Enjoy Authentic Elegance: 5 Must-Try Japanese Afternoon Teas

▲ Exquisite Japanese rice balls transport you to a traditional Japanese eatery. (Photo / Orange Dog Loves Candy)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Although Taiwan has seen waves of "Korean" trends in recent years, with Korean restaurants popping up one after another, the simple and comfortable "Japanese style" has remained a long-standing favorite. In addition to the recent influx of Japanese chain restaurants and desserts, there are also hidden gems serving delightful Japanese-style afternoon teas in many corners. Today, we’ve rounded up 5 Japanese-themed afternoon tea spots where you can indulge in a touch of "Japanese elegance" amidst your busy life.

1. Afterhours Cafe

▲ Thick-style tofu with meat stew. (Photo / Screenshot fromAfterhours Cafefan page)


▲ Matcha red bean French crepe mille-feuille. (Photo / Screenshot fromAfterhours Cafefan page)

Afterhours Cafe boasts an exterior full of vintage Japanese charm, while the interior sticks to a simple, wooden aesthetic—perfect for any hipster. Thoughtfully decorated with small potted plants and plush toys, the spacious space offers excellent natural light through large windows. The dishes are crafted with Japanese finesse, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Address: No. 117-1, Yanshou St., Songshan Dist., Taipei City
Phone: 02-2756-5117
Business Hours: 11:00 - 19:00

2. Le Hetian

▲ Rice ball set meal. (Photo / Orange Dog Loves Candy)


▲ Matcha muffin. (Photo / Orange Dog Loves Candy)

Located in Tainan, Le Hetian is also quite popular, especially its rice ball set meals and thick matcha muffins that have won over many foodies. There aren’t many Japanese-style brunch spots in Tainan, so this one is truly unique.

Address: No. 50, Anping Rd., Anping Dist., Tainan City
Phone: 06-358-6626

3. Huajia Canteen

▲ Soup curry set meal. (Photo / Screenshot fromHuajia Canteenfan page)


▲ Uji Kintoki (sweet azuki beans with shaved ice). (Photo / Screenshot fromHuajia Canteenfan page)

Located in the Minsheng community, Huajia Canteen is already well-known in the area. The building itself is a wooden Japanese-style structure, and the dishes are exquisitely presented with a strong Japanese aesthetic. The cozy and quiet environment is perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

Address: No. 137, Yanshou St., Taipei City
Phone: 02-2760-3090
Business hours: 17:30 - 21:00
4.　Machiya 町家咖啡

▲A must-try curry dish. (Photo / from theMachiya 町家咖啡fan page)


▲Unsweetened Uji matcha with fluffy red beans, soft mochi pearls, and cool ice cream. (Photo / from theMachiya 町家咖啡fan page)

Located in Taichung, Machiya 町家咖啡 is always packed on weekends. Netizens highly recommend its Japanese theater-style interior, and the curry — an essential in Japanese cuisine — is a must-try here. The curry is rich and flavorful, and they’ve recently launched new matcha desserts that matcha lovers shouldn’t miss.

Address: 1F, No. 245, Huamei St., West District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-2302-7155
Business hours: 9:00 - 17:30

5.　一方日朝食

▲Grilled premium beef rib plate. (Photo / from the一方日朝食fan page)


▲Heihachiro stewed meat. (Photo / from the一方日朝食fan page)


▲Uji Kinako layered Japanese-style pancakes. (Photo / from the一方日朝食fan page)

The name says it’s for breakfast, but they now also offer Japanese-style lunch and dinner Upgrades (!). The cozy and elegant atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing break after work. But you absolutely must try their best-selling Japanese breakfast dish, “Grilled Premium Beef Rib Plate” — the grilled beef’s savory fat pairs perfectly with the tangy vinegar rice to create an indescribable depth of flavor.

Address: No. 245, Dongfeng Rd., North District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-200-5482