Recently, Tokyo’s renowned Michelin three-star restaurant "CHA ZEN HUA", which has held the prestigious honor for four consecutive years, made a special appearance in Taiwan. Chef Tomoya Kawada collaborated with Taipei Regent Hotel to present an extraordinary Tea Pairing feast that masterfully combined Eastern and Western culinary elements. This groundbreaking event not only offered an unparalleled gastronomic experience but also marked a new milestone in Taiwan’s culinary history.
The Art of Tea Pairing: A Fusion of Cultures
With a deep understanding of Wine Pairing, Chef Kawada seamlessly integrated this Western concept into Chinese cuisine, curating a refined dining experience by pairing select teas from Japan, Taiwan, and China with elegantly crafted Chinese dishes. The result was a one-of-a-kind tea-infused culinary journey that redefined the art of food pairing.
The event featured tea sommeliers Sunny and Huang Sui-Xiang from the International Tea Sommelier Academy, who provided expert guidance and live demonstrations of ten exquisite teas:
Featured Teas:
- Oriental Beauty Tea
- Kyoto Gyokuro
- Wenshan Pouchong Tea
- 30-Year-Aged Dong Ding Oolong
- 2021 Phoenix Dan Cong Laocong
- Nara Sencha
- Rock Tea Bai Rui Xiang
- Tai Ping Hou Kui
- Awa Bancha
- Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Lapsang Souchong)
Additionally, the event showcased CHA ZEN HUA’s exclusive spiced black tea, which captivated guests with its warm, aromatic undertones—an innovative creation that left a lasting impression.
A Sensory and Cultural Feast
Under the expert guidance of tea sommeliers, each tea and dish pairing unfolded into a multi-layered sensory experience, mesmerizing guests with its complexity and harmony. Beyond a mere tasting event, this was a celebration of culture and knowledge, allowing participants to gain deeper insights into the essence and artistry of tea culture.
A New Milestone in Taiwan’s Culinary Landscape
The seamless blend of tea and cuisine in this event not only highlighted the delicate elegance of Eastern aesthetics but also symbolized a new era of diversity and innovation in Taiwan’s culinary scene. With this successful showcase, the future holds even more exciting opportunities for tea-pairing experiences, inviting us all to explore and savor the rich world of tea-infused gastronomy.
