5 stops for tea lovers in Ixelles
With the cold weather setting in, few things are more cozy than a nice warm cup of tea. Weather you’re looking to try a rare Chinese oolong, a toasted sencha, or sip a nice infusion, Brussels has so many destinations for tea lovers. Today we’re focusing on the Ixelles area, with five stops for tea lovers!
Walk Details
Distance - 3km
Walking time - 35min
1
Maison Renardy
Chau. de Wavre 111B, 1050 Ixelles
This little shop at the edge of the Matongé neighborhood in Ixelles, is a small and quaint little place to begin our tea journey. Here you can find an assortment of teas, including my favorite and highly recommended “Douce Nuit”—a rooibos infusion with anis and other spices to make you feel warm and cozy. Their huang ya, or yellow tea is also highly recommended. They also double as a patisserie and chocolate shop if you’re looking for a sweet bite as well. Family founded in 1912, this is a great place to something tasty and warm up with a delicious tea.
2
Comptoir Florian
Rue Saint-Boniface 17, 1050 Ixelles
Just a short walk from our first stop, you can find Comptoir Florian in the St. Boniface neighborhood. Their beautiful numbered colored tea jars line the walls of this tea house/shop, which gives off an almost rococo vibe. Like a proper tea shop, they have all verities of teas to suite your, well, cup of tea. Don’t hesitate to ask about something of the menu that jumps out at you. It’s also worth nothing that the tea room and the ability to have tea at the shop has been closed since COVID. Their “Green Christmas” blend is excellent this time of year!
3
Cháshi
Rue Lesbroussart 42, 1050 Ixelles
Our next stop is, in contrast to the first two, is a very new establishment, opening in the fall of 2024. Cháshi is a small tea house from owner Shuyue Wang, who is about as cool as any one running their own tea house can be. All the tea is prepared and served by her, and her menu is ever-expanding and changing with a strong focus on Chinese tea. Oh, and did I mention the sweets? Oolong Basque cheesecake anyone? I wouldn’t skip Cháshi just because they’re the new kid on the block when it comes to tea. Trust me on that one.
4
La Septième Tasse
Rue du Bailli 37, 1050 Ixelles
Located on Rue Bailli, La Septième Tasse was my first real introduction to Brussels’ tea world. The shop specializes in tea from all over the world, and they’re glad to bring down the jars from behind them to let you smell all they have to offer. Over the years, I’ve tried so many of La Septième Tasse’s teas, that giving a singular recommendation is nearly impossible… but their milk oolong is always a solid go to. What I do recommend though is taking your time to consult their menu (in the form of a little book) and going with whatever sounds best to you! You’re sure to walk away with something wonderful!
5
Eden
Rue du Page 27, 1050 Ixelles
This Japanese tea shop in the Châtelain neighborhood is my go to for anything Japanese—especially their soba cha, or grilled buckwheat tea. If you’re into green teas, there is also quite a selection, various flushes, and all sorts of styles to chose from. They also have some beautiful glassware and Japanese style tea paraphernalia for sale as well. The shop might be the smallest on the list, but there’s enough there to enthrall any tea lover.
