Our Guide to Tea Houses and Tea Ceremony in LA
- 5 min read
In a city like LA, finding a spot to unwind can be a bit of a quest. Tea ceremony is the perfect self-care activity for a wholesome weekend event. Beyond the buzz of coffee shops or the endless stream of bars, it can be difficult to find the right place to gather. In the self-care era, tea houses offer the perfect third space for slowing down and enjoying atmosphere and the endless benefits of tea.
Los Angeles has a variety of tea spots that offer their own experience. We've done the work for you to gather a few of the best, including Tea at Shiloh, our OOMA launch party host.
Tea at Shiloh
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Tea at Shiloh offers a tranquil escape with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This tea house invites patrons to participate in mindfulness and savoring of every sip.
Tea at Shiloh offers a wide range of premium teas sourced from around the world. Their signature event is to serve tea up late at night, accompanied with live music and warm vibes. They host a calendar of activities, workshops, and events for community-building, introspection, and education.
Tea at Shiloh provides a well-curated living room where people can come together outside work and home. Whether you are seeking relaxation, new friendships, or inspiring design, Tea at Shiloh is the spot. Make a reservation or book a private event.
We are so grateful to Tea at Shiloh for hosting our OOMA launch party.
Village Tea Hut
Nestled south in Newport Beach, Village Tea Hut focuses on simplicity and authentic tea ceremony.
This tea house offers a serene, rustic setting to sit in stillness and ceremony. Village Tea Hut focused on Cha Dao, a way of being that can transform how we live our daily lives. By preparing, serving, and drinking tea, this tea house invites us to connect with the universe.
Following a long lineage of tea teachers and practice, this space offers one-of-a-kind transformation. Book yourself for tea and discover the magic.
Chado Tea Room
The Chado Tea Room first opened 30 years ago with the goal of bringing the class and decadence of afternoon tea to the city. Now, the Chado Tea Room has four distinct locations, including downtown LA, Hollywood, Pasadena, and South Bay.
Their Tea Room has a wall of tea, offering over 200 varieties, including rare blends from around the globe. Their menu offers the classic three-tiered rack of sandwiches and scones, plus a full menu of lunch options and seasonal specialties.
Their array of tea is available for buying so you can bring the self-care home with you. Chado makes our list because this feels like the perfect casual tea experience for a group of friends needing a catch up.
The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room
The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room is an iconic LA destination, set within the beautiful Huntington Library gardens. This tea house offers a classic British afternoon tea experience amidst a lush garden backdrop.
The tea room has played a part in the LA scene for decades and has consistently offered great service. They offer finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets to enjoy with your tea. After your tea session, you can wander the gardens, making it a perfect spot for both tea lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Diving Into The World of Tea
Tea is simply leaves in hot water. Though we do often call herbal concoctions, tea, as well. Whether you enjoy earthy green teas, calming chamomile, or adventurous blends, tea offers many benefits.
Drinking tea helps to boost your overall well-being and health. When you set time for yourself to sit with tea and enjoy the full experience, magic pours over you. Anytime you put your mouth to your mug or tea bowl, you can invite warm intention down your throat and into your body.
Saying your daily intention over a pot of tea is a practice of self-care. It helps you focus and connect with yourself and your loved ones. Learning to pour or recieve tea in ceremony can make this moment even more meaningful.
Every herbal blend has a different impact on your health. As you dive into the world of tea, you will find the herbs and flowers that work for you. Some of the reported benefits of tea include its ability to:
- Boost your mood: Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile are known for their calming effects. Drinking a warm cup of tea can help you chill out and find your center after a hectic day.
- Support your immune system: Green tea, ginger tea, and rooibos are full of antioxidants. These help your body fight free radicals and keep your immune system strong.
- Energy without the crash: While coffee can give you a jolt of energy that crashes hard later, tea offers a more balanced lift. Black and green teas offer a more sustained energy boost without leaving you jittery.
- Tea is perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy it alone with a good book. You can also share it with friends. Tea encourages you to slow down and be present.
Tea Houses as “Third Places”
A "third place" refers to a place where people spend time outside their homes (first place) and their workplaces (second place). Third places are key spaces for gathering with neighbors. They help encourage meaningful engagement, build community, and allow us to occupy space outside our living rooms. Tea houses perfectly fit this role, especially as an alcohol-free zone.
Unlike bars or coffee shops, tea houses often promote a slower, more mindful pace. This vibe can encourage you to pause and truly enjoy the moment. We hope these spaces help you relax, meet new people, and engage in meaningful conversations. In a fast-paced city like LA, dropping into tea houses is a perfect way to break up your habits and create new rituals.
At-Home Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony can become a regular practice that grounds your day. Choose your tea and set up a clean, lovely space. Pay attention to each step, from boiling water to enjoying the final brew.
- To learn more, read "The Book of Tea" by Kakuzo Okakura. It gives a clear view of the Japanese tea ceremony and its deeper meanings.
- "Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers" by Leonard Koren explores the beauty and mindfulness of Japanese culture.
This can enhance your tea practice and help you explore the art of tea in your home sanctuary. Tea and OOMA go hand-in-hand for self-care and transformation. Find your many blissings.
