YiFang (Shaftesbury Avenue) | Cafe
When passing along Shaftesbury Avenue, look for Yi Fang’s slender, blink-and-you-miss-it doorway. For behind the modestly sized exterior, you’ll find all manner of Taiwanese tea delights.
Inspired by childhood memories of Taiwan, YiFang’s premium teas come courtesy of the secret recipe book of its founder’s great grandmother. With every sip you’ll be transported to the East Asian state. From fun and fruity brews to traditional milky teas, the refreshing tea menu is resplendent with myriad tea types. What’s more, YiFang harvest their own tea and grown their own fruit.
For a taste of true Taiwan, opt for their signature YiFang Fruit Tea. Masterfully blending Taiwanese tea with seasonal fruit slices, it’s made from just-brewed, premium mountain tea, pineapple, passion fruit, apple and orange. This sunny yellow drink will have your taste buds dancing.
Of course, no self-respecting Taiwanese tea joint wouldn’t be without its infamous bubble teas. Sweet, creamy with a warm caramel hue, YiFang’s Brown Sugar Pearl with Milk comes complete with inky-black pearls that pop on your tongue as you gulp. Made by layering fresh milk tea over natural brown sugar, your cup can be turned topsy-turvy to create a ‘mud’ effect as the dark sugar slowly and slurpably mixes with the fresh milk.
Served ice-cold for summer or as a hot winter-warmer, YiFang’s teas are perfect all year round. Step inside onto the ornately tiled floor, place your order at a small counter wooden counter and – voila! – your tea will appear as if by magic from behind a glass screen. At YiFang, it’s always tea time.