VALENTINE’S DAY IN AUGUST
“Excuse me? Valentine’s Day in August, you say?” Well, for couples in parts of the world such as China and Taiwan, this comes as no surprise at all. “Qixi Festival (七夕),” or “Double Seventh Day,” sometimes known as “Chinese Valentine’s Day,” falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, marking this year’s special occasion on August 14th.
Chinese legend has it that Zhinü (織女, Weaver Girl), the youngest daughter of the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), grew bored of immortal life and decided to travel to the mortal world. It was there that she met and fell in love with a cattle herder called Niulang (牛郎). The folktale has many different versions of their encounter, of which all depict their romantic relationship. However, they all came to an end when they found out that their relationship was not approved of by the Jade Emperor. In a result, Zhinü was forced to part ways with her lover and return to the skies. Even worse, the emperor so strongly opposed their union that he even banished them to opposite sides of the Milky Way. The only mercy given was that on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month every year, the two lovers could be joyfully reunited again for a single day when a bridge of magpies is formed.
Although the occasion is nowadays celebrated just like any regular Valentine’s Day, the romantic yet sad love story behind it makes the lunar 7th of July a special day that integrates legend and local myth. And for those planning to celebrate this day in Taipei, we are here to provide some local insights into helping you prepare, whether it be exchanging presents or just enjoying a nice meal with your loved one.
WHERE TO GO
– Honestea 清山寶珠
Just a stone’s throw away from MRT Liuzhangli Station (捷運六張犁站) is a quaint retro tea house called Honestea (清山寶珠). Asㄅㄅ second-generation local tea growers originally from Pinglin (坪林), New Taipei City (新北市), they offer exquisite Taiwanese tea, natural wines, savory desserts and meals, as well as displaying carefully handcrafted tea utensils made by tea masters.
Couples can come here to enjoy an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere in this transformed retro apartment furnished with rattan-weaved chairs and vintage wooden cabinets. Its cozy and comfy space makes it suitable for a casual date. The owners created this shop with the hope of providing a place where people can drink Taiwanese tea almost as if they were at home. (Read more: Sun Moon Lake: A Tea Lover’s Paradise)
Additionally, if you prefer something more delectable, a simple reservation in advance can also provide you with some of Honestea’s delicious home-cooked meals. Be sure to call or book in advance to enjoy a special date with that special someone!
| Honestea |
| 🏠 19, Ln. 72, Fuyang St., Xinyi Dist.1 ⏱ 2:00pm – 7:00pm (Closed on Mondays) *The opening hour might vary during the COVID alert. Please double check before going. |
– Toh-A 桌藏
Named after the Taiwanese word for “table,” Toh-A has rightfully earned a Michelin Plate for three consecutive years. This beautiful restaurant is tucked away in an 80-year-old Japanese residence hidden amongst the lanes of Section 2, Heping East Road (和平東路二段). Its chic exterior design gives a mysterious allure, drawing passersby to its unique door. For couples aiming to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and with a bit more privacy, Toh-A is an excellent choice. (Read also: Michelin Guide Showcases Taipei’s Thriving Culinary Scene: From Street Eats to Tasting Menus)
Once inside, diners must pass through a small courtyard scattered with antique tiles. Here fixed-price meal sets are offered on handwritten paper fans. n The ingredients are locally grown but prepared using classic French techniques, creating a unique combination of tastes, textures, and even temperatures for the hungry palate for those who are on the hunt for a romantic atmosphere. It is highly recommended to come here in the evening just when the sun sets so you can enjoy this duo of delights with your date!
| Toh-A |
| 🏠 9, Aly. 23, Ln. 76, Sec. 2, Heping E. Rd., Daan Dist. ⏱ 12:00pm – 2:30pm | 6:00pm – 10:00pm *The opening hour might vary during the COVID alert. Please double check before going. |
WHAT TO BUY
– TERRA Bean to Bar Chocolate 土然巧克力專門店
If you are looking for a present for your significant other and have difficulty finding something unique, a visit to TERRA may be the answer you’re looking for.
TERRA is one of Taiwan’s largest “bean-to-bar” chocolate shops. It refers to the entire process of creating the chocolate bar, beginning with the bean selection to the baking, grinding, and then tempering of the chocolate, all done by the shopworkers themselves. (You might also like: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream in Taiwan)
The chocolate shop selects cocoa beans from various regions with their own unique charm. And for a more local taste, Taiwanese cocoa beans used by TERRA originate from Neipu, Pingtung (屏東內埔), offering a warm, woody tone with a touch of kelp and spice that can only be found on the island.
TERRA also offers flavored chocolate mixed with local ingredients, including salted mullet roe, burdock, and loquat paste. When it comes to chocolate as a gift, you can never go wrong with TERRA’s exclusive products!
| TERRA Bean to Bar Chocolate |
| 🏠 7, Wenzhou St., Daan Dist. ⏱ 12:30pm – 7:20pm (Closed on Tuesdays) *The opening hour might vary during the COVID alert. Please double check before going. |
– Kamaro’an
In Taipei, Double Seventh Day gifts can be romantic, meaningful, and yet simultaneously contribute to cultural revival. “Kamaro’an,” pronounced as “Kamaluan,” is a group that hails from Taiwan’s Pangcah (阿美族) aboriginal tribe and means “a place to live.”
Originally formed with the sole purpose of creating more job opportunities for its tribe members, they have revived traditional tribal crafts and culture, thereby breathing new life into the design industry. All of their products are carefully and individually handwoven by indigenous craftsmen and can even be traced back to their respective artisans. This practical yet intricate weaving technique satisfies daily needs while also providing a sense of harmony with nature.
Moreover, each product is made from natural materials and follows strict guidelines of environmental sustainability. Purchasing a gift from here not only celebrates that special someone in your life, but is also something unique and timeless in its own right.
| Kamaro’an |
| 🏠 1, Sec. 1, Bade Rd., Zhongzheng Dist. (in Huashan 1914 Creative Park） ⏱ 10:00am – 7:00pm (Mondays – Fridays) | 12:00pm – 8:00pm (Saturdays & Sundays) *The opening hour might vary during the COVID alert. Please double check before going. |
