A chef, tea sommelier and pastry whiz have teamed up to create a first-of-its-kind venue in Melbourne’s South Yarra.
Yugen Tea Bar has opened its doors at the Capitol Grand and is a spin-off of the soon-to-open Yugen Restaurant.
Culinary Director Stephen Nairn, Tea Sommelier Thibaut Chuzeville and Pastry Chef John Demetrios are behind the concept, which sees more than 40 teas on offer alongside a selection of patisserie and confectionery.
Chuzeville, who joined the team from Vue De Monde, has put together a menu that features teas from a range of countries including Nepal, Japan, China and Malawi.
Guests are able to enjoy tea a la carte or select one of three tea experiences which cover oolong, Japanese teas and ‘the story of tea’, which sees patrons enjoy different styles over 45 minutes.
On the patisserie front, Demetrios has created sweet treats including a meringue tart with caramelised coconut curd and a matcha mousse with pineapple biscuit.
The chef will introduce a dessert degustation menu in December, which will also see the launch of tea cocktails.
Yugen Tea Bar is open from 12pm until 5:30pm.
Image credits: Sean McDonald
