Tea has always been more than just a beverage for me; it’s a way to explore, discover and connect different cultures, histories, and traditions. My recent travels across Europe provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the diverse world of tea. From the bustling cities of Helsinki and Berlin to the charming locales of Riga, Treviso, and Padova, each destination offered its distinct tea experiences. This post is a unified reflection on my tea journey, capturing the flavours, encounters, and cultural insights that made this adventure unforgettable.
Helsinki: A Tea Lover’s Haven in a Coffee Nation
My journey began in Helsinki on July 9th, a city where coffee culture reigns supreme. Yet, amidst the coffee shops, I discovered a thriving tea scene that speaks to the growing appreciation for tea in Finland.
TeeMaa: A Conversation with Peng Luo
My first stop was TeeMaa, a tea room that has become the place to go for tea and design lovers in Helsinki. Here, I had the pleasure of interviewing Peng Luo, the founder of TeeMaa,
whose passion for tea is palpable. Peng shared his journey of introducing authentic tea experiences to Finland, highlighting the importance of handmade and artisanal teas and the artistry behind each cup of tea. At TeeMaa, I ordered a 2024 Gold Tea, a fresh green tea from Hunan, and Taiping Houkui from the 2024 Spring harvest. The latest was brewed in two ways: gong fu cha style in hot 80-degree water and infused in cold water for 30 minutes. The vegetal flavours of the tea were perfectly complemented by a slice of Japanese fluffy cheesecake.
TeeTao Teehoune: A Cultural Feast
Later that day, I visited TeeTao for their Oriental Afternoon Tea, a culinary journey through Chinese and Taiwanese delicacies paired with exquisite teas. The experience was a celebration of traditional flavours, from the playful Jiggling Cat Matcha Pudding to the nostalgic Tang Hu Lu, made with grapes instead of hawthorn berries. Each dish was perfectly paired with teas that enhanced the flavours, making this afternoon tea a cultural experience that touched both the soul and the palate.
Nari Tea: A Space for Innovation
Although I couldn’t visit Nari Tea in person, I couldn’t miss the chance to highlight this innovative tea room in Helsinki. Nari Tea is not just a place to sip tea; it’s a creative hub where traditional brews meet modern twists. Their unique approach to tea, combined with a serene environment, makes Nari Tea a must-visit for anyone seeking tea inspiration in the city.
Riga: Tea and Friendship Amidst Art Nouveau Charm
On July 10th and 11th, my journey continued in Riga, where the charm of the city was matched by the warmth of the people I met and the richness of the teas I tasted.
Tejo Tea House: Modern Tree Tea House
My first tea experience in Riga was at Tejo Tea House, where I met Katrina Wild, IG, the tea expert and alchemist born in Riga, but belonging to the world. Katrina is a tea-passionate, traveller and an outstanding content creator: not only, has she curated and researched high-quality articles for my tea blog, but her passion for tea and modesty is unique. Tejo Tea House offers a comprehensive array of tea experiences: from Gong Fu Cha Tea Ceremonies to Moroccan Tea Experience or South American Yerba Maté. Despite my initial plan to try their Tibetan Butter Tea, I opted for a cold brew of black tea, lemon and elderflower due to availability. The tea was refreshing and light, perfectly complementing our conversation about the intricacies of tea culture and personal and professional future endeavours.
Tabu Tea House: Tea House in the Park
From there, we walked to Tabu Tea House, a tea house in Vermane Garden (a park in central Riga). Tabu Tea House's interior features a harmonious mix of natural wood tones, soft lighting, and minimalist décor, creating an environment that encourages relaxation and introspection. The space is punctuated with thoughtful details—such as handcrafted teaware displayed on shelves and delicate tea accessories—that speak to the house's deep respect for the art of tea.
The seating is a blend of cosy cushions and traditional low tables, which invite guests to settle in and enjoy their tea in comfort.
The tea menu at Tabu is extensive, offering a selection of high-quality teas from around the world, with a particular emphasis on East Asian varieties. The GABA oolong I chose was served in beautiful teaware, and the entire brewing process was handled with great care, enhancing the sensory experience. The tea was rich and full-bodied, with a natural sweetness that lingered on the palate, perfectly matched by the serene surroundings.
Later, we headed to Hačapuri Meitene, a Georgian restaurant where we indulged in a feast of traditional dishes. The meal was a culinary journey through Georgia, with highlights including Khinkali (soup dumplings), Khachapuri (cheese bread), and Beef Soup Kharcho. The richness of the food was perfectly balanced by the company and the tea that accompanied our meal since Gundega Silence, the owner of the three houses we visited and a visionary for the tea industry in the Baltic Countries.
