Sue Stauffer

More Stauffer Columns... > Heads Up! > Let's Eat Out at...Min's Kitchen

79 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

“Let’s go for tea,” my friend Sherry Stubbs said. I had passed by the Chado Tea Room many times and peeked in at the charming interior, but when I joined her for lunch, I was very pleasantly surprised. The simple rattan chairs, crisp white tablecloths and incredible selection of teas, beautiful teapots and intricately decorated teacups and gracious host and hostess all created an atmosphere of understated elegance.

I have had English tea before and always felt it was a bit overrated, but Chado certainly gave me a different, more positive impression. The Chado tea service features four half sandwiches on freshly toasted potato bread, one scone served with cream, fresh fruit and jam, a delicious cookie and a slice of cake. A pot of tea selected from approximately 300 varieties is included for each person. (There is a tea list with comments written by a single customer who sampled every tea in a single year.)

The owners, Tek and Reena are on hand to make recommendations of teas to suit individual preferences so there is no need to feel overwhelmed. On the attractive tiered tray, you will find the sandwich selection of smoked salmon, Punjab (tea smoked egg salad), Mediterranean (goat cheese, watercress and oliveade spread) and Souchong chicken salad, scones with fresh strawberries, cream and jam, and finally a slice of cake and a cookie. We chose two teas, Jasime and Yin Zhen, a sweet white tea, to accompany our tasty meal.

In addition to the afternoon tea, Chado offers a selection of salads, sandwiches and homemade soups. Salad offerings include Waldof salad (a mixture of apples, raisins, chicken, celery and walnuts in a tarragon mayonnaise sauce), St Pierre salad (mixed baby lettuce topped with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes), Chado chicken salad and smoked salmon salad. With the Chado salad, I suggest ordering the dressing on the side, as it is a bit strong and salty. You can order a combination of two sandwiches (4 pieces) or a combination of any one sandwich and soup or two sandwiches with soup. In addition to the sandwiches included in the afternoon tea, you can enjoy the Balzac (Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese) or the Limerick (English cucumber decorated with cream cheese and chives). There is also a lovely dessert menu as well as scones that are made fresh daily and served with jam and butter if you are just in the mood for a sweet afternoon snack.

Chado Tea Room and Tea Shop is a lovely place for a quiet luncheon or an afternoon chat with friends. I highly recommend the English tea. You will not leave hungry, as the portions are generous. For more information, call (626) 431-2832.