Taipei is known for many tourist attractions, including riding the fastest elevator in the world up to the observation deck of Taipei 101, or climbing the 1,054 steps up to the top of Elephant Mountain for a magnificent view of the city. Don’t forget the National Palace Museum, with nearly 700,000 artifacts from Chinese history.

Most tourists flock to these sights, but they miss out on one of the most important places in Taiwanese history and culture: Wistaria Tea House. The tea house, located in Da’an District nearby Da’an Forest Park, was originally a place for Japanese Navy personnel to gain some rest and relaxation in the 1920s and 30s. After World War 2, it became the home of a Taiwan Finance Ministry Official, where academics, politicians, and key founders of Taiwan would meet to discuss the founding of the country.

At Wistaria, you can taste many different types of tea from all over Taiwan. Green tea, oolong tea, and the potent Puh-er, among others, make appearances on the menu. My personal favorite is Dong Ding Oolong, a medium strength tea cultivated in mountains of central Taiwan. You can order some snacks such as pistachios or star fruit in addition to the tea, but no full set meals. In addition to the first room consisting of table and chairs, they also have tatami, the traditional Japanese floor mat, if you’d like a more “pure” tea drinking experience.

When you arrive, you’ll have a friendly greeting, and be asked if you would like chair and table or tatami. You’ll be guided to your area, and be lead in the gong-fu method of tea drinking by a waiter or waitress, who can usually speak good English.

Expect to spend about 500 NTD ($15)/person for a couple of snacks and one tea each. You’ll find tea, teapots, and all kinds of tea paraphernalia for sale. Be prepared for sticker shock if you plan on buying gifts, however. Many of the items are quite expensive.

The Taipei tea house is Japanese colonial style, a style still found in many areas of Taipei. Restored more than once over the past 60 years, Wistaria acquired a Western facade at one point in the 1960s after typhoon damage, while retaining the traditional Japanese style visible from the street.

Wistaria Tea House is a place to discover Taiwanese tea drinking culture and immerse yourself in its tranquility, beauty, and history.

Address: No. 1, Lane 16, Xinsheng South Road, Sec. 3, Taipei.