The shelves are full of the
herbs grown in the owner's
garden.
This teashop features shelved
books and spiritual
consultations.
The Fountain of Youth features
a recipe of mixed herbs--
marigold, passion flower,
rosemary, sage, lemon balm
and roses--that results in a
taste that is soothing for your
throat. This order comes with
homemade herb cookies.
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Chi's Herb House
By Uvia Chang
Translated by Sho Huang
(04) 2451-3166
246-17, QingHai Rd, Sec 2
Hours: 11 am-9:30 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Free Wi-Fi. Minimum NT$160/person charge.
Pure luck led me to this lovely teashop. On the way somewhere, I passed the shop front and was attracted to its petite, adorable decorations and appearance. I pushed the door open and was immediately arrested by light, sweet herbal fragrances, which were soothing and comforting. The lively interior decor gave off a youthful energy and books and magazines filled up rows of shelves, making this a perfect afternoon-tea spot.
Another interesting detail about Chi's Herb House is the fact that the attractive owner was once a flight attendant. This job took her around the world, which was exciting but also exhausting at times. It was by chance during this time that she discovered the benefits of herbs, relaxing and calming both her body and mind. Consequently, she brought back all kinds of herbal seeds from overseas and planted them in some land left by her grandfather. Neither pesticides nor chemical fertilizers were used. Instead, the owner's entire family weeded, picked out worms and watered the plot together. The end result of this love and care was a thriving garden of herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Chi's teas are not only savory and healthy, but also offered in a broad variety with some of the drinks served here not found anywhere else. Each drink has its own individual charm. The long menu includes different specially-selected herbal teas: Single Herb (NT$150/pot) provides the usual choices, like Lavender, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Anise Hyssop and Borage, there are many others you've never heard before, waiting to be tried. Using her professional knowledge of herbs, the owner also invented mixed-herb tea varieties (NT$170) with names like Sound Sleep, Slim Beauty, Slender Legs, Charming Bosom and Creamy Skin, making it almost feel like you're at a beauty parlor while enjoying a drink here.
 
Left: Xin Hui, a spiritual teacher, gives free consultations to customers who consume more than NT$200 in the shop.
Right: The Fresh Garden Sandwich (NT$80) is prepared with fresh vegetables, fruit and a pumpkin flower dressing. Pumpkin flowers are known to open for just a few hours a day.
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December 2010
