Cha-An NYC: A Serene Escape for Tea and Japanese Delights

Cha-An Introduce

An Overview of Cha-An

Tucked away on the second floor of a building in New York City's vibrant East Village, **Cha-An** is a Japanese tea house that offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. This unique establishment is far more than just a cafe; it is a destination where the ancient art of Japanese tea culture is celebrated with modern grace and culinary excellence. Identifying as a women-owned business, Cha-An exudes a sense of careful curation and passion in every detail. It's a place that appeals to both seasoned tea connoisseurs and newcomers looking for a peaceful moment of reflection. The atmosphere is quiet, serene, and intentionally designed to transport you to a different world, making it a perfect spot for solo contemplation, intimate conversations, or special occasions. The commitment to a calm environment is evident in everything from the soft lighting to the minimalist decor. Cha-An isn't about rushing; it's about slowing down and savoring the experience, from the first sip of tea to the last bite of a delicate sweet. It stands out in the bustling East Village for its unique ability to provide a moment of calm and a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality.

Location and Accessibility

Cha-An is located at **230 E 9th St 2nd FL, New York, NY 10003, USA**. The tea house's location on the second floor adds to its hidden-gem appeal, creating a sense of discovery for first-time visitors. However, it's important for visitors to note that reaching the main seating area involves a climb up two flights of stairs. This is a key piece of information for anyone who may have mobility challenges. The surrounding East Village neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation, with subway stations for major lines like the 6, N, R, and L all within a reasonable walking distance. The streets are busy but filled with character, making the walk to Cha-An an experience in itself. While the entrance may not be immediately obvious, the address on a prominent street ensures it's easy to locate once you know where to look. The secluded location upstairs helps to maintain the quiet and contemplative atmosphere that is central to the Cha-An experience, allowing it to feel like a true sanctuary above the city streets.

Services Offered

Cha-An is a place dedicated to a more relaxed and mindful pace, and its services reflect this philosophy.

Dine-in: The primary experience at Cha-An is a leisurely dine-in visit. Guests can enjoy their tea and food in the main seating area or, for a truly special experience, in the reserved upper room. This option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance and attentive service.
Takeout: While the full experience is best enjoyed on-site, Cha-An does offer takeout options. This allows patrons to grab a favorite tea or a sweet treat to enjoy on the go or at home, bringing a piece of the Cha-An experience with them.

The business also offers a separate reservation-only experience for afternoon tea, which is highly sought after and must be booked in advance. This structured service ensures a high-quality, curated experience for guests celebrating a special occasion.

Features and Highlights

Cha-An's appeal is rooted in its dedication to authentic Japanese culture and a high-quality, detail-oriented menu.

Great Tea Selection: The highlight of Cha-An is undoubtedly its extensive and curated tea selection. From classic Japanese green teas to unique blends, the menu is a journey for any tea lover. The quality of the tea is a point of pride, with many options that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Exquisite Food Menu: While tea is the star, the food menu is equally impressive. Cha-An offers a blend of savory and sweet items that perfectly complement the tea. The dessert menu is particularly notable, featuring traditional Japanese sweets like **mochi** and **dango**, as well as Japanese-inspired creations such as the **Sakura Parfait**. Savory options also exist, including various rice bowls and smaller bites that are a perfect pairing for a warm pot of tea.
Specialty Afternoon Tea Service: A truly exceptional feature is the afternoon tea service, which is a reservation-only, multi-course experience. As highlighted by a customer review, this is a "very special experience" that includes a variety of savory and sweet treats, with themes that may change seasonally, such as a "Strawberry Afternoon Tea." This is a key reason many customers return for special occasions.
Authentic Ambiance: The atmosphere is a major draw. The quiet, peaceful, and almost reverent environment sets it apart from typical bustling cafes. The thoughtful design, from the decor to the soft lighting, creates a space where one can genuinely relax and unwind, a rare luxury in a city like New York.

The combination of these elements—a superb tea selection, delicious and beautiful food, and a serene environment—make Cha-An a truly unique establishment.

Contact Information

For inquiries or to book a reservation for the popular afternoon tea service, you can reach out to Cha-An directly.

Address: 230 E 9th St 2nd FL, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 228-8030

Given the popularity of their special tea experiences, it is highly recommended to call in advance to secure a reservation.