An Evening at Illuseum
After our meal, we headed to Illuseum, a tea house that feels like stepping into another world-a world where tea is both an art and a shared experience. There, we enjoyed a Blue Horse Shu Pu’er from 2004, a tea with deep, earthy flavours and a smooth finish that spoke of its age and the care with which it had been stored. The Pu’er paired beautifully with the fresh fruit we brought along and the leftover cheesy Khachapuri from our earlier meal. As we sipped our tea, more tea friends joined us, turning the evening into a joyous gathering of like-minded souls, all united by our love for tea.
Berlin: Exploring the Vibrant Tea Scene
On July 12th, I arrived in Berlin, a city where tradition meets innovation, especially in the speciality tea world. It is my third visit to Berlin and this year I have already partially experienced the rich choice and selection of tea experiences offered by the city last May.
If you love tea and visit the city, don't hesitate to inspire yourself with my tea experiences, check out the Ideas for a 3-day trip in Berlin if Tea is your passion.
12th July: A Day of Korean, Japanese and Russian Tea Delights
Morning with Kwok Ying von Beuningen at Soopoollim, Korean Eatery and Tea House.
My day began at Soopoollim, where I had a memorable homemade Korean dining experience back in May* and I met with Kwok, the Tea Sommelier at Oukan Dining. During our interview, she shared her story on how she got in contact with tea, her tea travels, her passion for the most unique and premium high-quality teas and of course, how a tea and food pairing is curated in a fine-dining restaurant. Her interview will come soon on our blog with a review of my experience at Oukan Dining. This encounter was both educational and inspiring, deepening my appreciation for the meticulous research Know and her team at Oukan Dining are putting into perfecting their high-end vegan proposition and tea pairings.
*If you want to read about my experience at Soppollim, check out the post on South Korean Teas and Experiences in Europe.
Afternoon Tea at Mamecha, Green Tea Café
As the day progressed, the weather took a turn, and Berlin was soon enveloped in a heavy downpour. Soaked from the rain but undeterred, I sought refuge at Mamecha, a Green Tea Café specializing in Japanese teas and delicacies. The cosy ambience of Mamecha was the perfect antidote to the gloomy weather outside. I decided to indulge in a matcha mille crepes cake, a beautifully layered dessert that was as delicious as it was visually appealing. To accompany the cake, I chose a classic sencha, a vibrant green tea with a refreshing, grassy flavour. The highlight of my experience at Mamecha was the ability to refill the kyusu teapot, allowing me to savour multiple brewings of the sencha. Each infusion brought out new nuances in the tea, deepening my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind this traditional Japanese beverage. The café was bustling with life, filled with people who, like me, were seeking solace in the warmth of a good cup of tea.
Evening at Die Tadshikische Teestube
Later that evening, I ventured to Die Tadshikische Teestube, a unique tea house known for its Russian tea offerings and traditional ambience. I decided to try their cabbage-filled pastries, served with sour cream and a side salad, pairing it with a Russian tea known as "Puskin." This strong black tea, infused with spices, jam, and a hint of vodka, was a bold and invigorating choice, perfect for the chilly, rain-soaked evening.
While I was eager to participate in the tea house’s famous tea ceremony, I was unable to do so as it required a larger group. Nevertheless, the experience of enjoying tea with such rich flavours and historical significance was memorable. The Tadshikische Teestube offered a glimpse into another facet of tea culture, one that is deeply rooted in tradition and community.
13th July: A Day of Tea, Friends, and Festivities
Morning Matcha at Chaya with Cordula
The next day, I began with a visit to Chaya, a Japanese paradise situated in the Bikini Mall that specializes in offering Japanese teas and all things Japan. I met Cordula, the founder of Beimake, a tea expert in Chinese tea treasures, for a quiet morning of matcha and Japanese sweet pastries (wagashi). The matcha was expertly prepared, with a smooth, velvety texture and a rich, umami flavour. The strawberry daifuku, a soft mochi filled with sweet red bean paste, was the perfect accompaniment, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. Our conversation meandered through our mutual love for tea, the intricacies of the tea industry, and the ever-evolving tea culture in Berlin.
