【嘉義 佐一茶屋】Chaya Zoy in Chiayi
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After our invigorating hike in Alishan, my partner Gabriel and I hopped on the bus down the mountains. As we neared the Mist Trail, my partner pointed out a few afternoon tea spots that he had saved on his Google map. Among them, Chaya Zoy (佐一茶屋) caught my attention.
What makes this place truly special is its traditional afternoon tea seating and stunning scenic mountain views, which you can enjoy while enjoying your tea and dessert.
Drawn by the promise of breathtaking views and delicious food we saw in the Google photos, Gabriel and I couldn't resist the magnetism of this hidden gem. And so, our adventure began!
getting there
Chaya Zoy isn’t the easiest spot to reach — but trust me, getting there is worth it. 🌿
From Chiayi
If you’re already exploring Chiayi or Alishan, you can take a local bus and walk a short distance from the nearest stop. It’s doable, just plan ahead since bus schedules are limited in the mountains.
From outside Chiayi
The easiest route is to take the HSR or TRA to Chiayi, then rent a car and drive up. Having a car gives you the most flexibility and makes it much easier to explore Alishan at your own pace.
the location
Located inconspicuously among neighboring shops, Chaya Zoy reveals itself as a hidden oasis, easily overlooked by casual passersby.
Despite its unassuming facade, the restaurant stands out as a relatively new addition compared to the surrounding establishments.
The exterior exudes a modernized, wooden Japanese aesthetic, complemented by Noren (暖簾, Japanese dividers) extending from the entrance, casting gentle shadows inside.
When we stepped into Chaya Zoy, a welcoming waitress guided us to our seats, strategically positioned for the ultimate afternoon tea experience. To partake in this cozy experience, guests are kindly asked to remove their shoes before climbing the stairs to settle into plush floor chairs with windows that offer stunning scenic views of the Alishan mountains.
afternoon tea highlights
Since we skipped lunch because we were hiking in Alishan, our afternoon tea adventure morphed into a huge feast with a huge variety of afternoon tea treats and some savory dishes on our table!
Even though everything we’ve ordered tasted amazing, here are some of my recommendations that you MUST try when you’re visiting:
糯米糰子 紅豆+焦糖
Red Bean and Caramel Rice Dango
I loved these chewy rice dumplings! They’re sweet, but not extremely sweet.
綠豆最中餅
Green Tea Monaka
It's surprisingly sweet and chewy with a Monaka shell and green tea in the middle!
龍鬚菜
Dragon Whiskers
One of the most incredible dishes we’ve tried was the Dragon Whiskers — or, as Google Translate calls it, Gracilaria. This is a Taiwanese vegetable that can only be found in Chiayi, and it tastes incredibly refreshing! Pair it with your tea and sweets. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
阿里山高山烏龍茶
Alishan Alpine Oolong Tea
Rich in flavor and slightly sweet with a hint of aftertaste. A must-try, especially if you're a fan of the finest Oolong tea.
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what’s nearby
know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO | Aim for 2:00 - 3:00 PM to enjoy the views without the crowd
DRESS CODE | Casual
PAYMENT | Card or cash
PERFECT FOR | Tea lovers. Families. Couples. Friends.
PRICING | $$
RESERVATIONS | Reservations are required! Make your reservations through Facebook Messenger
final thoughts
Our afternoon tea experience at Chaya Zoy was nothing short of extraordinary.
The breathtaking view added a magical touch to the already amazing food, creating an experience that was both serene and tasty.
The service was exceptional, with a team that exuded warmth and friendliness.
Chaya Zoy left a lasting impression, and we still love this place to this day. This has become one of our favorite and memorable spots for afternoon tea.
Every moment spent there was a celebration of flavors, tranquility, and shared memories.
Here's to hoping that Chaya Zoy continues to grow and thrive — maybe with a website to showcase their culinary wonders to a wider audience!
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10162023 14:47
Last Updated: 01.30.2025
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