photo by Kin Lo Photography
Travel
25 Tea Rooms From Around the World That You Have to Check Out
White or black, weak or strong—no matter how you prefer it served, there’s something to be said about the act of gathering with friends and enjoying a cup of tea. But if Instagram has taught us anything, it’s the...
photo by Kin Lo Photography
White or black, weak or strong—no matter how you prefer it served, there’s something to be said about the act of gathering with friends and enjoying a cup of tea. But if Instagram has taught us anything, it’s the important role that interior design now plays into your overall experience. From remote log houses in the mountains to minimalistic, tranquil spaces in the city center, we scoured the globe for the unique tea rooms that offered a beautifully designed space as well as insight into the historic culture of tea time.
In this list you’ll find a little bit of everything, including traditional Japanese tea houses and modern, multi-functional spaces all with the same message: to sit back, relax and simply let the tea whisk you away for an afternoon.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
In this list you’ll find a little bit of everything, including traditional Japanese tea houses and modern, multi-functional spaces all with the same message: to sit back, relax and simply let the tea whisk you away for an afternoon.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
Leave any preconceived ideas you have of tea rooms (see: lace, floral wallpaper, giant hats) at the door. DeHui Tea Space is a sleek, minimalistic space designed with architecture in mind. Note the back-lit frosted glass, white decor and detailed wood furnishings as you sip herbal remedies in their central area—which can accommodate up to 100 people.
In a 100-year-old house, the Jioufen Teahouse brought life back to the sleepy mountain town of Jioufen. As you walk around each corner of the house, you’ll find a perfectly cozy spot to settle into while sampling their curated menu of teas. Just down the road, you’ll also find the tea house’s ceramic workshop to express your inner artist.
Visit Perch's Tea Room for their Five O’Clock Tea and British-inspired menu. Here, you’re encouraged to relax and stay awhile as you munch on finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and more—all while sampling teas from their collection of over 150 global selections.
Mainstream yet welcoming, the Dear Teahouse is a step into another realm with crisp white walls, modern Scandinavian decor and a refreshing woodsy aroma. Taste a variety of teas inspired by the four seasons and watch as time seemingly stands still.
The Lake Agnes Tea House takes disconnecting to a whole new level with a morning hike up to your destination—which has no electricity or internet connection—to savor the robust flavors of loose leaf and take in the expansive view of the “Lake in the Cloud.”
Salon Proust sets the standard for tea time with lavish surroundings, plush furnishings and a delicate menu of treats. Plan your visit to join them for their French Afternoon Tea—among books and warm decor, you’ll sip on classic and specialty teas.
Reflective of the stylish SoHo neighborhood it resides in, Harney & Sons is a charming shop with a tasting bar with over 250 tea varieties to discover. Find your perfect match then relax in the lounge area to fully appreciate the tea experience.
Famous for its feminine design and blush pink furnishings, sketch is ideal for those looking to snap a few photos for their blogs. Their tea time, a nod to British classics, is served seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At Song Tea you’ll find a thoughtful collection of rare and experimental teas from China and Taiwan, served in artistic ceramic pieces that are as beautiful to look at as they are to use. Take a seat (first come, first serve) at their communal tasting table in the shop’s minimalistic, airy environment.
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Jugetsudo specializes in authentic green tea that captivates all five of your senses in a range of soft to powerful aromas. Plan ahead for their workshops, where you and your small group can learn and take part in a traditional tea ceremony in their intimate downstairs space.
As the name implies, Bellocq Tea Atelier serves as a chic hidden gem where the art and history of sourcing and blending tea are both practiced and cherished. Stop in for their daily tastings to enjoy in their famous pink-couch lounge area.
Matcha is the name of the game at this colorful and wildly popular café in San Diego, especially for those unable to drink coffee. Here you can order your matcha a number of ways, including ceremonial, as a latte or even mixed with lemonade.
Come for the White Rabbit Gallery’s impressive exhibits of Chinese contemporary artwork, stay for their equally captivating tea house. Street-level, the tea house is a welcomed respite from the outside world with a wide range of Chinese and Taiwanese teas and a light menu including handmade dumplings you can’t miss out on.
At Cha Cha Matcha you can sip on matcha bevvies, but also sample the many delicious matcha-infused treats they offer as well. Our personal favorite? The matcha soft serve. It’s a must.
For those in search of a little bit of everything, look no further than the family-owned Tebella Tea Company and their extensive menu of tea flavors and types. There is no sit-down service; instead, you’ll find a down-to-earth shop full of teaware, cute stationery, cards and, of course, loose leaf for purchase.
Nestled in the Otemachi Forest, Aman stands as an urban sanctuary where tradition and modern practices come together to blend seamlessly. You can see for yourself during their Afternoon Tea, where you can relax on daybeds and savor Japanese staples.
A tea room, restaurant, cocktail bar and creative space—Artte is a one-stop shop for you and your crew to gather. During the day, you’ll find an open, bright space to enjoy the team room and get work done. At night, sip cocktails and listen to live music in the transformed venue.
Just a few steps shy of the Duomo de Milano, Giacomo Caffè is the perfect stop for a light refuel from sightseeing. Restauranter Giacomo Bulleri’s cafe brings a more elevated experience to the tourist-heavy area with a menu not limited to tea—though their selection is worth trying—but also decadent desserts and an impressive espresso.
True to British tradition, Barker Tea House serves up a delicious afternoon tea complete with colorful teacups, three-tiers of sweet treats and classic UK teas including Earl Grey and English Breakfast. Bonus Points: Barker also offers vegan goodies to enjoy.
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To Tsai honors the core meaning of “tea time” by creating a refreshing and completely zen space for you to escape to. Serving as a quiet oasis amid the busy Athenian centre, To Tsai offers a variety of fresh tea to transport you all over the world with each sip.
Celebrating anything? Your group can select between a traditional or champagne afternoon tea and toast to good company at Claridge’s. No matter which you select, you’ll also enjoy finger sandwiches and warm scones to make the afternoon complete.
Housed in a historical 100-year-old Blacksmith shop, the original Smith Teamaker tasting room is an experience unlike any other. Here you can select a pot to share or a flight of four dynamic flavor profiles to enjoy with friends. At their second location off Washington, Smith’s holds another tasting room and a tea lab.
A modern nod to traditional Japanese tea houses, Tea Mountain Cafe captures the total experience with charcoal log columns and two vaulted ceilings to separate the room: a dark one for sipping, a light one for buying. Take note of the flavors, all imported from Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan and China, and purchase your favorite on your way out.
teakha 茶。家 was made for laidback communal gathering. Bring your friends in for an inviting atmosphere and a long conversation over a cup of their single origin teas and a slice of their homemade cakes.
The fourth floor, modern-chic lounge The Rotunda offers an afternoon tea in addition to their delicious lunch lineup. You can select from a Signature, Grand or Royal Tea depending on your preference and snack on light bites to complement the teas.
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