Soong Chie-ming (宋杰明), an importer of Japanese condiments for over 10 years, never liked Japanese tea much until he finished a large bottle of loose leaf sencha, which he received from a Japanese friend.
According to Soong, after six months of daily sencha-drinking, he became fitter, he was ill less often and his skin became smoother. Amazed by the tea's effects on him, Soong started searching for healthy teas during his frequent business trips to Tokyo and Osaka.
PHOTO: VICO LEE, TAIPEI TIMES
When Soong finally found a brand of green tea in Shizuoka, home to some 50 percent of Japanese green tea, he imported it to Taiwan. As demand for his import grew dramatically in just months, Soong expanded his business further by opening Chiang Shine Tea House for customers who liked not only good tea, but tea-flavored dishes.
Chiang Shine has a heart-warming interior of wood furniture. With only 20 seats available, it looks more like someone's dining room than a restaurant.
There is always a pleasing aroma in the air as each of the handful of tables is furbished with some green tea leaves on an essenial oils burner. Soong regularly brings home records of Japanese folk music to play in the restaurant to add to the atmosphere. These CDs have become quite a hit with diners as there are often diners asking to buy them.
Opened for six months in a difficult-to-find alley off Zhungxiao E Rd, Chiang Shine mostly attracts office workers from nearby commercial buildings. The majority of customers are health-conscious young women.
Considering its downtown location, the food is reasonably priced and comes in generous servings. A variety of Japanese imported loose leaf teas and condiments are also available in the restaurant.
The friendly staff are always ready to explain the flavors and health benefits of different teas.
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