Summer Tea Fest at C*Space
The highlight of the day was the Summer Tea Fest at C*Space, where I gathered with many tea friends for a celebration of all things tea. The event was a bustling affair, bringing together tea lovers and professionals from various backgrounds. It was here that I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy and Qui from SiCha, Lucy and Benjamin from TeaFriend, Ilya from Xiancha Tea, and Olaf and Sophie from t-Magazine, among many others. The festival was a testament to Berlin’s vibrant tea community, where people from all walks of life come together to share their passion for tea. One of the standout moments of the festival was attending a workshop on tea and cocktails organized by SiCha. The workshop was inspiring, offering creative ways to incorporate tea into modern mixology. The idea of blending tea with spirits and other ingredients to create unique cocktails opened up a whole new world of possibilities, one that I am eager to explore further.
14th July: A Taiwanese Brunch at CozyMazu
On Sunday, I wrapped up my tea journey in Berlin with a visit to CozyMazu, a charming café known for its Taiwanese brunch offerings. I indulged in their famous Rice Congee Qi Gong, a savoury rice soup made with vegetable stock, spring onion, coriander, and chilli oil, topped with rouzao pork and a spiced tea egg. The meal also included luobo gao rice cake, suanmei salad (a pineapple salad with salted plum powder), and heitang gao steamed cake. Each dish was a flavorful tribute to Taiwanese cuisine, with the right balance of savoury, sweet, and spicy elements.
To complement the meal, I chose an Alishan Oolong, a high-mountain tea from Taiwan known for its floral aroma and buttery texture. The oolong was a perfect match for the rich and diverse flavours of the brunch, enhancing the overall dining experience. CozyMazu’s warm and inviting atmosphere made it an ideal spot to reflect on the past few days and savour the final moments of my Berlin tea adventure.
Treviso and Padova: A Culmination of Tea Experiences in Eastern Italy
My tea journey concluded in Italy, where the cities of Treviso and Padova offered rich experiences that were both educational and deeply satisfying.
Treviso: A Gyokuro Tasting with Antonella
My tea explorations in Treviso were nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to Antonella, a tea expert whose knowledge and passion for Japanese teas are truly inspiring working at Ikiya, a Japanese tea room. Under her guidance, I had the privilege of tasting three exceptional types of Gyokuro, a shade-grown Japanese green tea known for its rich umami flavour and delicate sweetness.
Sencha Oku-Kirimisha "Tennen Gyokuro" of Birouen (Kirishima, Kagoshima)
We began with Sencha Oku-Kirimisha, a high-quality Sencha whose tea plants grow wild in the forests at the foothills of the volcanic Kirishima Mountain and they are naturally shadowed by other plants and the morning fog. This tea, while not a Gyokuro, since naturally shadowed, allows for a comparison of flavours and textures. The Oku-Kirimisha offered dark green, needle-like tea leaves and an intense aroma, noble and rich in umami but at the same time fresh, lively and almost wild.
Gyokuro Tokujo from Yame, Fukuoka
The second tea in our tasting was the Gyokuro Tokujo from Yame, Fukuoka, known for its lively and sparkling, almost citrusy flavour. This tea was a revelation, with a deep, lucid emerald colour and an aroma that was both fresh and lightly nutty. The umami was pronounced, almost savoury, with a hint of sweetness that balanced the intensity. The Gyokuro Tokujo left a lasting impression, showcasing the remarkable diversity within the world of Japanese green teas.
Shincha Gyokuro "Wakashizuku" of Yamamasa Koyamaen (Uji, Kyoto)
We concluded the tasting with the Shincha Gyokuro (Wakashizuku) of Yamamasa Koyamaen from Uji, Kyoto. Shincha, or "young drop," refers to the first harvest of the season, and this Gyokuro was a perfect representation of the freshness and vegetal notes that Shincha is known for. The tea had a mild, sweet, slightly spicy note with a lingering umami. The Wakashizuku was a fitting finale to our tasting session, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the artistry involved in producing these exceptional teas.
Antonella’s expertise and passion for tea were evident throughout the tasting. Her ability to articulate the subtle differences between each tea and her deep understanding of their cultural significance made the experience truly enlightening. It was a masterclass in Japanese tea, one that I will remember for a long time.`
Padova: Discovering a Rare Tea Haven with Nicoletta
My tea journey in Italy concluded with a visit to Padova, where I had the pleasure of meeting Nicoletta, the founder of La Finestra sul Té. Nicoletta’s tea shop is a treasure trove for tea lovers, offering an incredible selection of teas from around the world. Our conversation was as enriching as the teas she curates, covering everything from the latest trends in tea culture to the challenges and joys of sourcing high-quality teas: we tasted a freshly arrived and handmade hojicha (roasted Japanese green tea) coming with bits of yuzu zest which one of the best blends I had in a long time.
Photo Credit Website: Nicoletta, the founder and owner of the La Finestra sul Té,
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