What is Worth Choosing Cha-An

In a city filled with endless coffee shops and cafes, choosing Cha-An offers a distinct and memorable experience. It is not just a place to grab a drink; it's a destination for a cultural and culinary journey. The primary reason to choose Cha-An is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. The **great tea selection** is a testament to this, with a range of meticulously sourced Japanese teas that are a joy to discover. This is paired with a food menu that is both delicious and beautifully presented, offering a true taste of Japanese-inspired cuisine.

The serene and cozy atmosphere is a significant factor, providing a calm sanctuary that is a welcome contrast to the fast-paced energy of New York City. The fact that it is a **women-owned business** also adds to its appeal, showcasing a passion for the craft and a personal touch. The afternoon tea experience, in particular, is a highlight and a compelling reason for a special visit. As noted in a customer review, this four-course event is not just a meal but an "experience" that is perfect for celebrating birthdays, Mother's Day, or any significant day. The attention to detail, from the presentation of the food to the attentive service in the reserved room, makes it an unforgettable occasion. While the location on the second floor may require navigating stairs, the peaceful reward at the top is more than worth the effort. For anyone seeking a moment of tranquility, a taste of genuine Japanese culture, and a truly special dining experience, Cha-An is a choice that will not disappoint. It's a place to linger, to savor, and to appreciate the artistry of tea and Japanese culinary traditions.

Cha-An Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great tea selection

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Cha-An Photos

Cha-An Location

Cha-An

New York New York County New York East 9th Street

230 E 9th St 2nd FL, New York, NY 10003, USA

Cha-An Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 1267 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We came here for their strawberry tea experience and lived the food and atmosphere. The tea set is in a separate room and the service is attentive. We like the variety of food and the presentation was very good. Getting to the tea area does involve going up 2 flights of stairs FYI for those who may have difficulty.
May 21 · Christina
My son takes me to this Japanese Tea House at times when I visit him, especially when it is a special day like my birthday or Mother's Day. The first three photos (with the parfait) were during a Mother's Day weekend, with a Sakura theme. That is the Sakura Parfait of Cha An Teahouse. The rest of the photos were from the reserved upper room where they were serving a four course Strawberry Afternoon Tea.When you see the teahouse (there is a photo of the door), you have to walk up steps to get to the main area where you are seated and you can order tea with sweet or savory snacks (like mochi or dango or even a variation of anmitsu where instead of jelly they use mochi. It's called Mochi Mochi). They also have good alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (my son orders the alcoholic one while I order the non-alcoholic kind). For the upper floor, however, you can go there only with a reservation. I encourage anyone going to Cha An Teahouse to make a reservation at least once for the four course afternoon tea. It's a very special experience that even the lady serving us was so pleased at the way my eyes lit up every time a new course was served. My son loved seeing how pleased I was with the experience as well, so I encourage anyone visiting New York City to go to Cha An Teahouse and even just once, make a reservation for afternoon tea (Note: You have to make it early, since they tend to get fully booked).
August 12 · Maria Tolentino
We came to Cha-An with high expectations, especially after hearing so much about their matcha desserts. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to the hype in any way. We were especially looking forward to the matcha ice cream, but it was a major disappointment, it lacked the authentic, earthy bitterness and depth that true matcha lovers look for. Instead, it tasted flat and overly sweet, more like a generic green tea flavor you’d find in a supermarket. I’ve had much better matcha desserts at other places in the city that don’t rely on reputation alone.The customer service was also well below standard. From the moment we were seated, we felt rushed. There was no warmth or attention to detail, which is surprising for a place that positions itself as a refined Japanese tea house. What really left a bad impression was the payment situation, we politely asked to split the bill, but the staff flatly refused and insisted on a single check without offering any flexibility. It felt unnecessarily strict and dismissive, especially for a casual group visit.The atmosphere, while quiet, didn’t make up for the poor service and underwhelming food. Overall, it felt like the focus was more on turning over tables than actually providing a good experience. For the price and reputation, I expected much better. Sadly, I won’t be returning, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone seeking authentic matcha or respectful service.
May 02 · Q K
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout our visit. We ordered the Kiwami Matcha, a Matcha Latte, and two desserts: the Hojicha Anmitsu and the Homemade Mochi set. Both desserts were beautifully presented and had delicate, well-balanced flavors.The downsides: a long wait to be seated, and the prices here are on the higher end compared to many other tea and dessert spots we've visited. That said, I would still recommend it for a special treat.
July 06 · Olga NYC
The matcha afternoon tea experience was very delicious! It was a bit pricey, but it was a great unique experience. The service was great as well.
August 14 · Sylvie Chung