snacks, with douhua flavors matching those in Taiwan, alongside a selection of savory dishes and drinks such as bubble tea.

At Tao Douhua in Taiwan, apart from enjoying creative douhua, diners can also explore a diverse range of options, including Vietnamese-inspired Western-style dishes.