From a Late-Night Tea Cocktail to Sunrise in Alishan: My Journey to Discovering Taiwan’s Hidden Tea Master
As a tea sommelier, I’ve always believed that tea is more than just a beverage—it is a bridge to stories, traditions, and the people behind the leaves. My first encounter with Taiwan’s oolong tea was unforgettable. The vibrant floral and fruity notes felt like a revelation of the Taiwanese island’s incredible terroir. But tasting wasn’t enough. I wanted to experience it all firsthand: the land, the process, and the heart of the craft.
That is what brought us from Zurich to Taiwan. Our goal was simple yet profound—to find a partner who shared our passion for tea, someone whose story could inspire others to see tea not just as a drink, but as a connection to something larger. Our journey took us to Chiayi City, a gateway to Alishan’s well-known tea farms. But before we could even reach the mountains, we stumbled upon an experience that left an indelible mark on my tea journey.
An Unplanned Encounter Over a Tea Cocktail
After hours on the road from Taipei, we arrived in Chiayi City around 10 p.m., exhausted from the long drive. I hadn’t slept much the night before, and all I could think about was how drained I felt. But then we stumbled upon a small bar, drawn by the promise of Taiwan’s famous tea bars and cocktails.
The moment I stepped inside, I ordered a tea cocktail and struck up a conversation with the man sitting next to me. He introduced himself as Mao, and by sheer luck, he was the owner of a well-known tea bar in Chiayi (Casa). That night, however, he was off-duty, enjoying a rare evening out. Even if I never met Mao before, I could feel he had a truly kind heart so we started chatting.
Naturally, I shared our story: how we’d flown from Zurich, driven to Chiayi, and were on a mission to find tea farms in the Alishan mountain area. I told him about my vision—not just to source great tea, but to connect people to the rich narratives behind every cup. Mao listened thoughtfully, then smiled. “I know someone you need to meet,” he said.
The Call to Tea Master Mitch Chung
Mao immediately called his friend Mitch Chung at midnight in that same moment, a tea master whose family has been cultivating tea for the second generation. “Mitch’s teas are exceptional,” Mao explained. “And his story is even more remarkable.”
Though Mitch was incredibly busy, he welcomed the opportunity to share his world with someone who truly appreciated the craft. He couldn’t meet us that night, but he invited me to visit his house early the next morning. Mao provided Mitch’s address and detailed directions, ensuring I could find my way.
I managed only five hours of sleep, but the excitement for what lay ahead kept me going.
An Early Morning at Mitch’s Tea House & a Late Night at the Farm
By 10 a.m., I arrived at Mitch's house and waited for someone to open me the door to the real Taiwanese tea culture and excellence.
What followed was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life: witnessing the oolong tea roasting process up close, and sipping over different teas with a master I long dreamed to meet for a memorable tasting of his own production. There is something deeply calming and invigorating about the scent of tea as it transforms—it’s as if the leaves themselves are breathing life into the room.
Despite my exhaustion, I felt completely awake and focused. The combination of Mitch’s passion and the sensory experience was unlike anything I would ever encountered. It wasn’t just about seeing the process; it was about feeling it. My mind and body were in perfect sync, energized by the tea’s natural properties.
Mitch also invited us to have a closer look at his tea production in Alishan. We reached it at around 8 pm on that same night after some more driving uphill.
The tea farm was quiet at this time, the misty weather of November was filling the air, and the team was busy with moving the resting fresh leaves before processing them. As the leaves were moving in the air tossed by several team members, the aroma of sweet Oolong tea made me smile and we started to work together. Seeing the whole production in front of my eyes was absolutely memorable.
A Tea Master Story of Love & Hate
Mitch shared with us his culture, his passion and a lot of generous hospitality. As a child of second generation of tea producers, the path to tea for him began when he was very young. He initially dreaded the summers he had to spend on his family tea farm, and later he graduated from university hoping to get as far as possible from tea. I found it particularly funny that both of us, Mitch and I, have both worked in IT before approaching the world of tea. After 15 years of working in IT, Mitch had to come for help his family during a devastating Typhoon. That was the moment he found himself back to reinvent his life around tea and embrace it. Mitch is a certified professional tea master by the Taiwan’s Tea Research Center. Still today, he strives to preserve near-lost tea making techniques by adding unique floral notes to his teas.
Explore Mitch’s Masterpiece Teas Today
Bring home the taste of Taiwan’s high mountains and discover the artistry behind every leaf to savor the craft of a tea master who turned his story of love and hate into a legacy of flavor.
Alishan High Mountain Black Tea – 2024 Fall Harvest (T-12 Sijichun) by Tea Master Mitch Chung
Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea – 2024 Fall Harvest (T-12 Sijichun) by Tea Master Mitch-Chung
Building a Mission, One Cup at a Time
Spending the morning and evening with Mitch was more than a learning experience; it was an awakening. His dedication to tea goes beyond craftsmanship—it’s about sharing a story, a connection, and a mission. That’s when I knew Mitch wasn’t just a tea master; he was a partner in our shared vision.
At Tea OMAKASE, we are not just curating exceptional teas. We are inviting you to participate in the journeys of people like Mitch. When you sip one of his high-mountain oolongs or richly roasted Dong Ding teas, you are not just tasting the leaves; you are taking part in a legacy of resilience, innovation, and cultural preservation.
Why This Story Matters
This journey—from a late-night tea bar in Chiayi to the serene fields of Alishan—is a reminder of why I do what I do. Tea isn’t just about flavor; it is about the people and stories that make each cup meaningful. By sharing these stories, we are building a bridge between tradition and the modern world, connecting tea lovers to the heart of the craft.
Mitch’s journey wasn’t easy, but he came to love tea through a bittersweet story. His calling as a passionate master is a proof of the power of embracing one's roots. Through Tea OMAKASE, we are proud to bring his story—and his extraordinary teas—to you.
Join us in this mission. Every cup you drink is a step on a journey that connects you to the land, the people, and the stories that make tea truly special.
