What does it take to become a top tea house? A popular tea house? A five-star Google tea house? You could say any of the characteristics are subjective just like tea. Some people will buy or not buy tea based on subjective labeling. The reason I am mentioning this is simply that I really do adore Mandaracha but anyone who walks into anything with too high of expectations can often be let down. Ultimately, I want you to wipe your memory of what I say when you go there and create a blank slate for yourself. The moment you walk in a sense of calm envelopes you. They have nitro-brewed tea for those looking for something unique and for those who prefer more traditional brews, they have amazing matcha. If ever you visit Kyoto please add this tea house to your list.

Website: https://www.mandaracha.com/

Location(s) Headquarters: 278-1 Yamashirocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0831, Japan

Company Focus:

• At MANDARACHA, we created a superb atmosphere, combining the warmth of Japanese raw materials such as Juraku, Bamboo, Washi, Cedar Wood, Zen garden with modern technology. Our raison d’être is to make tea accessible to everyone and to facilitate the introduction of tea culture in our daily lives.

Most popular company tea(s)?

• Kabusecha from Wazuka, Old Style Gyokuro from Mandokoro, White tea from Miyazaki, Tamaryokucha from Nagasaki, and Matcha from Uji

Does the company name have a meaning?

• In the Japanese writing of MANDARA (mandala in English), it contains the ancestor of the character for tea. It is an origin and evolution concept.

Do you participate in any charities?

• Not at the moment but I am considering one type that corresponds well to our values and message.

What is your and/or your co-workers’ favorite tea?  

• We tend to like the following:
• Alex – Kamairicha
• Laura – Matcha
• Juliette – Tamaryokucha
• Kazu – Oolong
• Miyo – White tea

What are your thoughts on transparency in the tea industry?

• I think the tea industry in general could do a lot better in terms of transparency, especially on the origins of the products, the origin of the teas they use for blending, and also the types.
• Another good step would be for them to communicate on their cultivation techniques (use of pesticides and fertilizers) and sustainability efforts.

What role does tea play in our lives?

• In our case, it plays an essential role because we work with it, we live with it. For more depth, it plays a role in supporting our health, making quality time with people, and perfecting ourselves through practice and sharing.

Anything else you’d like to add? 

• The more we know about tea, the more we can appreciate it and the more we can know about ourselves.
• Tea is an improver of life.

Social Media:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

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TeaTiff Picks: Matcha Crème brûlée. I am being totally serious here. Being allergic to dairy can be annoying because cooks don’t want to stray from their usual recipes but this homemade one in the store is mouthwatering. However, if you are unable to visit the store physically I highly recommend their matcha. More specifically the Kagoshima Shibushi Matcha. It is incredibly well-rounded with flavors that will blow you away.