Taiwan’s Coffee History: From Japanese Plantations to Modern Cafés

Ever wondered how coffee took root in Taiwan—and why it faded, only to return in new forms? The story isn’t just about beans, but colonial trade, wartime disruption, and a slow-burning revival. If you’re curious which regions in Taiwan once grew coffee seriously or how today’s café scene connects to the past, this timeline lays it all out.

Taiwan’s coffee story began in 1884 with British trials in Taipei’s Sanxia district, accelerated under Japanese rule with high-quality Arabica planted in the north, then scaled up in places like Zhiben and Ruisui—until war and shifting agriculture nearly wiped it out. Key farms like Antong and Hsusun still operate at scale today.

The Origins: British Trials and Japanese Expansion

Coffee first arrived in Taiwan in 1884 (during the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign) when the British introduced it to Taipei’s Sanxia area for trial planting. Later, during Japanese colonial rule, Japanese authorities identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as well suited for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties from abroad, first testing them successfully in the northern part of the island before expanding cultivation with major investments in regions like Zhiben and Ruisui—both known for strong yields.

The Golden Age and Sudden Decline

By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee production reached a peak, with abundant yields and high-quality beans that marked the island’s golden age of coffee. But this success was short-lived. The outbreak of the Pacific War disrupted sales, farming efforts faltered, and with no one left to tend the crops, many farmers switched to more reliable food crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat and withdrawal, coffee lost its momentum and nearly disappeared from Taiwanese agriculture entirely.

The Modern Era: Resurgence Through Cafés and Specialty Interest

Coffee culture in Taiwan saw several revivals in the 20th century. Around 1931, Japan’s Kimura Cafe Company planted coffee in Chiayi and later in Ruisui, Hualien. In 1950, during the U.S. military presence in Taiwan, instant coffee was introduced—initially limited to Nestlé products. By the 1960s, cafés serving honey-flavoured coffee thrived, with Taipei’s Wuchang Street’s famous Mingxing (Star) Café becoming a literary hub. In 1962, the first International Coffee Association formed, followed by Antong Farm’s coffee planting restart in 1963. The 1980s brought a mix of trends: book-themed cafés, garden-style cafés in central and southern Taiwan, European-style and Japanese-inspired coffee shops, and the rise of what are now Taiwan’s most common coffee chains.

Where Coffee Was Grown: Key Taiwanese Regions

Historically significant coffee-growing areas in Taiwan include:

• Sanxia (Taipei): Site of the first British trial planting in 1884.
• Zhiben (Taitung): Large-scale Arabica cultivation area during Japanese rule, known for good yields.
• Ruisui (Hualien): Another major Japanese-era coffee farming site with productive plantations.
• Antong Farm: One of the few remaining large-scale coffee farms in Taiwan today.
• Hsusun Farm: Also operates at scale and remains relevant in Taiwan’s coffee agriculture.

Faithfully Reported Historical Timeline

• 1884: British introduce coffee to Sanxia, Taipei for trial planting.
• Japanese colonial period: Arabsica imported and tested successfully in northern Taiwan, then expanded to Zhiben and Ruisui.
• 1941: Taiwan coffee production peaks in both volume and quality—marks the golden age.
• During WWII: Coffee sales collapse, labour shortages force farmers to switch to rice; post-war decline follows.
• 1931: Kimura Cafe Company plants coffee in Chiayi, later in Ruisui, Hualien.
• 1950: Instant coffee introduced to Taiwan via U.S. military presence; early market dominated by Nestlé.
• 1960: “Honey coffee” cafés thrive; Mingxing Café in Taipei becomes a literary gathering spot.
• 1962: First International Coffee Association is established.
• 1963: Antong Farm resumes coffee cultivation.
• 1980: Rise of book cafés, garden cafés, European- and Japanese-style cafés, and the first major coffee chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign) when the British conducted trial plantings in Taipei’s Sanxia district.

Did Japan play a role in Taiwan’s coffee history?

Yes, during Japanese colonial rule, authorities identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as suitable for coffee. They imported Arabica from abroad and successfully tested it in northern Taiwan before expanding cultivation to areas like Zhiben and Ruisui, achieving large-scale production.

What caused the decline of coffee farming in Taiwan?

Coffee farming peaked in 1941 but collapsed during World War II due to disrupted sales, lack of labour, and farmers switching to growing rice. After Japan’s defeat, coffee lost its agricultural and economic importance.

Are there still any large coffee farms in Taiwan today?

Yes, farms such as Antong and Hsusun are among the few remaining in Taiwan that still operate at scale and continue coffee production.

What were some key moments in Taiwan’s 20th-century coffee culture?

Key moments include the introduction of instant coffee in 1950, the popularity of honey-flavoured cafés and Mingxing Café in the 1960s, the establishment of the International Coffee Association in 1962, and the rise of various café styles and chains throughout the 1980s.

Which regions in Taiwan were historically important for coffee growing?

Important regions included Sanxia (Taipei), Zhiben (Taitung), Ruisui (Hualien), as well as Antong and Hsusun farms, which remain active to this day.

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