Walk around Vancouver and on every street, you’ll find yet another global coffee chain location where chattering crowds huddle around frothy beverages while others clatter away at their keyboards. But long before people were spending their hard-earned dollars on coffee, another beverage reigned supreme as the world’s refreshment of choice.
We are, of course, talking about the humble cup of tea - a drink that has been a mainstay of cultures across the world for thousands of years. Now, after living in the shadows of its half-fat, no-foam caffeinated contemporary, the traditional tea experience is making a comeback. And anyone who wants to find out why needs to look no further than the North Shore’s newest tea house, Van-Cha.
Taste the passion
Van-Cha is a traditional Chinese tea house located at 205 16th St. in West Van. This sumptuous new space is one of a rare breed of tea houses that is transplanting the ancient culture of Chinese tea into the western world.
“Our goal is to foster a greater appreciation for the ancient culture of tea, while keeping up with modern tastes and trends as well,” says Van-Cha owner Xiao Yu. “People have been enjoying Chinese tea for thousands of years, and we’re here to help present-day Vancouverites find out why.”
While many of us associate tea with the humble ‘cuppa,’ it is in fact far richer experience than any of us might imagine. Possibly the best comparison is the world of fine wine, where tasters can savour an incredible array of complex flavours and aromas.
Like the world of vintage wines, the primary focus of Chinese tea is on quality, which you’ll find in abundance at Van-Cha.
“Our passion is for sourcing truly exceptional teas, as well as attention to detail in the presentation of them,” explains Yu. “A transplant from the mother country as opposed to an imitation, the process involves tasting multiple infusions of each of the teas, mindfully acquainting oneself with the unique tastes, aroma, rhythm and cadence of each variety. The teas are presented in a specific order in order to provide a range of experience, ideally culminating in a greater understanding as to why fine teas are so highly revered and celebrated.”
An education in the exceptional
Van-Cha prides itself on an exceptional selection of high quality teas. Indeed, visitors can enjoy different varieties at their West Van location. But as well as offering an outstanding experience, they’re also helping to educate visitors on what makes tea so special, with dedicated tasting sessions that help customers better appreciate this ancient delicacy.
“We want to help our customers understand why fine teas are so highly revered and celebrated in China,” Yu says. “We have assembled a selection of tea to be consumed in a single sitting, a tasting menu that acts as a brief introduction to the sheer expanse of flavours and aromas that you can find in Chinese culture.”
Served by knowledgeable tea masters in the traditional kung fu manner, using small tea pot and cups, these educational tastings are a treat for novices and enthusiasts alike. As if that wasn’t enough, Van-Cha also produces its own range of traditional Chinese pastries, freshly-made treats that are the perfect accompaniment to their tea tastings. Served together these make for a phenomenal afternoon tea experience, but can just as easily be enjoyed by anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life for an hour or two.
A sumptuous space
The good news for North Shore residents is that Van-Cha’s new West Van location is every bit as luxuriant as the tea they serve. This exquisite space is an Instagrammer’s paradise, a luxurious setting that reflects the mindfulness and contemplativeness that tea has been associated with in Chinese culture for millennia.
So whether you’re looking for somewhere to unwind, a quiet place for your next business meeting or a stylish space for your next event or function, Van-Cha has you covered. As Yu says: “At the end of the day tea is about bringing people together and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do with our new West Van location.”
Van-Cha operates two tea rooms in Vancouver at 433 Hornby St. In downtown and 205 16th St. In West van. For more information visit www.vancha.ca or call (604) 564-6999.
