Sih Ye Tea House in Maokong - Taipei

Nestled high in the hills of Maokong, Sih Ye Tea House (四爷茶楼) is a place that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a Taiwanese postcard — a gorgeous, almost cinematic tea house perched near the entrance to the Maokong Gondola and bus stop. It’s surrounded by misty mountain views, old-style architecture, and a string of other tea houses and cafes that dot this hillside escape just outside Taipei.

For first-time visitors to Maokong, a day trip usually involves a scenic ride up the famous Maokong Gondola — a cable car that climbs slowly up through tea fields and forests to deliver you to this peaceful tea-growing district. It’s the perfect antidote to Taipei’s busy urban sprawl, and Sih Ye Tea House stands out immediately because of its striking, traditional look. The carved wood panels, oriental touches, and the big, airy windows looking out over the lush mountainside practically beg you to settle in for tea.

Highlights	Sih Ye Tea House in Maokong: stunning views, a charming setting and classic tea, but overpriced food and disappointing service make it a one-time stop.
Cost	up to TWD$1999 for family of four
Location	No. 16-2號, Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Website	https://www.opentable.com.tw/restaurant/profile/177944?ref=18649

First Impressions: Beautiful, But Bring Your Patience

From the outside, Sih Ye looks like a dream. Inside, the mood continues with its atmospheric design — an elegant tea house layout where guests are seated in small semi-private cubicles, removing their shoes before stepping onto raised platforms with low tables. It’s intimate, serene and ideal for couples or small groups wanting that “classic tea house” experience.

One of the unique highlights is the indoor pond with a quaint bridge crossing over rocks and koi — an unexpected photo spot that charms most visitors. There’s a sense that you’re stepping into an old-world tea house from a bygone era, designed to slow you down and tune you in to the rhythm of Maokong’s tea culture.

The Service: Charming Setting, Disappointing Hospitality

Unfortunately, the romance ends when it comes to service. If you read the Google reviews for Sih Ye Tea House, you’ll see a pattern: beautiful location, lacklustre service. Sadly, that reputation holds true. On our visit, the staff felt disengaged, indifferent, and at times slightly annoyed at basic questions.

Don’t expect a warm welcome or any explanation of their teas — which is a real shame for a place that trades on the beauty of Taiwan’s tea culture. If you’re coming with children and a pram, be aware that strollers must be left outside, which makes it awkward for families with young kids or sleeping toddlers. For a family outing, it’s not exactly accommodating.

The Tea Experience: Traditional, But One Pot is Enough

Most people come for the view and the tea, and both deliver — with caveats. Sih Ye offers the classics: local Maokong Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) tea, high mountain oolong, and a few other Taiwanese staples. The setup is the traditional tea brewing method — a pot, small cups, a little burner or hot water flask, and an invitation to stay as long as your pot of tea holds out.

It’s relaxing and very photogenic. But one pot is more than enough — the tea is good but not exceptional compared to other high mountain tea houses in Maokong that pour their heart into a more personal tasting. Here, the brewing is self-serve, and no one will offer to explain the tea’s history or how to properly brew the leaves to get the best flavour. If you’re already a tea lover, you’ll know what to do — but newcomers might feel a bit underwhelmed by the lack of engagement.

The Food: Looks Better Than It Tastes

Like many Maokong tea houses, Sih Ye offers a small menu of tea-infused Taiwanese dishes — think tea-flavoured fried rice, tea-braised chicken, and soup with delicate notes of oolong. The concept is enticing: local dishes given a Maokong twist to complement the fresh tea.

But in reality, the food is overpriced for what you get. Our meal was serviceable but didn’t wow. The tea fried rice was fragrant enough but lacked the depth you might expect when you read the poetic menu description. The signature soups were light and warm but a bit bland. If you’re coming here expecting a culinary adventure to match the view, you’ll leave thinking, “Well, that was okay.”

That said, if you’ve come all the way to Maokong and need something to nibble on with your pot of tea, Sih Ye does the job. Just don’t expect a gourmet experience worth raving about when you get back down the mountain.

The Setting: The True Star of the Show

The real reason to visit Sih Ye is simple: it’s a beautiful place to sit, sip, and look out over Maokong’s green hills. On a clear day, the view stretches endlessly, with the cable cars drifting by like floating lanterns above the tea fields. Even when Taipei’s heat or drizzle follows you up the mountain, the semi-open cubicles make the scenery feel special.

This is also where Sih Ye slightly redeems itself. If you’ve ever wanted that Instagram-perfect moment — sitting barefoot on a raised wooden platform, tea cup in hand, looking out at a misty green valley — this is the place for it. The koi pond and little indoor bridge are icing on the cake, and they’re clearly designed for people who want pretty pictures to share.

The Verdict: Pretty, Pricey, Poor Service

Would I recommend Sih Ye Tea House? Honestly, it depends on your priorities. If you want the Maokong “tea house experience” without caring too much about attentive service or standout food, it’s an easy stop — especially given its ultra-convenient location near the gondola and bus stops. It delivers on ambience and atmosphere, and for many people that’s enough.

But if you want more than just a pretty view — if you care about learning about Taiwan’s amazing tea culture, or you want genuinely welcoming staff, or you’re hungry for food that’s worth the price — you’re better off exploring one of Maokong’s smaller, family-run tea houses higher up the hill. Many offer more personal service, tastier local dishes, and a more intimate look into Taiwan’s rich tea-growing heritage.

In the end, Sih Ye is the kind of place that’s fine once for the photos and the view. But for a second visit? I’d wander a bit further and find a spot that pours more love into its tea — and its customers.

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