KEBUKE Taichung Xiangshang

Review

KEBUKE was founded in Taichung in 2008. Reports say it began as a traditional drink stand beside Xiangshang Market, with a green sign and a menu much like any other drink shop, selling winter melon tea and plain black tea, and went through several transformations before becoming what it is today. A 2016 rebrand brought a vintage British look and a "world trading tea house" concept, renaming drinks with poetic titles like aged black tea and spring-bud cold dew. When Yummy Town invested NT$80 million for a 20% stake in 2020, it already had over 170 stores in Taiwan; it marked its 18th anniversary in 2026, with the name now extended to Kebuke Aged Tea House. This Xiangshang shop is on Xiangshang Road in the West District, right in the area where the brand began.

The signature aged black tea uses Sri Lankan aged black tea, which a 2026 menu roundup describes as woody with notes of ripe fruit and longan, good for cutting the richness of meat. Spring-bud cold dew blends winter melon with tea and finishes with an aged, clean aftertaste; fans suggest ordering it unsweetened with white pearls. Rouge black tea pairs Ceylon tea with dried fruit and petals for a clear peach aroma, and white pearl au lait is rich milk tea with chewy white pearls. In September 2026 the brand launched its Red Oolong King series nationwide, combining teas from Luye in Taitung and from Nantou with notes of honey, citrus and wood, and partnered with Asia's 50 Best Bars honorees including Taichung's Vender.

Online opinions mostly focus on the brand and menu: praise goes to smooth pure teas, memorable drink names and the pleasant texture of the white pearls. On the other hand, available sources say nothing specific about this Xiangshang shop's service, queues or condition, and some netizens were surprised by the dated design from before the rebrand. Menu articles tend to read as recommendations, so treat them as a guide rather than gospel.

Prices vary by store type: at street shops in central and southern Taiwan, aged black tea is NT$30 medium and NT$35 large, spring-bud cold dew NT$35–40, rouge black tea NT$40–45 and white pearl au lait NT$60–70; mall stores cost more. Light or reduced sugar with less ice is usually recommended. Our data lists hours of 9:00 to 23:00; check the official site before you go.

It suits fans of pure tea who want to try a chain that started in Taichung. On a first visit, aged black tea or spring-bud cold dew best shows its character; for something chewy pick white pearl au lait, and for the newest release try the Red Oolong King.