Brewed with authentic Taiwanese tea leaves—newly opened bubble tea shop in Taichung

Text & Photos /DaKou

It’s probably common knowledge that Taiwanese people love drinking tea. Tea gift boxes are not only great souvenirs, but various bubble tea shops have also sprung up everywhere. However, previous reports about some bubble tea shops using imported tea leaves containing pesticides have made people both love and fear bubble tea—they want to drink it but are hesitant. This time, we’re introducing a “Da Ming Taiwanese Tea Handcrafted Specialty Store” that uses 100% Taiwanese tea and has passed all SGS inspections.

Da Ming is located on Dazhi Road in East District, Taichung, right across from the Dayeh Takashimaya New Era Mall. The owner is a tea farmer himself and was previously a supplier to many bubble tea shops. His homemade tea gift boxes have even won the top award in the “2011 and 2013 Taichung Top 10 Local Souvenirs,” featuring exquisite packaging and premium quality. To allow consumers to enjoy truly authentic local Taiwanese tea, the owner specially opened this “Da Ming Taiwanese Tea Handcrafted Specialty Store.” One sip and you’ll know it’s made with genuine ingredients—you’ll become a loyal customer instantly.

%Although the tea leaves used in their drinks are all from authentic Taiwanese tea, the prices remain affordable, similar to regular bubble tea shops that use imported Vietnamese tea.

%The tea here is from Taiwan, and 100% of the tea used is sourced locally!

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This family also has their own tea, which has won numerous awards and even received the Taichung Gift First Prize in 2013. Friends interested in tea gift boxes can inquire with the shop!

%Additionally, all the ingredients used here, including the teas, have passed SGS inspections. There’s a thick information booklet placed nearby that you can browse while waiting. First-time visitors who aren’t sure what to drink can check the recommended beverages on the board, such as Fresh Taro Milk Tea, Fresh Grass Soft Milk, Jade Lemon, Pearl Milk Tea, and Fresh Orange Green Tea—all are very delicious.
However, some fruit teas are seasonal, like Fresh Orange Green Tea, which is only available in winter, so fans should hurry to try it!

%Having won the top award in the Taichung City Top Ten Local Specialties in both 2011 and 2013, it’s really impressive to stand out among so many competing entries.

%Jiahuangyueguaxiequan?Congdangmushilong?Huanghuangaizizhi??Youhuanhuanba?Caichuanghuiyuehezhichenbao???Yixinghui??Bibai?Sushan?Jiangmoufangta?GuagesuzhifangmumeichuInterested friends can check it out!

%The juice is produced under strict hygiene conditions and has also obtained ISO 22000 certification, HACCP certification, and agricultural product traceability certification. In addition to being attractively packaged, the quality is excellent too. Moreover, you can simply scan the QR code on the product to trace its origin, making it safer to drink!

%Also, inside the glass display case on the second floor, there’s a dish called “Auntie’s Favorite.” It’s said that making it requires a lot of effort, and “Auntie’s Favorite” needs to be ordered in advance. I hope you all can try this authentic “Auntie’s Favorite” together.

%Next, let’s enjoy theDrinks marked with a tea cup symbol are all shop recommendations—great for newcomers or those looking to try something new!

%The rice here is cooked using a traditional method; it is steamed in a wooden steamer, which makes it taste almost exactly like the rice your grandmother used to make.Also, their Jade Dew Green Tea is very fragrant and sweet—lovers of basic tea drinks will definitely enjoy it too!

%It's not clear whether this is the case in the area near the station. It's very convenient, and everything you need is within walking distance. Most of the things come from Taiwan, which makes people feel very familiar.

Their tea cups are not made with plastic, and the colors are not overly bright or garish. The staff is very attentive when explaining how to brew the tea, so we paid special attention to how clean the area was.

%Also, 100% Taiwanese tea is used here. Leveraging their advantage as tea merchants, they let everyone enjoy high-quality tea at an affordable price—the price and taste are both satisfying!

%All of our teas have passed SGS non-toxic inspection, and if you take a closer look, you’ll see that every type of tea has been tested — unlike some manufacturers who just use one or two test results as representatives.Also, the paper cups are printed with non-toxic ink and meet international standards much stricter than Taiwan’s, heat-resistant up to 100 degrees, so you can drink with peace of mind!

%Ji/strong> Next, let’s taste their tea drinks.First, we had theFresh Taro Milk Tea (NT$49). At first glance, it might not seem particularly special, but after one sip, it immediately caught our eyes—we were very impressed!