Drink stands are almost as ubiquitous in Taipei as 7-Elevens, but Grandpa Tea at 56-20 Tianjin St, Taipei City (台北市天津街56-20號), tel: (02) 2581-9090, is not just another purveyor of sugary beverages. The company, which launched last year, sees itself as a lifestyle brand that does more than just quench customers’ thirst. Grandpa’s goal is to update tea culture while honoring age-old traditions. Grandpa selects the best Taiwanese tea leaves to create innovative drink recipes and combines with on-trend branding to stand out from its competitors. The company’s goal is to eventually bring the flavor of modern Taiwan to the rest of the world.
The company’s current menu includes the excellent sea salt ice tea (NT$50), made with a careful balance of salt, sugar and cream to hit just the right sweet-savory notes (make sure to order it with plenty of ice). Other delicious options are the sweet and sour tea (NT$50) and dried kumquat tea (NT$50), both of which will satisfy lovers of tangy flavors. Grandpa also specializes in rich, comforting milk teas. Try the Sun Moon Lake milk tea (NT$30), which is made with tea leaves grown in that area, or the heavy oolong milk tea (NT$40). Coffee lovers need not despair: Grandpa also offers black coffee, cappuccinos and five kinds of lattes (NT$50 to NT$70). For more locations and a complete menu, visit www.facebook.com/GRANDPA.tea
Photo: Catherine Shu, Taipei Times
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