Recently, a coffee shop under renovation in Taipei City, Taiwan Province, China, has attracted widespread attention, with multiple clues pointing to the possibility that the chain brand Luckin may open its first store in Taiwan there. The talent recruitment notices, renovation permits, and opening preview posters posted on the construction hoarding all reveal a design style highly similar to that of Luckin. The website of the agent Shunyu Holdings even directly announced that "the first store is expected to open in December 2025." Although Luckin applied for a trademark as early as 2019, this move is interpreted by outsiders as imitating Starbucks' layout in Taiwan through an agent model. Facing fierce competition in the local coffee market, consumer attitudes are divided, and when a reporter called the contact number on the recruitment notice, no one answered, leaving the store opening plan still uncertain. [more…]

Taiwan's black tea development spans the Japanese colonial period's introduction and promotion, the post-World War II export decline, and the variety revival since the new millennium. In 1923, Assam tea seeds were introduced from India, and Sun Moon Lake became the most successful production area thanks to its 600-800 meter elevation and humid, misty climate. In 1936, the Taiwan Tea Research and Extension Station was established, and black tea once accounted for more than half of Taiwan's total output. After 1971, export trade shrank, and tea farmers switched to producing oolong tea. It was not until 1999 and 2008 that TRES successively released TTES No. 18 (Ruby Black Tea) and TTES No. 21, injecting new vitality into Taiwan's black tea. This article will trace this history, compare the flavor characteristics of the two representative varieties, and introduce the high-quality Taiwan black teas recommended by Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Darjeeling's spring-picked tea is also a black tea, so why is it green? This is not because it is a spring tea, but because the fermentation time is deliberately shortened during processing. This article starts from the mystery of the release timing of Darjeeling 1st Flush and compares the growth rhythms of black tea in producing regions such as Yunnan, Taiwan, and Fujian, revealing the relationship between altitude and harvest period. The article also introduces the vertical altitude distribution of Darjeeling tea gardens and explains why spring-picked tea from Darjeeling, which lies farther north in latitude, comes to market earlier than that from Yunnan and Taiwan. Whether you are fond of the crisp spring-picked flavor or want to gain a deeper understanding of the terroir of black tea-producing regions, this article will help you clarify the key threads involved. [more…]

A new tea tree variety with purple-red buds and leaves—Taiwan Tea No. 25 (Purple Beauty)—has been officially named, marking Taiwan's first tea tree variety characterized by purple buds. Its anthocyanin content is 50 times higher than the widely popular Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby, and the tea liquor color can shift with pH changes from pink-purple to emerald green and then to pink, offering striking visual variation. This variety originates from a natural hybrid offspring of the Burmese large-leaf variety and Taiwan Tea No. 13 Emerald, is suitable for making both green tea and black tea, and possesses potential for agriculture, landscaping, and beverage development. Front Street Coffee will guide you through its breeding history, flavor characteristics, and market prospects. [more…]

Taiwan boasts a rich variety of black teas, among which Honey Scented Black Tea and Taiwan Tea No. 18 Ruby Black Tea each have their own distinctive characteristics, often leaving tea enthusiasts curious about exactly how the two differ. Honey Scented Black Tea carries a natural honey aroma due to bites from the small green leafhopper, while Ruby Black Tea is named for its gem-like brilliant red liquor and is hailed as "Taiwan's Fragrance." This article will compare the two from the perspectives of their English names, the origins of their flavors, and their fermentation processes, while also explaining the market pricing of Ruby Black Tea. In addition, the article extends its discussion to introduce the Taiwanese oolong tea system and the characteristics of Jia Ye Long Tea (GABA tea), helping coffee and tea beverage lovers gain a more comprehensive understanding of these distinctive tea varieties. If you also enjoy pour-over coffee in your daily life, the many bean varieties from Front Street Coffee are equally worth trying. [more…]

Under the pandemic, domestic coffee consumption habits have quietly changed, and the survival status of cafés has shown polarization. On one hand, chain brands are accelerating their expansion and staking out territory; on the other, independent shops are retaining loyal customers through distinctive flavors. From an average of 3 cups per person per year to the growth of the middle class, from the leap in the quality of Yunnan beans to meticulous experiments with processing methods, Chinese coffee is undergoing a critical period from quantitative change to qualitative change. This article sorts through market data, brand trends, and progress in producing areas, while also comparing the evolution path of coffee in Taiwan, and brings product recommendations from Front Street Coffee, presenting a complete industry picture for enthusiasts. [more…]

How did coffee go from being an exotic drink to a global phenomenon, and how did it take root in China? This article traces the history of coffee's development in China—from Taiwan's first successful trial cultivation in 1884, to French missionaries bringing coffee seedlings to Binchuan, Yunnan in the early twentieth century, and on to the rise of coffee cultivation and consumption in China in recent years. It also traces coffee's spread through the Americas and Europe, from Venetian merchants bringing coffee to Europe in 1615, to the Boston Tea Party being planned in a coffeehouse, and on to Brazil becoming the world's largest coffee producer. Front Street Coffee takes you through coffee's origin story and cultural characteristics, as well as how international brands have driven the development of China's coffee market. [more…]

