Oriental Tea House

Krussell

1st November 2009

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The Yum Cha here is great - a big variety of fresh dumplings, definitely the best option here and the service is quick and courteous.

mazphd

Tiger for Tea 4th December 2008

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I have found memories when I was a child of reading a charming story of The Tiger Who Came to Tea. What stands out most in my mind is the image on the front cover - the illustration of a Tiger sharing tea with a tiny girl standing on tiptoe to pour a long stream of what I learned was piping hot tea. This image has stayed with me an emblamtic of the etiquette and culture surrounding a tea party, communal togetherness and closeness that a nice, nay good, 'cup o tea' can bring.

when I was last in Melbourne, Australia it was with delight that a friend of mine took to the Oriental Tea House in Chapel Street - or the 'trendy' side of the city set amonst vintage shops with passer-by's more model-esque and disquietenly stylish in that uber-moder, but i'm-not-trying-to hard way. There are no wags here.

The Oriental Tea House is one of three in the state of Vicotoria - although once I visited Sydney I was dismayed to find that they had failed to infiltrate to this part of the northern territories - yet...

With the proximity to Asia there is, as you would expect, not only very high quality and genuiene Chinese tea availble, but a splendid dim sum menu and accompanying main Asian dishes and soups. You can also, as I discovered - and if there is room, take advatage of a super retail section to the Tea Rooms where they not only sell the tea to take home (light and compact, so I bought lots!) but also the tea sets that they serve their brews in. And it is well worth the investment, if you can find a way to either sit these glasswares in your handlugguage as I did, or wrap securely in bubble/newspaper etc. to secure their safe journey home. There's nothing worse than a spilt tea set. Worse than spilt milk.

There is an element of 'health' and bohemia to 'buy into' too. The Tea House is based on a way of life that is more than just enjoying a cuppa, but a real philosophy based on the tea's they use and food you should marry together. This for 'perfect' harmony and tranquility. And believe me it works.

So for traditional Chinese concepts, a range of amazing flavours and sights that best befits something out of Roald Dahl in terms of feasts and fancies for the eyes, nose, ears, fingers and tongue there rests a very happy and chilled atmosphere - perfect for afternoon shop stop, dining out, even a date. Nothing beats the quirkiness or quaint indulgence of the Oriental Tea House. Next time i'm passing by i'm stocking up and bringing the taste of tea and refinement of bodily health and peaceful mind home with me. An experience that's utterly pleasureable - and good for you too!

I might even bring the tiger with me next time, i'm sure he would appove.