作者: Nadia Mai

從阿薩姆到阿里山——印度茶茶香傳韻台灣百年

台北市迎新會與印度代表處聯合舉辦年度文化茶會

1923年，台灣農業部門從印度引進了阿薩姆茶樹，在日月潭栽種，而後在台灣深耕改良，才有廣受歡迎的台灣阿薩姆（台茶8號）、紅玉（台茶18號）和紅韻紅茶（台茶21號），開啟了台灣紅茶產業的發展。

台北市迎新會（Wellcome to Taipei International Club, WTIC）與印度代表處攜手合作，6月3日在台北君悅酒店舉辦了年度文化茶會「WTIC Annual Tea Party: Assam to Alishan」，以「從阿薩姆到阿里山——印度茶茶香傳韻台灣百年」為主題，帶領來自外交、文化與社會各界的貴賓展開一場香氣四溢、文化交織的茶之旅。

本次活動以印度著名的瑪薩拉奶茶（Masala Chai）為主角，透過現場沖煮示範、印度輕食搭配、傳統舞蹈表演及互動，讓賓客沉浸在印度阿薩姆茶區與台灣阿里山茶鄉之間的文化對話與友誼傳承，也呼應今年印度茶進入台灣市場滿一百年的歷史意義。

印度代表處Yadav代表與夫人Shital女士親臨現場，並由代表處專業團隊分享印度茶的歷史、香料風味特色及飲用習俗。此外，現場設有紗麗體驗、Henna彩繪攤位，並提供道地印度輕食與點心，深受來賓喜愛。

WTIC會長廖婉如致詞時表示：「我們非常榮幸能與印度代表處共同籌辦這場文化盛會。茶不僅是一種飲品，更是一種文化的延伸與情感的橋梁。我們希望透過這樣的文化交流活動，促進不同國際社群間的理解與友誼。」

由於現場氣氛極為熱烈，印度代表處Yadav代表原本準備好了講稿，臨場發揮與來賓分享自己與茶的關係，還笑稱台灣人喜歡問「吃飽了沒？」，印度人則是問「喝茶了沒？」足見茶在印度人生活中占的有多大的比重。

迎新會副會長謝孟瑤和印度代表處副代表Apana也特別感謝所有來賓的參與，以及籌備團隊的辛勞付出，讓這場活動圓滿成功，茶香從阿薩姆飄揚到阿里山，百年的文化交融將持續深化下去。

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From Assam to Alishan – A Century of Indian Tea in Taiwan

WTIC and India Taipei Association Celebrate 100 Years of Tea Culture at Annual Cultural Tea Party

Taipei, June 3, 2025 —

In 1923, Taiwan imported Assam tea saplings from India and began cultivating them in the Sun Moon Lake region. Through decades of local adaptation and innovation, Taiwan developed its own celebrated black tea varieties, including Taiwan Tea No. 8 (Taiwan Assam), No. 18 (Ruby Red), and No. 21 (Red Rhythm), laying the foundation for the island’s thriving black tea industry.

To commemorate the centennial of this cultural and agricultural connection, the Wellcome to Taipei International Club (WTIC), in partnership with the India Taipei Association, hosted its annual cultural tea party titled “WTIC Annual Tea Party: Assam to Alishan” at the Grand Hyatt Taipei. The event theme—“From Assam to Alishan: A Century of Indian Tea in Taiwan”—celebrated not only the shared tea heritage but also the enduring friendship between India and Taiwan.

Masala Chai, India’s signature spiced milk tea, took center stage. Guests enjoyed a live brewing demonstration, paired with authentic Indian light bites, accompanied by traditional Indian dance performances and cultural interactions. The event highlighted the dialogue between Assam’s tea fields and Taiwan’s Alishan highlands—two iconic regions bonded by tea and history.

H.E. Mr. Yadav, Director General of the India Taipei Association, and his wife Madame Shital graced the occasion and joined in the festivities. The ITA team gave a lively presentation on the history of Indian tea, the distinctive blend of spices used in Masala Chai, and traditional tea-drinking customs. Cultural booths offering saree try-ons and henna art experiences delighted guests and added vibrant color to the gathering.

In her opening remarks, WTIC President Ms. Liao Wan-Ju stated,

“We are honored to co-host this meaningful event with the India Taipei Association. Tea is more than a drink—it is a bridge between cultures and hearts. Through gatherings like this, we hope to deepen understanding and friendship across international communities.”

The atmosphere was so lively that H.E. Mr. Yadav set aside his prepared speech and instead shared a personal reflection on his connection to tea. Joking with the crowd, he noted that while Taiwanese people often ask, “Have you eaten?” Indians are more likely to ask, “Have you had tea?”—a testament to the beverage’s deep roots in Indian daily life.

WTIC Vice President Ms. Hsieh Meng-Yao and Deputy Representative of ITA Ms. Apana also extended their gratitude to all guests, volunteers, and organizing teams whose efforts made the event a resounding success. As the aroma of tea drifted from Assam to Alishan, the spirit of this century-old cultural exchange continues to flourish.

【民視】茶香百年傳韻台灣　WTIC與印度代表處共辦文化茶會

https://www.ftvnews.com.tw/news/detail/2025604W0537

Join us for a special afternoon celebrating a century of Indian tea in Taiwan, co-hosted with the India-Taipei Association! Sip authentic Masala Chai, enjoy Indian treats, experience vibrant traditions, and connect with friends.
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Time: 13:00–16:30
Venue: Grand Ballroom III, Grand Hyatt Taipei
Fee: $1,800 (member) | $1,900 (guest)
Event Highlights:
Masala Chai demo
Indian snacks
Saree photo fun
Henna & cultural insights
Live music, dance & class 101
➡️ Sign up now: https://forms.gle/dcr28oESZC2TDz6B9
Spaces are limited—reserve your seat soon!
We can’t wait to see you there!