Bruno Rabaca and Diana George have created a tea oasis in the heart of the Mother City, hoping to create a ‘tea-volution’. The dedicated tea bar focuses on experiencing the beauty of tea and the ritual of brewing, pouring and drinking this golden nectar. Partners in life and business, Diana brings her keen design eye while Bruno brings his entrepreneurial spirit and charm to KA PA TÉE.

Serves: Tea, coffee and baked goods
Parking: Street parking is tricky; it’s best to walk or Uber
Star ratings: Food: 4; Service: 4; Ambience: 4

Food

The creative menu and the treats display. Photo supplied.

Be enticed by pastries and cakes sourced from local producers. While they do change daily, you can expect a range of muffins, brownies and cakes – including a healthy range of gluten-free options.

Drinks

An eyebrow-raising range of 50 teas adorns the wall. Familiarity with standard Ceylon and rooibos teas are soon forgotten as you’re allowed to smell each tea on offer. The teas range from well-known blends to various green, black and white teas. The true magic, though, lies in the unique blends on offer. Think herbal Ayurvedic teas like the Vatwala. Spiced with ginger, cinnamon and anise, it promises to promote calmness and serenity. Ceremonial matcha tea is also served, made with traditional flair by Bruno. It’s been hailed by customers as the best matcha in town.

A peek at the huge selection of teas. Photo supplied.

I tasted the interesting Lapsang Souchong, which has a smoked woody taste as the leaves are said to be traditionally smoke-dried over pinewood fires. My inner coffee addict spotted the Chocochino, which is a black tea with dates, cocoa nibs, popcorn and quince. Possibly my favourite, it’s a delightful play on the traditional essence of the coffee-based drink.

If you want to get the full experience, opt for the tea tasting of 3 or 5 teas. For a more indulgent treat, try the tea and chocolate brownie pairing.

The pairing experience. Photo supplied.

The teas are organic and strictly sourced from ethical tea farms around the world. All teas are brewed either in ceramic pots or in the Alpa Dominche Steam Punk – the only craft tea-brewing machine on the continent.

Service

Friendly and relaxed staff make you feel at home and guide you through the process of your tea decision. Bruno’s passion for his product and process can be experienced in each sip you take.

Ambience

KA PA TÉE’s comfy space. Photo supplied.

Located just off the bustling St Georges Mall strip, there is a sense of calm as you walk into this serene space. It seems the calming effect of tea has rubbed off onto the shop itself. Comfy seating allows you to relax with a book and steaming cup of tea. Or enjoy the tasting experience at the high tables. They also stock a range of handcrafted ceramic tea accessories and locally sourced woven products making perfect gifts.

And…

KA PA TÉE allows for intimate functions to be curated in their space. Contact them with your enquiries.

The little space has a lot of charm. Photo supplied.