Well Fed On the Town

A great dining experience can feel transporting. The decor and mostly Japanese staff of Cha An Tea House and Restaurant in New York City nearly fooled my brain into thinking I’d traveled to a part of Asia without ever hopping on a plane. The ambiance was warm and serene, hospitable to socializing with friends or relaxing on your own.

I stepped into Cha An for a break. In between meetings, I had just enough time to sample some small plates and enjoy a pot of tea.

My light meal consisted of the six small appetizers plate and sweet potato samosas. The six small appetizers were an enticing ensemble of little bites, including tea smoked salmon, scallion quiche, vegetables, pork and squid. It was amazing. Not only was it delicious, it was beautifully presented. The plate itself seemed as if it was designed just for the appetizer, it was divided into several small sections and its weight, color and shape enhanced the appearance of the food. When the plate was served, the waitress rested a set of chopsticks atop a little black stone. The chopsticks were tied with a pink string making the experience seem like an exquisite little gift. While the sweet potato samosas were presented in a relatively simple, yet still beautiful Japanese bowl, they were no less special than the six small appetizers. Being a lover of sweet potatoes I just couldn’t resist having this appetizer and it was divine! As a dish it was more than I could handle on my own; it was quite large, but incredible. It consisted of a steamy paste of sweet potato which filled a flaky filo pastry. As I pierced and broke the samosas with the chopsticks, the scent of the delicate, sweet flavors to come was released. It was an intoxicating and unforgettable moment.

I enjoyed two teas at Cha An this time around. One was the Osmanthus Oolong, which is an oolong from China that has been scented with one of my favorite flowers — Osmanthus. For those that don’t know Osmanthus — they are small star shaped flowers that grow on shrubs/trees native to Asia. Their beautiful fragrance is sweet and floral and reminds me of a cutting garden after a fresh rain.

Matcha was my second tea. I always enjoy matcha, while it can be a bit intense both in taste and caffeine, the experience itself always feels special. To enjoy a tea that has been artfully prepared and presented is always a nice thing. As I handled the bowl, breathed in the scent and appreciated the color and texture I thought of the elegance that accompanies the Japanese tea tradition. It is a sublime experience that spiritually intertwines art, nature and taste. I brought the bowl to my lips and took a sip, savoring the slight bitterness and strength of the tea just prior to sampling the Japanese dessert that was served alongside it. The dessert was a sweet rice cake dusted with soy bean powder. It was delicious, sweet and mild, the perfect accompaniment to balance out the strength of the matcha.

My afternoon meal set me back approximately $45. It is the type of establishment that you can easily run up a tab if you choose to sample a lot of different things. Though if you remain focused, it can also be a highly affordable and special experience. Just be sure to bring cash as they do not accept credit cards.

Cha An
230 East 9th Street (upstairs), Between 2nd & 3rd
New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-8030
Open Mon-Thurs. 2-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-Midnight, Sunday 12-10pm

Cash Only