Nestled within the heart of Europe, Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Amidst the cobblestone streets and picturesque landscapes, a burgeoning tea culture has taken root, attracting tea enthusiasts from around the world. In the Czech Republic, the tea room culture has been spreading since the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and today, there are nearly 400 tea rooms (čajovny) in the country (more than 50 just in Prague), which is according to some sources Europe’s largest concentration of tea rooms per capita. In this blog, we’ll explore the thriving tea scene in Prague, delving into the Prague Tea Fest, the Čajomír outdoor tea festival, and some of the city’s most beloved tea houses famously known for their bohemian atmosphere. Additionally, we’ll take a moment to appreciate the talented potters contributing to the unique charm of Czech teaware.
Prague Tea Fest
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Photo: Pavel Gelnar, Prague Tea Fest 2024.
The second edition of the Prague Tea Fest, held at Karlín Square from the 24th to the 25th of February, unfolded as a week-long celebration of tea culture. Curated by Agha Mithra, this splendid gathering attracted tea enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond, solidifying Prague’s reputation as a European hub for tea lovers. The festival embraced a unique approach, prioritizing knowledge exchange through insightful lectures and seminars, departing from the conventional competition format seen in other tea fairs. Attendees experienced a sense of community, fostering connections and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Notably, the festival showcased the global diversity of tea culture, with international exhibitors like Farmer Leaf and Eastern Leaves (Yunnan), Satemwa Tea Estate (Malawi), Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea, Senchaism, Global Japanese Tea Association (Japan), Lumbini Tea Valley (Sri Lanka), Lo Artisan (Iran), Tea Gardenia (India), and Mogok Tea (Myanmar), offering a dynamic array of teas and immersive experiences. The festival also featured teaware artists, workshops, and captivating exhibitions, such as Mr. Xu Zhen’s unique Chinese painting style and Derek McCabe’s photo series from Taiwan, providing a comprehensive exploration of tea culture.
Photo: Pavel Gelnar, Prague Tea Fest 2024.
The success of the Prague Tea Fest has set the stage for its return in 2025, promising another opportunity for tea enthusiasts to delve into the world of tea in the heart of Europe. Save the date for the third edition on the 22nd-23rd of February and prepare for another enriching journey into the art and culture of tea.
Photo: Víťa Dzaridze.
Čajomír
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Photo: Čajomír 2022.
The Čajomír, a beloved tea festival among European tea enthusiasts, returns this year from the 16th to the 18th of August. For 15 years, this annual summer outdoor festival has been a gathering point for tea lovers, marked by small tents, blankets spread out on lawns, and a hippie-like atmosphere reminiscent of Woodstock. Attendees converge to share in the joy of tea and ceramics, creating a vibrant community united by their passion for this ancient beverage.
Tea Houses
Dobrá Čajovna
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Photo: Dobrá čajovna Karlovy Vary
and a beloved bohemian tea room franchise, has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of tea appreciation in the Czech Republic. It all began on June 1st, 1993, when the first orthodox tea room, known fondly as the “Mother of all tea rooms,” unfolded its doors on Prague’s illustrious Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). It epitomises a rich historical narrative, evolving from a clandestine enclave of tea enthusiasts who challenged the Communist Era’s restrictions on travel to faraway lands and private tea importation to become a cherished sanctuary for tea aficionados post-Velvet Revolution (1989). In those early days, the tea room exuded the legacy of importer Zdenko Nikolau, who, in 1910, beckoned merchants to his wholesale warehouses brimming with tea. Guests humbly drank tea on wicker chairs, and crates of tea served as tables. Hubert Hátle, a čajovník of Dobra Čajovna for 30 years already, was part of the backpackers’ friends group “Tea Lover Gentlemen,” from which Dobra Čajovna was established in 1993 by founders Aleš Jurina and Jiří Šimsa. Adventurous expeditions to the tea’s origins in Assam, India, and the remote corners of Yunnan, China, as well as the regular “Tea Devotee” gatherings in the Czech Republic further enriched its legacy. The 1997 expedition to the legendary King of Tea Trees in Yunnan stands as a testament to Dobrá Čajovna’s intrepid spirit. The journey wasn’t without its challenges; indeed, it was a testament to the unwavering love for tea, faith in its transformative powers, and the relentless pursuit of quality forged by love for tea.
