Hello! If you’ve ever had bubble tea in Japan, chances are you’ve heard of Chun Shui Tang – the Taiwanese café chain credited with inventing the original bubble milk tea. But here’s something many people don’t know: Chun Shui Tang isn’t just about drinks. It’s also a great place to enjoy freshly made, authentic Taiwanese food.
I recently visited their Yokohama Bayside location and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of dishes on offer. Here’s a look at my eat-in experience, plus some tips for visiting their café-restaurants across Japan.
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A Little Background: From Taichung to Tokyo
Chun Shui Tang (春水堂, pronounced “Chun-sui-tan”) started in Taichung, Taiwan, in 1983. They’re famous for creating one of the first ever bubble milk teas – a drink that went on to take the world by storm.
In Japan, Chun Shui Tang has expanded to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. While many people drop by for takeaway drinks, several of their locations offer a full eat-in menu with classic Taiwanese dishes like lu rou fan (braised pork rice) and noodles – making it an ideal spot for lunch.
Where You Can Eat In (as of September 2025)
There are 13 Chun Shui Tang branches in Japan where you can sit down for a proper meal. The menu is mostly the same at each location, so you’ll get the same taste whether you’re in Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka.
Atmosphere – Relaxed Taiwanese Café Vibes
The interior of Chun Shui Tang cafés is warm and cozy, with natural wood tones and minimalist design. It feels calm and inviting – perfect for solo dining, catching up with friends, or even just enjoying a quiet afternoon tea. You really do get that “Taiwan café” feeling without leaving Japan.
3 Must-Try Dishes
Yes, the bubble tea is amazing – but the food is just as good. Here are my top three picks from my visit:
Summer Veggie Sour & Spicy Cold Noodles – ¥1,210
A refreshing bowl of chilled noodles topped with seasonal vegetables like tomato and aubergine. The sauce has a tangy kick with a hint of sesame oil – perfect for hot weather.
Taiwanese Noodle Set – ¥2,420
Their most popular set meal, ideal for first timers. You get:
A choice of Taiwanese noodle dish
Ji Rou Fan (steamed chicken rice with a soft-boiled egg and pickled greens)
Two plump prawn dumplings with a vinegar dipping sauce
A full-sized bubble milk tea
Full size – not the tiny “set drink” you might expect!)
A choice of Taiwanese sweets
Aiyu Mango: Jelly – a fragrant jasmine jelly topped with sweet mango pieces, a beloved Taiwanese dessert.
This set lets you sample a little bit of everything – great if you can’t decide.
Yuzu Salt Chicken Soup Noodles – ¥1,100
A light and comforting bowl of noodle soup with the gentle citrus aroma of yuzu. Perfect if you want something soothing but still flavorful.
When to Visit – Beat the Lunchtime Rush
When I went on a weekend, it was quiet around 11:30am, but by 12:00 it was completely full. Lunchtime (12:00–13:00) is peak time, so try to arrive early. Weekdays are slightly calmer, but the midday rush still happens.
Final Thoughts – Come for the Tea, Stay for the Food
If you’ve only ever grabbed a takeaway drink from Chun Shui Tang, you’re missing out. Their eat-in menu is a fantastic way to experience Taiwanese food culture without getting on a plane. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, you can enjoy the same high-quality dishes.
So next time, don’t just order a drink – make it a full Taiwanese lunch!
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