Space Black Tea Ice

Review

Space Black Tea Ice is on Lequn Street in the West District's Fifth Market, right next to Abin Braised Pork Rice. Opened around 1966, it is called the market's elder statesman of black tea. Reports say it opened the year of the Apollo moon landing, hence the name "Space." The second-generation owner, Chen Shu-mei, now runs it; for half a century it has built its name on one black tea, and even the city mayor is a fan of the original, with city staff often placing group orders.

The leaves are Assam from Yuchi in Nantou, and the owner starts brewing at 4 a.m. every day. Lemons come from a Pingtung growers' group and are squeezed fresh daily, the plums are green plums from Shuili, and the shop stresses that it uses no chemical additives. A 2026 report describes the original tea as smooth and not astringent, with a faint coffee-like aroma. The plum black tea is the most layered, opening with tea, then plum tartness, then a sweet finish, and the writer strongly recommends it. Other writers find the tea light, mildly sweet and refreshing.

Prices vary by year: a 2024 report lists a large black tea at NT$25, while a 2026 report says NT$30 a cup, NT$55 for lemon or plum black tea and NT$20 for the old-style plastic bag; go by the board on site. Media and diners agree it is cheap, smooth and honestly made. The most common complaint is that it sells out too early, closing around noon, so a special afternoon trip may end in disappointment.

Hours differ between sources, listed as 7:20 to 15:00, 7:30 to 14:00 or until 13:30, but all agree it closes when sold out; reports say more than ten barrels of tea are often gone by around noon. Bringing your own container earns a discount, and payment is mainly cash. Abin Braised Pork Rice is right next door, so the two make an easy breakfast pairing.

It suits anyone browsing the Fifth Market in the morning who wants a cheap thirst-quencher. On a first visit start with the original black tea; if you like sweet and sour, order the plum black tea. For nostalgia, choose the plastic bag and sip as you wander.