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Asia

Teahouse entertainment in Asia

  1. A

    Yixing Yuan Teahouse

    Taking time out in a Chinatown teahouse is a great way to relax and to learn about local teas and customs. Start at Yixing Yuan Teahouse, where reformed corporate banker Vincent Low explains everything you need to know about sampling different types of tea. Demonstrations with tastings last around 45 minutes to two hours (S$20 to S$40). The dim sum lunch is popular.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Tea Chapter

    Tea Chapter is where Queen Elizabeth dropped by for a cuppa in 1989. If you don't know the tea-making drill, the waiter will give you a brief demonstration. Downstairs, all man-ner of tea paraphernalia are precariously balanced on display shelves and can be purchased.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Old Shanghai Teahouse

    Dropping in on this upstairs teahouse is much like barging into someone’s attic, where ancient gramophones, records, typewriters and other period clutter shares space with the aroma of Chinese tea. Refillable cups of various Chinese teas from Y35.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Rose House

    Readers have written in praise of this teahouse, which, despite its normal storefront, looks like it could have been decorated by Laura Ashley inside. Among its dozens of varieties are Earl Grey and mango. Teas are sold by the cup, the set and the tin.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Lǎo Shě Teahouse

    This popular teahouse has nightly shows, largely in Chinese. Performances include folk music, tea ceremonies, theatre, puppet shows and matinée Běijīng opera. Evening performances of Běijīng opera, folk art, music, acrobatics, juggling, kung fu and magic are the most popular; phone or check the website for the latest schedule.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Temple of Mercy

    Most of Chéngdū's temples have teahouses; this one is a favourite for tea, mah jong and lazy afternoons in the sun.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Tea House

    The mountains of the north also produce Assam tea, served in the Victorian-era Tea House, which shares space with Siam Celadon. It's a beautiful setting for a cup of jasmine tea and a snack.

    reviewed

  8. Well

    One of the best places to try lei cha (pounded tea) is in this rustic Hakka house. You can sit inside at tables, or on wooden floors, or even outside on a wooden deck under the plum trees.

    reviewed

  9. Chun Shui Tang Teahouse

    Taiwan bubble tea is famous worldwide tand this is supposedly the company that began it all. The modern teahouse is at the start of Chingming St, known as one of Taichung's famous tea streets, though today it's almost all clothing shops. Still, the pedestrian-only street has outdoor seating and is pleasant on cool evenings.

    reviewed

  10. H

    Shimeisō

    The city-owned Shimeisō is a former villa on stilts over a spring-fed pond.

    reviewed

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  12. I

    Shimabara Mizuyashiki

    This delightful, Meiji-era teahouse features a lovely garden and obsessive collection of maneki-neko (lucky cat) figurines from all over Japan, some for sale.

    reviewed

  13. J

    Lǎojiē Shíbātī Chálóu

    There's been a teahouse on this spot for more than 600 years and walking in here is like stepping into an antiques shop, with its wooden interior, period photos and fabulous furniture. The views are cool too as you look over one of the oldest parts of town, a maze of winding market lanes that can be accessed by walking down the teahouse's namesake alley, Eighteen Steps Lane (十八梯; Shíbātī).

    reviewed

  14. Hè Míng Teahouse

    One of Chéngdū's most pleasant and popular spots to while away an afternoon over a bottomless cup of flower tea. The tea menu is in English. Having your ears cleaned (Y20) is optional.

    reviewed

  15. Ani Sangkhung Nunnery Teahouse

    If you're exploring the old town and need a break, make a beeline for this bustling teahouse in the courtyard of Lhasa's most important (and most politically active) nunnery. The nuns do a great job and the location is superb.

    reviewed