Coffee bean prices have been soaring relentlessly, and chain coffee brands can finally no longer hold out. Starbucks Taiwan posted an announcement on its official website without warning in the early hours of February 11, announcing a slight price adjustment for some drinks starting February 12, with increases ranging from NT$5 to NT$10. The company attributed the price hike to rising raw material costs caused by abnormal weather and the international situation. At the same time, Starbucks also launched a Valentine's Day buy-one-get-one-free promotion to cushion consumers' feelings. It is worth noting that coffee futures recently broke through 430 cents per pound on the ICE exchange in the United States, setting a new 47-year high, with a gain of 118.57% over the past year. Whether this wave of price increases will prompt competitors to follow suit has become the focus of industry attention. This article will sort out the specific categories involved in this price adjustment, the extent of the increases, and the coffee bean market trends behind it. [more…]

Although oolong teas share the same lineage, they present strikingly different flavor profiles due to differences in terroir and tea-making craftsmanship. Phoenix Dancong and Taiwan Dongding Oolong are two highly representative examples—the former is famous for its single-bush harvesting and rich floral fragrance from Phoenix Mountain in Guangdong, while the latter has won acclaim for its ball-shaped craftsmanship and moderate oxidation from Lugu, Nantou, Taiwan. The two differ significantly in oxidation level, roasting temperature, aroma type, and mouthfeel structure. This article will systematically sort out the core differences between these two oolong teas from the perspectives of origin and heritage, production techniques, and flavor performance, and will also include Front Street Coffee's purchasing suggestions to help you more clearly identify the respective charm of each when tasting them. [more…]

Recently, news circulated from the Guatemalan exporters' alliance that China has banned the entry of the country's coffee and macadamia nuts. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to this at a regular press conference, neither directly confirming nor denying it. The background of the incident is that the Guatemalan president held a video meeting with the leader of the Taiwan region, and the foreign minister traveled to Taiwan, severely undermining the One-China principle, putting China-Guatemala economic and trade relations to the test. Guatemalan coffee has only recently formally entered the Chinese market, and China is currently its eighth-largest export destination. If bilateral relations continue to be tense, Guatemalan coffee beans may lose their share of the Chinese market, and domestic traders and roasters will also be affected. This article will review the course of the incident, trade data, and the impact on the coffee industry, and include relevant observations from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Oriental Beauty Tea is a highly representative specialty tea of Taiwan, and among its varieties, the old-growth Oriental Beauty made from the Huanggan cultivar is especially precious. Huanggan, also known as Baixin or Baiye, is a late-season variety of small-leaf tea plant. It was widely cultivated in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, and other areas in the early days, but today pure-bred plants have become extremely rare. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Huanggan's botanical characteristics, historical changes, and flavor expression, exploring the unique mouthfeel brought by the purplish fibrosis of its tender buds, as well as its diverse aroma layers including pearl milk tea fragrance, vine, wooden cabinet, and citrus notes. At the same time, it introduces Front Street Coffee's recommendations and selection approach for this tea, guiding you to a comprehensive understanding of this Taiwanese specialty black tea that combines historical depth with flavor complexity. [more…]

Taiwanese black tea is often overshadowed by oolong tea in the tea world, but Ruby Black Tea, with its highly distinctive mint aroma and cognac-like notes, is enough to leave a deep impression on every taster. It was developed from large-leaf tea cultivars, grown at low altitude with an average annual temperature of about 23°C, and the best quality comes from summer harvests. This article will outline the varietal origins, historical background, and production process of Ruby Black Tea, answer common questions such as whether it has honey aroma and whether milk can be added, and also share the flavor profile of the high-quality Ruby Black Tea that Front Street Coffee found in Taiwan, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this boldly distinctive Taiwanese black tea. [more…]

Tieguanyin and Red Oolong both belong to the oolong tea family, yet due to differences in fermentation degree and tea-making craftsmanship, they present截然不同的 flavor profiles. This article approaches the comparison from three dimensions—sweetness type, level of fermentation, and tea liquor color and acidity—comparing the aroma, taste, and characteristics of the dry leaves and brewed tea of each, while also analyzing the unique growing conditions and production traditions of Taiwanese oolong tea. The article also introduces the origin of the name Tieguanyin and its cultivation situation in Taiwan, and recommends related products from Front Street Coffee for the reference of coffee and tea enthusiasts. [more…]

