Cha-An Teahouse: Bringing the Tradition of Japanese Tea Culture to New York
Discover Cha-An Teahouse in New York City, a haven for authentic Japanese tea and desserts. Founded by Tomoko Yagi, the teahouse features signature items like Matcha Latte and Black Sesame Crème Brûlée, along with seasonal afternoon tea and traditional tea ceremonies in their new Chashitsu (traditional Japanese tea room). Experience Japanese culture and hospitality today!
In the heart of the East Village, Cha-An Teahouse has been introducing guests to the art of Japanese tea culture for over two decades. Founded by Tomoko Yagi, the teahouse began as a mission to share traditional Japanese tea and desserts, particularly matcha, at a time when it was still relatively unknown in the United States.
During our conversation with Tomoko, Sumi—a fellow Cha-An team member—served as the translator, helping to share Tomoko’s insights into the teahouse’s journey and its place in New York’s dining scene.
A Journey of Cultural Discovery
When Tomoko opened Cha-An 20 years ago, educating customers about Japanese tea culture presented challenges. “At the time, very few people knew about matcha,” said Tomoko, as translated by Sumi. Inspired by her studies of the Japanese tea ceremony, Tomoko sought to create a space where guests could experience the art and tradition of tea in an authentic setting.
Over time, matcha and other Japanese desserts became more widely recognized and appreciated. A turning point came when Cha-An was featured in The New York Times for its black sesame crème brûlée, a now-iconic dish that remains a customer favorite.
Signature Items to Savor
Cha-An Teahouse offers a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights the richness of Japanese tea and desserts. Some of their most beloved items include:
Matcha Latte: A velvety, flavorful drink that has been a cornerstone of the menu since the beginning.
Black Sesame Crème Brûlée: A unique dessert that combines the nutty flavor of sesame with the creamy decadence of crème brûlée.
Matcha Parfait and Matcha Tiramisu: Creative takes on classic desserts, infused with the vibrant flavor of matcha.
The teahouse also serves a seasonal afternoon tea menu on a separate floor, where offerings change every two months to reflect the freshest ingredients and traditional inspirations.
Expanding the Legacy
As Cha-An looks toward the future, Tomoko is returning to her roots by deepening the focus on traditional tea ceremonies. A new Chashitsu has been introduced on the second floor, designed for tea ceremonies and cultural events. Additionally, Cha-An plans to expand its offerings of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, bringing even more authenticity to the menu.
“We want to bring people back to the essence of Japanese tea culture,” shared Tomoko, as translated by Sumi. This commitment to authenticity and cultural appreciation continues to set Cha-An apart in New York City’s bustling dining scene.
Visit Cha-An Teahouse
Whether you’re a matcha lover or new to Japanese desserts, Cha-An Teahouse offers a serene escape from the city with its warm hospitality and beautifully crafted menu. Be sure to try their signature Matcha Latte and indulge in the black sesame crème brûlée while exploring their seasonal offerings.
For a truly unique experience, don’t miss their afternoon tea service or upcoming tea ceremonies in the Chashitsu.