As the years unfolded, Dobrá Čajovna flourished, weaving a tapestry of tea culture that transcended borders. From the bustling streets of Prague to the tranquil corners of Slovakia, Hungary, and neighboring Poland, Dobrá Čajovna’s influence knew no bounds. Now, there are 23 Dobrá Čajovnas in the Czech Republic, including Prague, Brno, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, and Kutná Hora. Over the years, Dobrá Čajovna expanded its reach to over 30 locations across Eastern Europe and even 12 tea houses in the United States, including Burlington, Madison, Portland, and Asheville, each of them having a unique spirit and yet encompassing the bohemian qualities of a traditional Dobra Čajovna. Each branch is a testament to the enduring legacy of Czech tea culture and the unwavering passion that continues to fuel its journey.
Photo: Dobrá čajovna Praha – Václavské náměstí.
Meetea Tea Studio
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Photo: Meetea.
Meetea, a labor of love jointly created by Jakub Seif and Tomáš Rajnoch, stands as an oasis of calm in the heart of Prague. With over 15 years of combined experience in the world of tea, their Tea Studio is a haven where guests can immerse themselves in the art of tea appreciation. Having explored numerous tea gardens and factories in Asia, Jakub and Tomáš have cultivated relationships with farmers, traders, and collectors, sourcing their favourite teas directly from the source. In their online store and physical studio, they offer a curated selection of their personal favourites, focusing on teas with charm, personality, and a connection to small gardens or old, wild tea trees. Meetea serves as both a store and a tea bar, where visitors can sample a variety of teas and join in on tastings sessions, as well as events such as meditation, calligraphy exhibitions, Japanese kaiseki dinners, and live music. In addition to tea, patrons can explore and take home handmade pottery, incense from Taiwan, and other tea accessories, making Meetea a holistic destination for tea enthusiasts seeking a true sensory experience and connection. Meetea extends its offerings beyond its tea studio with a unique summer tea school taking place in the picturesque Czech countryside. Recently, the team embarked on a captivating tea sourcing adventure to Northern Vietnam and Laos, which was documented in a compelling film crafted by Petr Soukup.
Lao Tea House
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Photo: Lao Tea Shop.
This tea house boasts a vast selection of teas sourced directly from growers in China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Laos, and Vietnam, each sip telling a story of the terroir and craftsmanship, as well as the owners’ tea travels throughout Asia. With two floors to explore, guests can indulge in not only great teas but also delectable food offerings and a curated selection of natural wines, ciders, and beers, some of which are house-brewed. Regular tea workshops, tastings, and exhibitions further enrich the experience. It’s important to note that aged post-fermented teas, particularly heicha such as Liu Bao, along with their signature puerh blends and Colombian black tea, steal the spotlight, making them Lao Tea House’s specialty.
Orijin Tea
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Photo: Tea Guardian.
A Chinese-style teahouse adorned with traditional gong fu equipment and an array of tea accessories in a treasure-like room. Its menu tempts visitors with a wide selection of Chinese teas. Here, Wei Jin, owner and tea master, shares their profound knowledge and experience through tea culture classes.
Klasek Tea
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Photo: Klasek Tea.
Previously known as Darjeeling.cz, Daniel Klasek has been running his tea business since 2003, and opened his tea shop in 2017 in Prague’s vibrant Holešovice district. Initially specialising in teas from Nepal and Darjeeling, Daniel’s offerings have since blossomed to encompass a global selection of teas sourced from renowned tea-growing regions worldwide. Additionally, his discerning eye for quality extends to a stunning collection of pottery, showcasing exquisite wood-fired ceramics carefully curated to reflect true craftsmanship and beauty.
Tea Mountain
Photo: A1Architects for Tea Mountain.
Located in Prague’s vibrant Karlín neighborhood, Tea Mountain stands as a beacon of modern tea culture, offering a serene escape where aficionados and novices alike can embark on a sensory journey through the world of tea. Founded by Martin Špimr after his extensive travels in India, Nepal and China, Tea Mountain exudes a fusion of tranquility and dynamism, inviting patrons to explore an expertly curated selection of teas from around the globe. This inviting and minimalist space with elements of Japanese aesthetics, adorned with solid ash wood and bathed in natural light designed by A1Architects, serves as both a contemplative sanctuary for tea sipping and a dynamic hub for tea exploration and education. With an unwavering commitment to transparency and expertise, Tea Mountain fosters connections between tea lovers and growers, cultivating an appreciation for the origins and quality of each brew.
