Taking Tea in Southern California

Chado South Bays tearoom has a French Mediterranean influence. Photograph Courtesy of Chado.

Chado South Bay
1303 El Prado Avenue • Torrance, California 90501
chadotearoom.com
• 424-757-5222

Reena Shah and Tek Mehreteab, proprietors of the award-winning Chado, have been transforming the Los Angeles tea landscape for decades. Reena and her late husband, Devan Shah—a notable figure in the tea industry—began selling tea out of her parents’ garage in 1990 and dreamed of one day being able to open a space where people could gather to enjoy their teas. Since then, not only did they open one tearoom, but four locations (Hollywood, Little Tokyo, Pasadena, and Torrance), each with their own unique character, that bear the company’s name. The word “Chado” is derived from the Chinese words cha (“tea”) and tao (“way”) that together translate to “way of tea.” The name, like the mantra of the owners, is evocative of the peaceful nature of tea and the countless ways it has enhanced lives for centuries.

The newest and largest store under the Chado umbrella is their South Bay location in Torrance, California, which opened in February 2017. “I live in the area, and there wasn’t a tearoom in Torrance,” explains Tek, who joined Reena in the business in 1999. “We decided to scout out the location, and we found that since the location is huge, it took us about six to eight months to finish it in its entirety” The tearoom has a French Mediterranean influence that is noticeable in the furnishings, wooden floors, and rich tones incorporated throughout. A beautiful fountain in the center of the room serves as a focal point for the space and adds to the warm and inviting ambiance that is ever-present in Chado’s brand. The walls are lined with shelves displaying countless tea blends and wares for customers to admire and possibly purchase. Not overtly feminine or over-the-top, the tearoom is perfectly suitable for both women and men alike.

Since the extensive inventory includes 388 teas, there is a tea for every taste at Chado. Photograph Courtesy of Chado.
Photograph Courtesy of Chado.

Along with a tempting selection of salads, soups, and desserts available for a quick lunch, Chado South Bay offers two lovely teatime options every day. The Afternoon Tea Service, for $22.95 per person, includes a three-tiered stand brimming with scones, four tea sandwiches on toasted bread, macarons, and butter cookies and is accompanied by a pot of freshly steeped loose-leaf tea. A bowl of their signature Cream of Tomato Soup or a house salad is available for an additional $3.95. If guests opt for a heartier version, the Celebration Afternoon Tea Service, for $28.95 per person, adds an appetizer course to the menu and a scrumptious Mauritius Tea Ice Cream Float, an innovative, tea-infused dessert that is not to be missed.

The impressive selection of teas at Chado is plentiful and diverse with more than 388 from which to choose. The blends and brews hail from around the globe in every type of tea imaginable and are sourced by their sister company, International Tea Importers. “For coffee drinkers or non-tea drinkers, I would highly recommend a Mauritius (a black tea with natural vanilla flavor) or a Chai Masala, which is laden with notes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla,” Tek remarks. “For tea connoisseurs, a Gyokuro, Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling, Jasmine Pearls, or an oolong would be nice.”

Artful chocolates pair well with tea. Photograph Courtesy of Chado.

Beyond the remarkable tea offerings and delightful fare, patrons of Chado return time and time again for the experience that is cultivated within the walls of the establishments. Tek divulged that the most important aspect of their business is creating a memorable respite where customers can feel comfortable by the level of service presented to them and can learn more about tea through the educated and helpful servers. Tek gives all the credit for his vast knowledge on “teatime things” and his love for the beverage to Devan, his dear friend of 22 years. He wishes that he, too, can pass on the beautiful tradition of afternoon tea to others in hopes that Devan’s legacy continues to live on in every teatime enjoyed at Chado.

Chado South Bay is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for lunch and afternoon tea; reservations are recommended. Chado’s teas can be purchased online through their website.

Chado’s afternoon tea includes scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, and a pot of tea with optional additions. Photograph Courtesy of Chado.