Something for the Weekend

Last Saturday we went to Notting Hill for, what turned out to be, a lovely tea tasting at Chaya Tea House. The house is a detached building hidden behind a blue gate in the middle of the madness of Notting Hill, Portobello and Westbourne triangle. Do follow the directions on the site.  It’s a complete oasis of calm, a hidden gem. The tasting it self was supposed to last about 30-45mins, but we stayed there for 4 hours! 

We were completely immersed in conversation and fascinated by our host, Pei Wang, endless knowledge of tea, his philosophy and mission. He sees tea and the tea ceremony as an art form and harmonious connection between people. Pei is a very serene, charming and welcoming host.

We forgot the time as we chatted, compared cultural differences all related to tea. It was interesting to learn that for example tea can be used as household cleaner, how to hold a tea cup without straining your arms, the tea role in the orient world, how a particular teacake fetched £15,000 at an action in London and sold again 5 years later for £25,000, the oxidation of the tea leaves and the implications on it’s flavour, the importance of pure water in the tea making process and it’s temperature amongst other things. We sampled 3 different kinds of tea free of charge in this oasis of calm surrounded by simply beautiful oriental objects. 

After that, we had a few nibbles and more tea.  I bought the honey orchid phoenix (afternoon tea) to drink there with the delicious food and the organic golden monkey tea (after dinner tea) to take home. 

I am looking forward to go back and have more of 7 treasures, more of the dumplings and the lotus parcels and try the scone with rose petal jam. The tea sold at Chaya Tea House are personally sourced in Japan and China from small, independent and traditionally family run farms. We were told lots of curious stories about them too.

Pei is from Singapore of Chinese heritage. He’s a certified Tea Artisan and Master and he was also trained by the worldwide renowned Cordon Bleu in London and likes to use his tea knowledge to enrich his cooking. Pei hosts a tea cookery theatre, where you can get involved as much as you want/can; a tea masterclass and appreciation classes. It is without a doubt another great find in London.

To learn more, to buy the excellent tea and book your place at Chaya Tea house click here: Teanamu