Original Tao
International Teahouse
This is where it all began for us in 1997. Home to an avid tea-drinking community, this international teahouse is a landmark in Portland. It is built with many natural and sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and raw stone. Visit us for an extensive variety of teas, international foods, and warm hospitality.
The Original Tao of Tea teahouse was built in 1997 in Portland, Oregon. It was our first step as a tea company and took eight months of craftsmanship to build out the interior with black bamboo, old reclaimed wood, copper, and stone. Veerinder’s oldest brother Harpreet and friend Bob were instrumental in the making of the teahouse. The design was created without the use of any formal drawings. Our philosophy was to work with a handful of quality materials and carefully choose the spot that best suited them. The teahouse includes a rock waterfall, wooden tea chest tables, and bamboo shelves. The teahouse was awarded “best interior” among 600 restaurants in the Pacific Northwest in 2000 by Zagat restaurant guide. It is consistently rated among “Best Teahouses” in Portland and offers one of the largest varieties of teas in the country.
The Belmont Teahouse offers several dozen unique teas and herbal infusions. Sip tea from a teacup or delight in the beauty of a gongfu ceremony, prepared and presented by one of our talented servers. Please visit us to view the current selection of tea.
Popular Items: Traditional stove-top chai, delicious dishes such as dal & rice, chana chaval, and much more.