One Poem Teahouse (Jedna Báseň)
An atmospheric tea spot with a slightly darker fairytale-like ambiance, where guests can enjoy more than tea but also food such as hearty soups, waffles, home-baked bread, and cakes. Adding to the charm is the local tea house celebrity, a beloved cat named Růženka, who delights in greeting visitors with her feline charm and cuddles. Greeted by an invitation to slow down, visitors come to play board games or explore some pages of a book while enjoying a steaming cup of tea accompanied by meditative music. The ample seating options cater to diverse preferences, with some opting for the cozy comfort of cushions on the ground for a barefoot experience.
Photos: One Poem.
The Golden Rooster (Čajovna – U Zlatého Kohouta)
Photo: The Golden Rooster.
Discover yet another cozy, bohemian tea house, inviting you to savour classical Indian and Chinese teas amidst an ambiance of warmth and tranquility. Here, you can lose yourself in the pages of captivating books, engage in a spirited game of chess, all while indulging in delicious cakes.
Banna Tea House
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Photo: Banna House.
Tea room that pays homage to the renowned tea region of Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, China. Helmed by Shanshan Lin and her husband Richard Grünwald, this charming space beckons tea enthusiasts with its diverse array of puerh teas. Lin, hailing from the Jinuo ethnic group, brings a deep-rooted connection to the region, having cultivated her expertise in tea production since her early years in one of the Xishuangbanna tea gardens.
The Light Tea House
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Photo: The Light Tea House.
A modern and bright tea space that offers high-quality teas from Yunnan and Taiwan, tea-based drinks, vegetarian food, and vegan desserts. The Light Tea House holds different cultural events that introduce a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, as well as tea ceremony, flower arrangement ikebana workshops, book reading events and cooking classes.
Amana
Photo: Amana.
Amana has stood the test of time, remaining a steadfast presence amid the changing landscape of tea houses in Prague. Boasting an extensive selection of classic teas sourced from regions spanning China, Japan, Vietnam, India, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, Amana offers a treasure trove of flavours to explore. Additionally, their collection of teaware caters to the needs of daily brewing. With two conveniently located shops in Prague, at Újezd and Školská, visitors can sample teas at the tasting table, too.
OXALIS
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Photo: CoffeeTearia Vodičkova by OXALIS.
OXALIS is a chain of tea and coffee shops, tracing its roots back to a humble beginning as a family-run venture in the summer of 1993. From its modest beginnings, it has blossomed into a renowned importer, processor, and distributor of premium loose leaf tea and specialty coffee. Presently boasting 65 stores across the Czech Republic, OXALIS has also expanded its reach globally, exporting its products to over 40 countries worldwide.
Potters of Czech Republic
Photo: Pavel Gelnar, Prague Tea Fest 2024.
As tea enthusiasts, we often cherish traditional teaware such as Yixing clay tea pots from China and Japanese pottery like Shigaraki and Tokoname-yaki. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover exquisite teaware crafted by talented European artisans, particularly in the Czech Republic. Here, a vibrant community of skilled potters showcases their craftsmanship, offering a diverse range of porcelain, stoneware, wood-fired ceramics, and even the anagama-style of wood-firing. Some of the noteworthy names include Krajna Pottery, Fabienne Haber, Hrnčířství Zimmermann, Fluffy Tea (known for her charming tea pets, linen chabu, and teaware pouches), Hanka Vrbicová, Vlastimil Hanuš, Petr Sklenička, Markéta Kazdová (of Keramika z Lesa), Vaclav Dušek, Jan Pávek, Jiří Lang, and Petr Novák (of Pots and Tea). During the Prague Tea Fest, attendees could participate in Kurinuki Yunomi workshop by Atelier Hlina – Ovidius Karolina Obr to create their own tea cups, adding a personal touch to their tea-drinking rituals.
Photo: Vaclav Dušek Pottery.
In conclusion, in the heart of Europe lies Prague, a city renowned for its rich history, architectural marvels, and vibrant cultural tapestry. Amidst its cobblestone streets and picturesque landscapes, a thriving tea culture has taken root in a truly fascinating form. Beyond its unique tea shops, the country boasts a wealth of talented artisans whose handcrafted ceramics and exquisite teas are sure to captivate and make one fall in love immediately. If looking for handcrafted ceramics and tea accessories or new interesting teas to try, the Czech Republic is definitely worth exploring. And as for tea travellers, it is a place worth visiting as you might make meaningful connections with wonderful and passionate people here.
Photo: René Wilke. Petr Sklenička Pottery at the Prague Tea Fest 2024.
