Cosmic Reflections (Lan Su Garden)
The Teahouse inside Lan Su Chinese Garden is Now Closed.
The Tao of Tea operated the teahouse inside Lan Su Chinese Garden from the garden’s inception in 2000 until October 1, 2023. The teahouse was a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike and helped strengthen the tea culture in Portland. We’ve greatly enjoyed serving the community in that setting where customers could relax, experience authentic Chinese tea, and connect with others. Numerous tea tastings, tea events and private events were undertaken to promote the art of tea. Gratitude to our Lan Su community of tea drinkers; we hope to serve you your favorite teas and dishes over at our Belmont teahouse soon.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures. Built by Chinese artisans from our sister city Suzhou (home of China’s famous ancient gardens), it is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China.
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Q: Do you need to pay the Garden admission fee to be able to come into the teahouse for tea?
A: Yes, the teahouse is situated inside of the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The teahouse is open during Garden hours, and all customers must first pay admission to the garden.
An annual membership for the Garden is available for people who like to come regularly.
Q: Why do you close earlier than the garden?
A: The garden and the teahouse share the same entrance, so in order for the garden to close, the teahouse must be empty. The teahouse stops seating half an hour prior to the garden’s closing time. This gives customers time to finish their tea and snacks and make their way out of the garden.
Q: Can we share a pot of tea?
A: Teas at the teahouse are served individually. The price for hot tea begins at $5 per person.
Q: Can we eat lunch there?
A: Traditional light meals and snacks are available throughout the day. Snacks and light meals include: steamed dumplings, Chinese rice noodles, tea eggs and daikon salad, as well as several kinds of mooncakes and cookies. Snacks and light meals are priced from $3 to $12.00.
Q: Do you have tea ceremonies?
A: Tea ceremonies are on hold for now due to COVID-related changes.
Q: Are you open for indoor seating?
A: We currently have indoor seating with a cap at 20 people on the second floor. Tea and food are currently served to-go style.
Q: Do we need to make a reservation?
A: We do not take reservations. Seating is first come, first serve. We do offer rentals of our upstairs on weekdays (see below).
Q: What about group reservations?
A: Reservations can be made for groups of 10 or more on weekdays only between 10am and 11am. We have a minimum set fee per person for group reservations, which tea and complimentary light snacks. Please note that the prices do not include admission to the Garden, which is required to access the teahouse.
If you are interested in a group visit to the teahouse, please feel free to contact Evonne at evonne@taooftea.com.
Q: Can I plan a private event at the teahouse?
A: The second story of the Teahouse is available for private rental: 2-hour minimum, 20 people maximum, on weekdays only (no weekends), September through May. Please contact Evonne at evonne@taooftea.com for further information.