Chacaba

At Chacaba, choosing the tea is part of the experience. Smell the leaves in small jars, then pick the one that appeals to you. Sets let you choose from refreshing, fragrant or rich styles, and handwritten notes describe the teas. Some reviewers mention sampling the aromas before deciding. If you are new to Taiwanese tea, choosing by scent is a good place to start.

You can pair your tea with 3 kinds of dried fruit. Green mango is highlighted on the menu as a popular choice, with a distinctly tart edge. Diners who chose green mango, dragon fruit and pink guava have described their gentle acidity and sweetness as a good match for the tea. Try the fruit a little at a time and see how it works with your chosen leaves.

Another pleasure is learning how to handle the teaware and brew the tea yourself, one infusion at a time. The flavour shifts as you work through several infusions; one diner found the 3 infusion had the most umami. For a leisurely tea break, choose a brew by its aroma and pair it with the dried fruit you like best.