Jinjiang Tea House — Restaurant in Zhongzheng District

On a rainy day, we decided to visit Jinjiang Tea House in Taipei. Specializing in traditional Hakka cuisine, the low key ambiance and casual atmosphere amongst the city streets belies a very authentic experience.

Due to the rainy day, we were one of the few customers along with a local expat impressed by our choice off the beaten tourist path. I shared I had always wanted to try Hakka cuisine and he shared we had made a good choice.

The menu, even for those able to read Mandarin, is difficult as dishes are often named poetically. Luckily, an English menu is available upon request.

📷 Lei Cha ~ their signature dessert tea prepared with plum / Stewed glossy chicken with cold spring water NT$250 / Hakka’s tofu NT$120 / Fried Eggplant with sweet basil NT$180 / Fried Shrimp Rolls NT$250 / Fried water lillies NT$150 / Rice with Pig Oil NT$20

📍Jinjiang Tea House (Taipei City, Taiwan)

Everything was fantastic and definitely a memorable home style meal. One of our best meals in Taipei and a true mom and pop establishment.

Reservations are often recommended (we made via the hotel) and dining is indoor...

I’m a big fan of Hakka food and after learning about this nostalgic place, I had to try it out. The place sits in an alley behind commercial buildings, but it wasn’t hard to locate using Google Maps. The old house reminded me of old Taiwan, which you don’t see them anymore as Taipei modernizes. Dinning at an old place like this is like traveling back in time.

The three ladies who run this place were friendly and efficient. Even as busy as they were, they were nice enough to stop and answer my questions about some of its dishes. The food was delightful and very traditional. The garlic pork intestines were fried to perfection. The rice slabs (板條）were flavorful. The refreshing Passing Cat (過貓） vegetable was delicious in vinegar lemon sauce. Our final dish was the standard Hakka style stir-fried vegetables, pork and squid (客家小炒）was one of the better ones I have had. If we have time before leaving the island, I would want to go back to try its rice in lard, freshwater shrimps and the cold spring...

Never disappointed when eating here. Although the food is greasy by default, it's full of flavor and extremely well prepared. The restaurant has a very charming, homey atmosphere. Service is attentive and friendly. This time we tried the ostrich which is a little chewy by nature but if you've never tried it, this would be a good place to start. The mushrooms with the salted eggs were on point taste and texture wise and the tofu was outstanding, would order both dishes again in an instant. Try their 擂茶 Lei Cha, a type of mashed tea rich in protein and fiber. While not too pricey, the menu is a bit on the expensive side, otherwise I'd definitely dine...