Introduction to Chicha San Chen
Chicha San Chen, a popular tea concept from Taiwan, has recently opened its doors in Houston, specifically in Chinatown at 9750 Bellaire Blvd. This new addition to the city’s tea scene has been met with great enthusiasm, with fans eagerly waiting in lines for up to two hours to experience their meticulously brewed teas and boba teas.
History of Chicha San Chen
Chicha San Chen originated in 1998 as a humble tea shop in Taiwan’s Taichung City. Over the years, it has grown into a global sensation, expanding to multiple countries and various locations within the United States, including California, Utah, New York, Georgia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington state.
What Sets Chicha San Chen Apart
Unlike many boba tea shops, Chicha San Chen is distinguished by its meticulous focus on tea leaves and the preparation of tea. The shop utilizes "tea-spresso" machines, which employ a high-temperature pressurized extraction method to make each drink to order. This approach differs significantly from the more conventional methods used by other shops, where tea is pre-brewed and served from a container, or instant powder is used. This unique method allows for a more precise and flavorful cup of tea.
Unique Packaging
Chicha San Chen’s attention to detail extends to its packaging. When ordering multiple drinks to go, they are placed in a cardboard sleeve with a twine string attached, serving as a carrier. This distinctive packaging gives the tea a crafty and personalized touch.
Menu and Pricing
With such a finicky approach to tea preparation, it’s no surprise that the prices are slightly higher. Drinks start at $5.50 for a basic brewed tea and can go up to $7.50 for a milk tea with chewy boba tapioca pearls. Despite the prices, fans of the shop don’t seem deterred, eager to appreciate the nuances of a well-brewed tea with a distinctly Asian-influenced menu. The most popular options include green tea and osmanthus, a floral, fruity tea with hints of apricot and apples. For those looking for something a bit more unique, there’s the Wonderland drink, which combines Bailey’s Irish cream, oolong green tea, White Gourd tea, and vodka.
Tea-Tasting Experience
The shop offers a tea-tasting experience where visitors can be introduced to freshly roasted Taiwanese Li Shan oolong tea, a fragrant, fruity variety, with 5 roasting levels to highlight the tea’s distinct characteristics. This experience allows customers to delve deeper into the world of tea and appreciate the complexity of flavors that Chicha San Chen has to offer.
Ambiance and Staff
Unlike the majority of tea places that focus primarily on to-go orders, Chicha San Chen locations boast spacious dining rooms with pale modern decor and seating for up to 80. The staff, dressed in pinstripe shirts with ties and khaki aprons, convey a sense of seriousness and dedication to their craft. This ambiance, combined with the unique tea offerings, makes for a memorable experience.
Bringing Chicha San Chen to Texas
The brand was brought to Texas by partners Chloe Weng, Vera Pei, and Jinjing Weng, who met while in college in Austin. After visiting a location in Los Angeles, they were inspired to open their first store in Austin in 2023, followed by another in the Dallas suburb of Carrollton in January. According to Chloe, "Tea is our go-to drink like coffee is for other people, it is a part of our lives. We chose this brand as it measures everything out at each step, for a perfect drink every time."
Conclusion
Chicha San Chen’s arrival in Houston marks a significant addition to the city’s vibrant tea culture. With its unique approach to tea preparation, distinctive packaging, and dedication to quality, it’s no wonder that fans are eager to experience what this global sensation has to offer. Whether you’re a long-time tea enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Chicha San Chen is definitely worth a visit. Its blend of traditional Taiwanese tea culture with modern twists and a focus on quality makes it a standout in the world of boba tea shops.
