Taipei Food & Drink: Savoring Tea at Hermit's Hut A Tranquil Escape

Hidden in the alleys of Taipei, Hermit's Hut looks like a residential house.

The Meaning Behind "Sanjing Jiu Huang"

The Chinese name of Hermit's Hut is "Sanjing Jiu Huang," which translates to "Three Paths to Desolation, Pine and Chrysanthemum Still Exist," is derived from a line in Tao Yuanming's poem "Return to the Countryside" from the Wei-Jin period. It suggests that even in seemingly desolate surroundings, valuable qualities can still flourish, much like the pine trees and chrysanthemums that continue to grow in a neglected garden. This sentiment reflects the essence of tea itself, which, unlike fast food and vibrant beverages, embodies a quiet wisdom accumulated over millennia.

Stepping through the wooden door, you'll find yourself unexpectedly enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere.

A Tranquil Escape

Nestled away from the bustling Eslite Bookstore next door, Sanjing Jiu Huang offers a stark contrast. Just a street apart, you can transition from a lively atmosphere to one of serene tranquility upon entering through the wooden door. The space features wooden seating, tatami mats, and artistic decor, creating an intimate ambiance reminiscent of a small art gallery.

Artworks displayed in Hermit's Hut.

Tea Selections: Taiwan's Oolong and Oriental Beauty

Hermit's Hut offers a variety of teas, including oolong, black, green, and floral teas, with a strong emphasis on Taiwanese oolong. Options include Pinglin Baozhong, High Mountain Jin Xuan, Dong Ding Oolong, aged Tie Guan Yin, and many more, priced between 500 to over 700 TWD.

The tea masters provide detailed introductions to each selection. For example, when brewing Oriental Beauty Tea , the tea leaves are picked while still tender and require a slightly lower brewing temperature. The tea is brewed in porcelain, with care taken not to pour hot water directly onto the leaves. Remember to gently stir the tea leaves between each infusion to help cool them down.

Lightly roast the tea leaves over charcoal to enhance its aroma.

After a brief roasting over charcoal to release the tea's aroma, the precise water temperature is crucial. Hermit's Hut uses an electric induction cooker for easy temperature adjustments. The recommended tea-to-water ratio is 6g of tea per 100ml of water, with varying temperatures and steeping times for each infusion:

First brew: 93°C (0:50) Second brew: 90°C (0:35) Third brew: 90°C (0:45) Fourth brew: 90°C (1:00) Fifth brew: 92°C (1:20) The aroma unfolds in layers, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, and dried grass, while the golden amber liquor offers a round and smooth taste.

Professional teaware is indispensable for tea appreciation.

Each infusion presents different aromatic complexities that require careful tasting. If you're someone who prefers rushing through experiences, this leisurely tea-tasting journey may not be for you—embracing the art of slow tea drinking can be a refreshing new experience.

Hermit's Hut (Sanjing Jiu Huang)

Address: No. 15, Alley 46, Lane 553, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Xinyi District, Taipei

Phone: +886-2-2746-6929

Opening Hours: 11 AM-8 PM

Website: https://www.hermits-hut.com/en