miyahara! i'd already stopped in for some ice cream but had to go back again before leaving taiwan. on the saturday before i left, claire and aileen met me there for some taiwanese snacks and iced milk teas in the cafe on the second floor. it's been a few weeks since i left, and looking at these photos made me want to go right back! i've said it before but miyahara should be one of your must-see spots on your visit to taichung. and there are actually two of them now, just minutes from each other on the same street, so there shouldn't be a problem getting in. (it does get very crowded on weekends!) try the taiwanese snack platter and one of their house tea concoctions...you'll be happy you did.
the exterior of the original miyahara store, which serves both savory and sweet snacks in its cafe.
a close-up of the front door of miyahara I.
right inside, there are beautiful displays of interesting chocolates.
the emporium, all decked out for christmas.
one of the many tea displays. the boxes are really creative and would make gorgeous gifts.
some of the more traditional but still lovely packaging. i got a rose tea and a long-yan tea in this style.
a view of the shop floor, from the second-story cafe.
the cookie counter!
a side area with more tea, cookies, and biscuits arranged on bookshelf displays.
a trio of taiwanese honey.
some close-ups of the biscuit gift boxes.
more bookstore-like displays.
on the second floor, there is plenty of seating for you to enjoy a meal, afternoon tea, or a light snack. the space is cavernous - i love the exposed beams.
a taiwanese snack platter with tasty sauces handily labeled for your eating pleasure.
a "poutine" - looks more like chili fries, actually.
the logo, which incorporates the building's past as an eye clinic during the japanese colonial era. the building was abandoned for years, and its current iteration as a sweets emporium recalls this history in small details like this. love it!
inside the second-story cafe, near the bar area.
the second miyahara, another converted building that retains its original signage as a taiwanese cooperative bank. this location is just up the street from the first, and also serves ice cream, tea and other sweets.