In 2016, Xie Songcheng and Liu Yiqi, a couple from Taiwan, opened Sno Tea Caffè near the University of Central Florida in Orlando, USA. Their restaurant offers hand-shaken drinks, desserts, and Taiwanese snacks, with a chalkboard wall depicting Taiwanese culture, creating a strong hometown vibe. The restaurant is not only loved by locals but has also become a popular gathering spot for Taiwanese expatriates from other cities.
Xie Songcheng, who first ventured into the restaurant business by working part-time during college, and his wife moved to the U.S. to start their business after a suggestion from his father-in-law's friend. He recalls, “At that time, people here didn’t even know what bubble tea was, so we gradually taught them.” Today, Sno Tea has become the go-to place for students and local residents, offering a variety of drinks, board games, and card entertainment.The chalkboard wall featuring illustrations of Taiwanese culture and the selection of board games and card games are highlights that attract young visitors. (Photo: Courtesy of Overseas Community Affairs Council News)
The menu includes classic Taiwanese dishes like Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice), salt-and-pepper chicken, and beef noodle soup, as well as desserts like taro balls and tofu pudding. Xie Songcheng shared that the tofu pudding was inspired by his wife’s pregnancy cravings and has now become a bestseller. He jokingly says, “From not knowing anything to now putting love into our menu.”
Additionally, Sno Tea Caffè launched special group-buy products during the holidays, such as Lu Wei (braised snacks), mooncakes, ginger duck soup, and Taiwanese bread, which were in high demand. One of the highlights was the night market-style sizzling platters, featuring sizzling steaks or chicken chops, pasta, and special sauces, giving customers a taste of Taiwan's night markets.
The couple is actively involved in community activities and frequently sponsors Taiwanese expatriate clubs and local festivals. It’s worth noting that they also opened their professional kitchen to support the Taiwan Food Tour organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), making Sno Tea a landmark in the hearts of Taiwanese expatriates and local residents.The wife’s special dish, taro balls and tofu pudding ice, is one of the bestsellers at the store. (Photo: Courtesy of Overseas Community Affairs Council News)
Sno Tea Caffè is more than just a restaurant in Orlando; it is a bridge connecting Taiwan to the world, continuing to write a successful overseas entrepreneurial story with authentic flavors and passion. Currently, those holding the iCard can enjoy discounts at Sno Tea Caffè. Overseas Taiwanese citizens can apply for the iCard online at this link.
Moreover, there are more than 4,000 iCard partner stores worldwide. Detailed benefits and discounts can be found here for domestic partner stores: Domestic Stores and overseas partner stores: Overseas Stores. We also encourage more high-quality companies, both domestically and internationally, to join the iCard partner store network and work with the OCAC to enhance the iCard's capabilities and serve global Taiwanese citizens.
Original source: Overseas Community Affairs Council Newsletter.