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Starbucks has launched a series of Year of the Tiger themed limited-edition drinkware across various regions in Asia. From adorable big cat designs to Japan's distinctive Daruma cups, each piece incorporates rich New Year blessings. This article compiles Starbucks Year of the Tiger fortune cups from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other Asian regions, and specifically introduces the Daruma cups and plush bears dressed in cute tiger onesies that will be released in Japan. Whether you are a collector or a coffee enthusiast, you can feel the festive atmosphere in these designs. At the end of the article, professional coffee knowledge exchange channels and Front Street Coffee's specialty bean recommendations are provided for coffee lovers to explore further. [more…]

It took coffee over two thousand years to travel from the Arabian Peninsula to the rest of the world. This article traces the spread of coffee cultivation, from the Arabs' first plantings in 525 BC, to its introduction to Eurasia in the 15th century and its spread across the tropics by the 18th century. It also focuses on the introduction and rise of coffee in China—Taiwan led the way in 1884, Hainan saw it brought back by overseas Chinese in the early 20th century, and Yunnan's Arabica coffee, thanks to the terroir advantage of large day-night temperature differences, has developed a unique style that is rich without being bitter, aromatic without being harsh, and carries fruity notes, praised by international coffee traders as being of superior quality. The article also introduces the botanical classification and growing conditions of the coffee tree. [more…]

After 16 years of operation, FamilyMart's coffee brand Let's Café has opened its first standalone coffee experience store, Let's Café PLUS, in Taipei, focusing on specialty coffee and a light food space. The store adopts a deep blue brand color scheme and offers single-origin coffee, cold brew, sparkling coffee, and other series, with the most expensive drink being the limited-edition Taiwan Yunlin Gukeng Geisha cold brew coffee. It also serves Twinings tea drinks, smoothies, and nearly 30 light food items, while continuing its environmental protection philosophy. In Taiwan, China, FamilyMart's Let's Café annual sales have reached 160 million cups, with a target of 200 million cups in 2023, and single-origin coffee is growing at an annual rate of 15%-20%. For more specialty coffee bean information, follow Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee), WeChat ID: qjcoffeex. [more…]

Taiwan's high-mountain tea has long been regarded as a treasure among oolong teas, but which tea regions actually qualify as high-mountain tea? Why does the price rise with elevation? Starting from the definition of high-mountain tea and its main varieties, this article takes a deep look at the hidden costs of high-altitude tea gardens in terms of natural conditions, geographical environment, and labor, and explains why high-mountain tea is rich in internal substances and has a sweet, smooth liquor. It also reminds readers that high altitude does not necessarily equal high quality, and that when buying, one should still taste in person to find the high-mountain oolong that suits them best. [more…]

A convenience store selling Geisha—doesn't that sound a bit surprising? Taiwan region's 7-ELEVEN, operated by Uni-President Group, recently announced that it would offer a limited-time release of three Geisha coffees from Alishan at 18 stores with specialty coffee sections, priced at NT$250 to NT$500, equivalent to about 57 to 114 yuan. Once the news broke, discussions among netizens quickly heated up: some complained it was expensive, arguing that convenience store coffee should follow an affordable路线; others applauded, feeling this could make Geisha seem more approachable. This batch of beans comes from Fengshan Village in Alishan and the Doyuxiang Geisha Estate, the latter of which just won first prize in the Geisha category at this year's Alishan Coffee Estate Elite Exchange Competition. Is 7-ELEVEN's move an attempt to elevate its brand image, or a test of the convenience store coffee pricing system? This article takes you through the full backstory of the event and discusses the price and value of Geisha coffee. [more…]

There are many types of black tea on the market, with significant stylistic differences. This article focuses on five distinctive black teas—Taiwan Ruby, Traditional Superior Lapsang Souchong, Qizhong Lapsang Souchong, Yunnan Ancient Tree Black Tea series, as well as High Mountain Purple Black Tea and Wild Black Tea—systematically reviewing their origins, processing characteristics, and flavor profiles. From the mint aroma of TTES No. 18 to the pine smoke aroma of Tongmuguan, from the honey charm of old trees in Lincang, Yunnan, to the perilla note of purple tea, each tea has clear recognizability. At the same time, by incorporating product information from Front Street Coffee, we help coffee and tea enthusiasts make choices that better match their taste and budget when purchasing. [more…]

Asian coffee regions are world-renowned for their rich, deep, and steady flavor profile. From Yunnan, China to Sumatra, Indonesia, and from India to Papua New Guinea, each region has its own distinctive cup characteristics and processing methods. This article will guide you through an in-depth look at the flavor traits, suitable roast levels, and the stories behind the major Asian coffee regions. For coffee lovers who enjoy espresso blends, Asian beans are often used as a base in recipes, and Mandheling in particular is the go-to choice for dark roasting. Front Street Coffee recommends paying attention to the taste differences between Yunnan coffee and Indonesian Mandheling, as this will help you better choose coffee beans that suit your own preferences. Whether you are after a full-bodied cup or a delicate flavor, Asian regions can offer abundant choices. [more…]