Peaceful pour: Tian Tea House now open in Columbus Park
Tian Tea House // Photo by Sarah Sipple
Saranya Hubbard and Zach Hubbard have opened a tranquil tea house in Columbus Park. A small sign requests that guests maintain a respectful volume, but silence is not the goal.
Amidst sounds of dishes clinking behind the bar, tea being poured, and small forks slicing through tea jelly on delicate plates, a low hum of conversation can be heard. As I waited for a couple of family members to arrive, I sat back on the couch and relaxed. I took in the rich colors, fresh flowers, and decorative lamps. Even the innate subtlety of the main feature, tea, beckons patrons to take a beat. Slow down. Appreciate the stillness and flex the senses.
Tian Tea House // Photo by Sarah Sipple
The teas I purchased included white ($7), lemongrass blend ($8), menstrual relief ($7.50), and long jing ($7); and to eat, gimbap made by Chef Lisa Hamblen of Kimchi & Bap ($11), a sesame cookie ($6), and tea jelly ($4). As someone who pays $3.50 for a variety box of tea to last me a couple of weeks, I had to remind myself that I’m paying for the experience and curation here.
The white tea and lemongrass blend were both served in a small teapot, and the gentle ritual of refilling our small cups made those stand out as favorites. And as for the food, I have not stopped thinking of the tea jelly. The texture was slightly more rigid than Jello and delighted the senses. Well, not so much the expected senses of smell and taste since those were so subtle. It was the gelatinous mouthfeel and act of slicing through the cube with the small fork that was the delight. This will be a must-order for me on future visits.
Tian Tea House // Photo by Sarah Sipple
I felt compelled, not by signage or peer pressure, to stay off my phone. It felt respectful to both the effort of the proprietors and to my own soul to just be still. Enjoy the warmth of the mugs in my hands. Savor the aromas. See how many tastes and notes I could pull with a palate that’s used to being inundated with salt, fat, acid, and sugar.
Tian Tea House offers a thoughtful complement to Cafe Cà Phê right across the street, known for its electric ambiance and strong Vietnamese coffee. A Columbus Park remote work day could start with some high-energy collaboration at Cafe Cà Phê and end with a reflective wind-down at Tian Tea House.
White tea and gimbap from Chef Lisa Hamblen of Kimchi & Bap at Tian Tea House // Photo by Sarah Sipple
The Chinese term tian 天 translates to heaven, sky, or day. This tea house represents day, but night is coming. An evening cocktail bar is in the works now that the space is complete – Moon Bar, also from the Hubbards – so be on the lookout for that later this year.
Tian Tea House is located at 911 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106. As of January 6, Tian Tea House is open 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
