A feng shui haven of aromatic teas blended to perfection bring an escape from the mundane. The Short North’s Zen Cha Tea Salon ranks high among restaurants any day of the week.
“Eighty percent of our customers return on a weekly basis, three or four times a week,” said I-Cheng Huang, co-founder of the salon.
The salon’s purpose becomes evident in the definition of its name. “Zen” is a Buddhist philosophy that promotes balance of lifestyle, simplicity and nature and “Cha” means tea.
The interior design, delicious desserts and a warm staff deliver the Zen tea.
The ambiance is a warm, natural setting with Zen-garden tables, soft drips of fountain water and a clear, clean design. A bamboo ceiling gives the place an exotic appeal.
The table can break the ice of social awkwardness by providing a topic of philosophic conversation.
Zen Cha’s sunshine-yellow walls inviting and the ancient tea-ware exhibits are reasons enough to stay.
While the environment provides comfort, the tea itself is a refuge. Sipped slowly, each mouthful of floral blends delight the taste buds.
An escape from everyday stress comes within reach with teas from all over the world. The teas derive from countries like France, Germany, Taiwan, India and China.
The “Masala Chai,” an Indian tea with spices livens up the mood, while the French “Lavender Tea Latte” soothes the soul with a smooth creamy blend of milk and fragrance.
Healing is another symptom of the salon’s tea-mixing powers. The “Honey Chrysanthemum” provides subtle sweetness with cleansing effects as part of the Herbal Remedy series.
Addiction may set in with one spoonful of the salon’s luxurious desserts. “Tropical Paradise” is a creamy blend of a mango, passion fruit and pineapple mousse atop coconut cake.
Chocolate lovers find a surprise with “Raspberry Cascade.” Underneath the layer of rich chocolate awaits fresh raspberries for a sweet and sour blend of decadence.
“Vanilla Bourbon” delights the mouth with a light, creamy Tahitian vanilla bean mousse in between layers of almond sponge cake, underneath vanilla glaze.
Among the sweeter things there is a menu of Asian cuisine that is light and healthy. The Japanese ramen noodle soup is a blend of hot noodles with sprout, seasoned bamboo shoots and seaweed with optional tofu or roasted pork slice topping.
Prices for the light meals range from the fresh salads at $4.50 to elaborate lunch specials for $8.95, including a meal entree, tea, cup of fruit and dessert.
Healthiness, inner peace and culture are the main components for the philosophy behind Zen Cha, and the menu corresponds quite nicely.
“Columbus is known for being the capital of fat food with its ranking obesity rate,” Huang said. “People here are trying to rid the city of that image. What makes people remember a city is the cultural diversity that is enhanced.”
Cultural appreciation is evident within every aspect of the salon; from the universal teas to the decor that welcomes people from all walks of life.
“We want people to leave here thinking this was a good, relaxing experience – not just that they had good tea,” Huang said.
For the student searching for a study spot or a downtown worker needing a break, the salon serves as an escape through aesthetics, atmosphere and value.
While the struggling college student may think $3.50 is a little steep for a cup of tea, the splurge is well worth it.
