The first time you buy Taiwanese tea, the most common question isn't "Is there good tea available?" It’s: With so many options, which one should I pick? This is especially true if you are looking to buy Taiwanese tea as a gift; you might find yourself overthinking it.
What do they usually drink? Do they prefer light and floral or something stronger? If they don't know much about tea, will they find it hard to get used to?
Actually, you don't need to overcomplicate it. Choosing tea is sometimes like choosing a song.
Some people like a light melody, others prefer a fuller sound, and some enjoy a flavor that’s hard to describe but memorable once you’ve tasted it.
If you are currently choosing a Taiwanese tea gift, you can start by getting to know these three types: Pouchong, Honey Black Tea, and Oriental Beauty.
Pouchong｜If you like fresh, floral scents, start here.
If we had to name the tea Leaflow is most familiar with, it would probably be Pouchong.
That's because we come from Pinglin. There are tea plantations in the mountains of Pinglin, and in those plantations are the scents we’ve known since childhood.
Pouchong generally feels fresh and delicate, often characterized by floral notes and a gentle tea finish.
It isn't as intense as some teas upon the first sip. Instead, the fragrance lingers in the mouth after you drink it.
So, if you are looking for: a fresh type of Taiwanese tea, or tea suitable for someone who loves floral scents.
If you are new to Taiwanese tea and want to learn about Pinglin tea, you can start with Pouchong.
Suitable for: People who enjoy refreshing, floral, and delicate flavors.
If this is your first time gifting Taiwanese tea to a foreign friend, we also frequently recommend starting with Pouchong to introduce them to Taiwanese tea.
Honey Black Tea｜If you like black tea, this is the one to choose.
If the recipient usually drinks black tea, then Honey Black Tea is a natural choice.
It gives a different feeling compared to Pouchong. The tea liquor is mellow and carries a natural sweet aroma.
You don't need to overthink it; just brew a cup and enjoy it slowly.
So, if your friend usually:
Drinks black tea for breakfast or in the afternoon, or prefers a familiar black tea profile, Honey Black Tea is a great starting point for discovering Taiwanese tea.
Suitable for: People who regularly drink black tea and enjoy a mellow, sweet fragrance.
Oriental Beauty｜For those who want to experience tea with distinct Taiwanese character.
Oriental Beauty is a highly recognizable Taiwanese tea. Its aroma and flavor profile differ from the green or black teas most people are familiar with. With its delicate floral and fruity notes, combined with a unique tea finish, it is a tea many notice when first learning about Taiwanese specialty teas. If you aren't just looking to "buy a box of tea" but want to find something that makes the recipient think, "So this is what Taiwanese tea is like," then take a look at Oriental Beauty.
Suitable for: People who enjoy exploring different tea varieties and appreciate floral, fruity, and unique flavor profiles.
How to choose between these three Taiwanese teas?
If you’re still not sure what to choose, take a look here.
The profile you are looking for:
Fresh, floral, delicate — Pouchong
Mellow, sweet, black tea notes — Honey Black Tea
Floral and fruity, distinctive, highly recognizable — Oriental Beauty
In truth, there isn't one that is objectively "better." It simply depends on personal preference.
What if it’s a gift for a foreign friend?
If the recipient is new to Taiwanese tea, we suggest not just focusing on "which one is most famous."
Consider instead: What do they usually drink?
If they usually drink green tea or floral tea → Try Pouchong.
If they usually drink black tea → Choose Honey Black Tea.
If they love travel, culture, and unique experiences → Introduce them to Oriental Beauty.
And if you hope to gift more than just "a box of tea"—perhaps something that carries a memory of a journey through Taiwan—you can also choose the Taiwanese Tea Brick Postcard.
A piece of Taiwan can also be a tea gift. We have always loved the idea of "taking Taiwan with you."
That’s why we made the Taiwanese Tea Brick Postcard. One side is shaped like Taiwan; the other side is a Taiwan postcard.
And in the middle is a piece of Taiwanese tea. It is small and fits into a backpack. You can even mail it to someone living very far away.
The person who receives it might not know where Pinglin is, but when they brew the tea, they might start to wonder: Where did this cup of tea come from? That would be wonderful. A story can start with a cup of tea.
Taiwanese Tea Brick Postcard
One side Taiwan, one side a postcard, with a piece of Taiwanese tea in the middle.
→ Bring a little piece of Taiwan home
FAQ｜Common Questions About Taiwanese Tea Gifts
Which Taiwanese tea do you recommend for gifting?
If buying Taiwanese tea for the first time, you can choose based on the recipient's tea-drinking habits. If they like fresh floral notes, consider Pouchong; if they usually drink black tea, choose Honey Black Tea; if they want to learn about tea with distinct Taiwanese characteristics, try Oriental Beauty.
What is suitable for someone drinking Taiwanese tea for the first time?
You can start with tea varieties that have an easily accessible flavor profile. Pouchong features a fresh floral scent and is suitable for those who prefer a crisp tea experience.
What are the differences between Pouchong, Honey Black Tea, and Oriental Beauty?
The three differ in tea cultivar, processing method, and flavor. Simply put, Pouchong leans toward fresh floral notes; Honey Black Tea has a mellow black tea quality with a natural sweet aroma; Oriental Beauty features more distinct floral and fruity aromas and a unique tea finish.
Is Taiwanese tea suitable for gifting to foreign friends?
Yes. Taiwanese tea has strong local and cultural significance, and the tea leaves are relatively easy to carry. If you want a gift with more of a travel-souvenir feel, you can choose the Taiwanese Tea Brick Postcard, which combines a Taiwan-shaped design with a postcard.
Can I buy Taiwanese tea while traveling in Taiwan?
Yes. Taiwan has many different tea regions and specialty tea varieties. If you want to bring Taiwanese tea home, you can choose based on your own taste or the preferences of the person you are gifting to.
