Craving an afternoon of flavor, serenity, and sophistication? These MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and hotels in Taiwan elevate the afternoon tea experience to new heights. From indulgent desserts served against a backdrop of city skylines to tranquil retreats nestled between mountains and sea, every venue blends local ingredients with heartfelt artistry, making each sip and bite a memory to cherish.
HUGH dessert dining
MICHELIN Guide Taiwan 2024
Bib Gourmand
Tucked down a quiet alley in Taipei’s Datong District, HUGH offers a thoughtfully curated six- to seven-course dessert tasting menu that evolves with the seasons. Each experience unfolds in a delicate progression — from refined starters to signature sweets and tea pairings.
With two sessions daily stretching from afternoon to early evening, the space exudes quiet elegance, with a matte black façade and rippled glass exterior lending an air of intrigue. Inside, minimalist interiors frame a striking black counter where Chef Victor Cheng and co-founder Kent Ying work in graceful sync, making HUGH a destination for those who appreciate the artistry of plated desserts.
The Ukai
MICHELIN Guide Taiwan 2024
Selected Restaurant
Perched on the 46th floor of Breeze Nan Shan in the heart of Taipei’s Xinyi District, The Ukai offers an elevated respite from the city's bustle. Designed by Yasumichi Morita, the interior draws inspiration from the cosmos, fusing whimsical fantasy with modern elegance.
The dessert bar commands sweeping views, including the verdant Xiangshan mountain. Here, guests can enjoy a seasonally rotating plated dessert set, which features classics like chiffon cake and truffle mushroom quiche, alongside French-inspired bites such as fruit macarons and mille-feuille. Thoughtfully paired with coffee, Taiwanese tea, or Japanese sencha green tea, each course showcases a delicate harmony of Japanese, French, and local flavors for an indulgent escape for the senses.
UNA-VERSE
MICHELIN Guide Taiwan 2024
Selected Restaurant
Chef Una Han masterfully melds French pastry techniques with Taiwanese culinary traditions at her restaurant, UNA-VERSE. Set around an intimate U-shaped counter bathed in soft lighting and milk tea hues, the space invites warm interaction between chef and guest.
Each seasonal menu is built around a unique theme, such as “Strolling Through the Night Market”, featuring inventive reinterpretations of local street food like sweet potato balls and boiled sea snails. The result is a playful yet polished tasting experience that celebrates Taiwan’s flavors through a creative, contemporary lens.
Beverage pairings range from considered non-alcoholic infusions using ingredients like Taichung’s aiyu jelly or Oriental Beauty tea to carefully selected wines that defy the convention of pairing only sweet wines with dessert. This is a place where tradition is reimagined with depth, artistry, and emotion (image above: dessert creation at UNA-VERSE taking inspirations from the traditional hot/cold ice)
Gloria Manor
Nestled within Kenting National Park, Gloria Manor boasts a prime location with lush mountains on one side and ocean views on the other. MU Lounge, located poolside on the first floor, offers panoramic views of Mount Dajian and serves afternoon tea year-round. The menu features a mix of Eastern and Western light bites, including handcrafted desserts, savory snacks, and fried platters to suit every palate. In addition to coffee and floral teas like rose, lavender, and chamomile, guests can also choose from a selection of beers and wines — perfect for a laid-back afternoon soaking up sun and serenity by the pool.
Humble House Taipei, Curio Collection by Hilton
Conveniently located near major shopping centers and movie theaters, this hotel is loved by both local and international travelers for its prime location and unobstructed views of the Taipei 101 skyscraper. The Terrace, the lobby lounge on the sixth floor, features floor-to-ceiling windows and an urban garden with artistic touches, offering a peaceful oasis amidst the city bustle. Themed afternoon teas are regularly introduced, celebrating seasonal festivities or brand collaborations. The English afternoon tea set includes classics like cucumber sandwiches, scones, and British tea — delightfully portioned for an elegant experience.
InterContinental Kaohsiung
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei
W Taipei
WOOBAR on the 10th floor of W Taipei brings a fashionable flair to afternoon tea. Warm wooden accents and a glossy green wall create a cozy, forest-like vibe. Bright and breezy during the day, it transforms in the evening for "W Tipsy Tea" — a spirited tea and cocktail hour. Known for its trendsetting, WOOBAR rotates its tea sets each season, offering seven expertly crafted savory and sweet bites, paired with signature cocktails, coffee, or tea. Collaborations with fashion, fragrance, and local sustainable farms add variety, like the island-themed tea series. Whether you're snapping photos or simply savoring the moment, it’s the perfect place to indulge in an upbeat, Instagram-worthy afternoon.Hero image: the afternoon tea at Humble House Taipei, Curio Collection by Hilton.
All images courtesy of respective restaurants and hotels.
The article is written by Jenny Yang. Read the original article here.
.jpg)
