Afternoon Tea, Elevated: Exploring Taiwan’s Michelin-Recommended Dreamy Tea Venues
- xyang960
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
A Micro-Trip Beginning with a Cup of Tea
Afternoons in Taiwan are made for sunshine, sweet company, and indulgent desserts. If you’re planning a refined yet relaxing city escape, consider adding these nine Michelin-recommended patisseries and hotels to your itinerary. Each offers more than just tea and pastries—they are places of stories, scenery, and local inspiration, where art, flavor, and terroir converge. Get ready to embark on an afternoon tea journey like no other.

Taipei|HUGH Dessert Dining: Artistic Sweets Hidden in the Alleys
Nestled in a quiet lane in Datong District, HUGH is the creation of Pastry Chef Wei-Hsiu Cheng and Brand Director Keng-Hung Ying. The prix-fixe menu of six to seven courses unfolds like edible artwork, from amuse-bouches to main desserts, with seasonal ingredients and quarterly updates. Minimalist black-and-white interiors bathe in warm light, transforming the afternoon into a meditative dessert session. Afterward, stroll through nearby Dadaocheng for a perfect cultural pairing.
📍 No. 56, Lane 136, Section 3, Chongqing N Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
💡 Travel Tip: Use the Taiwan Pass for unlimited rides on MRT, buses, and short-distance TRA trains—ideal for combining an afternoon of desserts with a leisurely old-town walk.
Taipei|The Ukai at Breeze Nanshan: French-Japanese Sweets Beneath the Skyline
Located on the 46th floor of Breeze Nanshan, The Ukai boasts panoramic views of Elephant Mountain and the Xinyi skyline. The chef blends Japanese and French techniques with Taiwanese fruits and teas, offering chiffon cakes, macarons, savory quiches, and mushroom-inspired bites. With an extensive afternoon set menu, it’s perfect for a romantic pause after a shopping spree. Direct MRT access via Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station makes it hassle-free.
📍 46F, No. 17, Songzhi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Taichung|UNA-VERSE: A Dessert Show Inspired by Night Markets
At UNA-VERSE, dessert becomes adventure. Chef Hui-Ting Han reimagines Taiwanese night market classics—like sweet potato balls and stir-fried sea snails—into refined sweets. Paired with local drinks such as Taichung’s herbal aiyu or Oriental Beauty tea, the menu breaks traditional pairings of dessert and alcohol. With its warm, theatrical design, UNA-VERSE feels like stepping onto a dessert stage. Combine your visit with a stroll along Taichung’s Calligraphy Greenway.
📍 No. 268, Section 2, Wuquan W Rd, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 408
Kenting|Gloria Manor: Poolside Afternoon Tea Between Mountains and Sea
Set within Kenting National Park, the MU Lounge at Gloria Manor overlooks lush mountains and a sparkling pool. Afternoon tea includes savory bites, herbal infusions, and Taiwanese craft beers, inviting guests to linger in the breeze and sunshine. Open to both hotel guests and outside visitors, it’s a perfect spot to slow down in Taiwan’s southern paradise.
📍 No. 101, Gongyuan Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
💡 Travel Tip: Register your flight details online to join the “Lucky Taiwan Travel” promotion, which offers chances for lodging subsidies and extra savings.
Taipei|Hilton Taipei Sinban – The Terrace: An English Tea with a Garden View
On the 6th floor, The Terrace offers garden seating and floor-to-ceiling windows for a refreshing escape. Themed afternoon teas often feature brand collaborations or classic English-style three-tier sets with scones, clotted cream sandwiches, and fine teas. Located just steps from MRT Taipei City Hall Station, it’s a convenient and charming retreat.
📍 6F, No. 18, Songgao Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Kaohsiung|InterContinental BL.T33: Tea Meets Fashion and Flavor
BL.T33 blends the concepts of BLT (sandwich), bar, and tea, offering a tower of sweet and savory treats paired with cocktails co-created with TCRC bar or century-old tea selections. With expansive windows and proximity to Kaohsiung’s Star Park, it’s the perfect laid-back afternoon hideout. Step out from MRT Sanduo Shopping District Station, and you’re already there.
📍 1F, No. 33, Singuang Rd, Cianjhen District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 806
Taipei|Mandarin Oriental: A Luxurious Dessert Stage
At The Jade Lounge, Pastry Chef Chung-Hsi Chao presents creations featuring unique ingredients such as maqaw pepper, bird’s nest, roses, and oolong tea. Each plate is styled like a work of art, served in a European-inspired, high-ceiling lounge with both sofa and window seating. It’s one of Taipei’s most iconic high-end afternoon tea experiences.
📍 No. 158, Dunhua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10548
Taipei|Shangri-La’s Far Eastern – Marco Polo Lounge: Cherry Blossoms in the Sky
Perched on the 38th floor, Marco Polo Lounge frames Taipei 101 and distant mountains through its vast windows. Seasonal sets—such as cherry blossom-inspired tea paired with fresh fruits—add a sense of ritual to the experience. Pair it with champagne or a spring cocktail, and savor an elegant tea above the clouds.
📍 No. 201, Section 2, Dunhua S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Taipei|W Hotel – WOOBAR: Fashionable, Tipsy Afternoons
Known as a trendsetter, WOOBAR offers the “W Tipsy Tea,” pairing themed cocktails with afternoon tea bites. Collaborations with local farms and fashion brands add flair, while forest-inspired interiors create a stylish backdrop for celebrations, photos, and girl gatherings. Just a five-minute walk from MRT Taipei City Hall Station.
📍 10F, No. 10, Section 5, Zhongxiao E Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Leisure as Exploration: Discovering Taiwan Through Tea
These Michelin-recognized tea venues are more than just relaxing stops—they’re gateways to experiencing Taiwan’s culture and creativity. From local ingredients to artistic plating, each afternoon tea tells a story of place and time. Next time you plan your trip, start with a cup of tea and a slice of dessert, and let your afternoon soften into a fragrant memory.