The History of Coffee in Taiwan

When did coffee first arrive in Taiwan—and why did it nearly vanish? If you’ve ever sipped a cup in Taipei and wondered how this island developed its own coffee story, the answer lies in a mix of colonial experiments, wartime disruptions, and postwar cultural shifts. The timeline stretches from 19th-century British trials to Japanese investments and American military influence—all shaping what Taiwanese coffee is today.

The first coffee plants were introduced to Taiwan in 1884 by the British in Taipei’s Sanxia district. Later, during Japanese rule, the crop was expanded with imported Arabica varieties planted successfully in northern regions before larger investments in Chihpen and Rueisuei. By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee production peaked in both volume and quality—only to decline due to WWII, shifting agriculture, and postwar neglect.

Early Coffee Experiments: British and Japanese Roots

Taiwan’s coffee story begins in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign), when the British attempted to cultivate coffee in Taipei’s Sanxia area. Though these early efforts were modest, they marked the first introduction of coffee to the island. During Japan’s colonial rule (1895–1945), Japanese authorities identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as well-suited for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties from abroad, initially testing them in the north. Successful trials led to larger-scale planting in regions like Chihpen (Zhiben) and Rueisuei (Ruisui), where production flourished. By the early 20th century, these efforts had established a foundation for Taiwan’s coffee industry.

The Golden Age and Unexpected Collapse

Production peaked in 1941, when Taiwan’s coffee was noted for both abundance and quality. However, the outbreak of the Pacific War disrupted sales and cultivation. With markets vanishing and labor redirected, many farmers abandoned coffee in favor of more essential crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat and withdrawal, coffee lost what little momentum it had left, leading to a sharp decline. The once-promising industry faded, leaving only small-scale remnants.

Modern Revival: From Military Influence to Café Culture

Coffee made a quiet comeback in the mid-20th century. American military presence in Taiwan after World War II introduced instant coffee to the local market—initially limited to brands like Nestlé. By the 1960s, cafés like Taipei’s Mingxing Coffee Shop (on Wuchang Street) became hubs for writers and intellectuals, ushering in what’s now remembered as the “honey coffee shop era.” In 1963, the Andong Farm began cultivating coffee again, followed by other ventures. The 1980s saw the rise of bookstore cafés, garden-style cafés in central and southern Taiwan, European-style coffee shops, Japanese-inspired cafés, and eventually the modern wave of popular coffee chains that dominate today’s urban landscape.

Other key moments include the establishment of the first International Coffee Association in 1962 and the 1931 planting of coffee by Japan’s Kimura Cafe Company in Chiayi and later in Rueisuei, Hualien. Historical plantations such as Andong and Husun remain among the few larger-scale operations surviving from earlier eras.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 by the British, who planted it in Taipei’s Sanxia district during the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign (1884). This marked the earliest attempt to cultivate coffee on the island.

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

Yes, during Japanese colonial rule (1895–1945), the Japanese identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as suitable for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties and conducted successful trials in northern Taiwan before expanding cultivation to areas like Chihpen and Rueisuei, achieving strong production levels by the 1940s.

Why did Taiwan’s coffee industry decline after World War II?

Taiwan’s coffee industry declined after World War II due to the disruption of Japanese-controlled markets, the redirection of labor to rice farming, and the general collapse of agricultural support following Japan’s withdrawal. Farmers abandoned coffee in favor of more essential or profitable crops.

What brought coffee back to Taiwan in the 20th century?

Coffee returned in the mid-20th century, aided by American military presence, which introduced instant coffee (notably Nestlé) to Taiwan. By the 1960s, cafés like Mingxing Coffee Shop became cultural hubs, and new plantations (e.g., Andong Farm in 1963) and café styles helped revive interest in coffee.

Are there any historical coffee farms still operating in Taiwan?

Some historical coffee farms, such as Andong and Husun, remain among the few larger-scale operations that date back to earlier periods of Taiwan’s coffee cultivation, though they are not as prominent as modern commercial farms.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwanese Coffee History

To explore Taiwan’s coffee heritage, try FrontStreet’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 (Typica, balanced with chocolate, almond, and floral notes), Ethiopia Gedeb (Yirgacheffe, bright citrus and floral tones), or Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon, smooth with caramel and nut flavors). These beans reflect the global Arabica varieties historically cultivated in Taiwan. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.