The story of Taiwan’s drink stand culture

When you walk around the streets of Taiwan, one thing you can’t miss is the sheer number of drink stands. Milk tea, fruit juice, herbal tea… the variety is astonishing, and every shop has its own unique character.

What’s even more surprising is how densely packed they are. Sometimes, you feel like there are more drink stands than convenience stores. In fact, you might even find three—or four!—lined up within just 50 meters.

You might wonder, “Do people really need that many?” But for locals, grabbing a drink is part of their daily routine and lifestyle. Of course, in Taiwan’s hot weather, it’s a practical way to stay refreshed, but it’s also about the pleasure of walking around with a cup from your favorite shop. Today, let’s take a closer look at this fascinating drink culture in Taiwan.

What exactly is a drink stand?

In simple terms, it’s a take-out shop specializing in tea-based drinks and many other creative beverages. Beyond the classics like tea and bubble milk tea, you’ll also find fruit teas, fresh fruit juices, pudding milk tea (yes, with an actual pudding dropped inside!), and even dessert-inspired drinks flavored with sesame, cheese, and more. Each shop has its own specialty, making it fun to try something new every day.

“Yǐnliào” in Taiwanese daily life

In Taiwan, drinks sold at these stands are called “飲料 (yǐnliào)”. While the literal translation is just “drink” or “beverage,” the meaning here is a little different.

When a local says, “I want to get a yǐnliào,” they don’t mean plain water or tea—they mean something from a drink stand, like milk tea or fruit tea. In daily conversation, “yǐnliào” has come to symbolize that sweet, refreshing, slightly indulgent cup you grab to brighten your day.

3 Must-Try Drink Stands in Taiwan

1. 50嵐 (50 Lan) The most classic of them all! With branches all over Taiwan, 50 Lan is the go-to chain for first-timers. Their Golden Oolong Milk Tea is a safe bet for anyone wanting to experience authentic Taiwanese drinks. Affordable, reliable, and delicious—perfect for everyday.

2. 喫茶趣 TO GO Run by the famous tea brand Ten Ren Tea, this take-out chain uses high-quality leaves sold in their stores. The recommended drink is 913 Milk Tea, made with their premium 913 King’s Tea—a fragrant, luxurious experience.

3. 茶湯會 (Chá Táng Huì) A sister brand of Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of bubble tea. If you love Chun Shui Tang’s Iron Goddess Milk Tea but don’t have time to sit in a café, Presotea offers the same great flavor in convenient take-out form.

How to Order Like a Local

At most drink stands, you’ll be asked about sweetness level (甜度 tiándù) and ice level (冰塊 bīngkuài). Here’s the usual scale:

• Sweetness: Full sugar / 70% / Half sugar / 30% / Light sugar / No sugar

• Ice: Regular / Less ice / Light ice / No ice

For most visitors, Taiwanese full sugar can feel extremely sweet. A safe choice is light sugar with less ice (wēi táng, shǎo bīng). Bonus tip: some shops add extra drink volume if you reduce the ice!

For many Taiwanese companies, it’s common to place group orders for drinks once or twice a week. That’s how deeply this culture is woven into everyday life.

While in Japan “Taiwan drinks” usually means bubble milk tea, the reality in Taiwan is so much more diverse. From traditional teas to playful, creative mixes, there’s something for everyone.

So when you visit Taiwan, don’t miss the chance to try different drink stands! And if you’d like a guided experience, Relax Go Taiwan even offers tours to Chun Shui Tang’s original shop, where you can enjoy both food and drinks at the birthplace of bubble tea.

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