Happy international tea day!
Everyone has their favorite neighborhood boba spot, but sometimes, you want something a little more elegant. Maybe you’re planning an upcoming tea party, or just want an excuse to don your new kimono or ao dai. Whatever the occasion, these 10 traditional tea houses across the United States will have the perfect, piping-hot pour ready for you.
Read on to find out where to schedule your next tea time!
Southern California:
Chado Tea Room
Purchased by Reena and Devan Shah in 1993, Chado is a local favorite for afternoon tea with a South Asian twist. Munch on souchong chicken and tea-marinated-egg sandwiches while sipping their ample tea offerings, which include Mauritius black tea and Reena’s chai, at any of Chado’s four Los Angeles locations.
Tea Pavilion
The stunning botanical gardens surrounding Tea Pavilion provide plenty of reasons to drop by this cozy cafe. Located in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, the Tea Pavilion boasts an extensive tea menu featuring just about every flavor imaginable, from orange blossom oolong to Japanese cherry green tea to Darjeeling badamtam.
San Francisco:
Imperial Tea Court
Tucked inside the Ferry Building, the Imperial Tea Court is an updated counterpart to the traditional Chinese tea shop and salon. The shop sells an assortment of handmade teaware and over 100 bulk teas, but many drop by to enjoy a cup at one of the rosewood tables inside. If you happen to catch owner Roy Fong, make sure to ask him about his teas for an unforgettable history lesson.
Japanese Tea Garden
No trip to the Bay would be complete without a stop by Golden Gate Park. To keep the chill off, tourists and locals alike grab a brew at the Japanese Tea Garden, a holdover from the Japanese Village exhibit created for the 1894 World’s Fair. After enjoying the Zen gardens, visitors can sip their drinks seated around the irori-style table or watch koi swim in the…
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