The Formosa Express: Discovering Taiwan Through Tea & Chocolate

The Formosa Express: Discovering Taiwan Through Tea & Chocolate

Imagine boarding the Formosa Express, watching the scenery outside the window slowly shift from quiet towns to misty mountains. Who would you invite to sit beside you - to share the journey, the tea, and the chocolate?

Join us for an immersive tasting experience that travels across Taiwan. From lush hills and fertile plains to cool mountain forests, each stop along the way reveals flavours, traditions, and stories deeply rooted in the land.

Together, Sam and Olivia have curated a selection of artisan Taiwanese teas from Leaf and Craft , paired with farm-to-bar chocolates and cacao fruit juice sourced during Olivia's recent journey through Taiwan. Each pairing acts as a ticket to a new destination, unlocking connections between flavour, aroma and terroir.

Guided yet relaxed, we will explore both harmony and contrast. Discover how climate, craftsmanship, and even close botanical relatives shape every sip and bite. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to slow down, stay curious, and savour the experience together.

So, as the Formosa Express prepares to depart, who would you like to share the journey with?

Event Details:

• Date: September 12 & 13, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)
• Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
  
• Location: Leaf and Craft, Unit 308 - 698 Seymour Street, Vancouver (Buzzer 308)
• Capacity: Limited to 9 guests per session

*Seating is limited to make sure you have the best experience possible! Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the session starts.

Meet your Hosts:

Sam Shem from Leaf and Craft

Sam Shem is the founder of Leaf and Craft and leads this tasting with a refined, creative approach to Taiwanese Tea, balancing traditional and modern brewing styles. With a background as an artist, curator, and pastry chef, and years of experience in fine dining. Sam emphasizes flavour, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Through multiple sourcing trips to Taiwan and close relationships with farmers and roasters, Sam presents small-batch teas a a ritual of connection, presence, and shared experience.

Olivia Wu from YI SHI Cacao Collective

Olivia is the chocolate guide for this tea and chocolate tasting and the founder of YI SHI Cacao Collective. A certified Level 2 IICCT chocolate taster with over a decade of baking experience, Olivia curates immersive bean-to-bar tastings that highlight flavour, origin, and craft. Having completed a tree-to-bar certificate in Taiwan, she brings a deep appreciation for cacao and invites guests to experience chocolate through thoughtful and sensory lenses.

Refund policy:

Tickets are non-refundable