Zen

Yes, those lava lamp-esque cups pictured above actually contain a drinkable substance and, contrary to appearances, are not laced with all kinds of chemicals. All the rage in Taiwan, these drinks are a form of butterfly pea tea, steeped from the plant of the same name (which in English also goes by the name of clitoria ternea – yes, that actually means what you think it does), indigenous to lower southeast Asia and renowned for its blue colour. Said tea is supposed to have anti-aging properties, making it very popular as a beauty drink. At Zen, opened in Harajuku in April 2017, the butterfly pea tea comes in Rosemary Orange, Mixed Berry Elderflower, Apple Mint, Mango and Calpis flavours, making for five technicoloured but additive-free concoctions. The Taiwan theme continues with desserts including mango shaved ice topped with shiratama and tapioca pearls, and a soy milk and fruit smoothie. For a quick bite, try the Taiwanese-style rice porridge, tofu pudding or the rather innovative-looking dan bing (stuffed egg crepes).