Holding a warm cup of tea seems like pausing the turmoil of life. The way the steam spirals upward, conveying notes of jasmine or roasted oolong, begs you to take it gently. In Manila's booming tea industry, ChaYi is quietly but boldly spearheading the push for authenticity.
Following its debut in Lucky Chinatown Mall in December, this tea idea, based on China's centuries-old tea-making history, has found a second home at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig. A third location is already in the works at SMDC Fame Mall in Mandaluyong, with an opening date of 27 August.
ChaYi’s name comes from the Chinese words cha (tea) and yi (essence)—a fitting nod to its mission of introducing the pure, unmasked character of tea to Manila.
Founder Winchell Tan puts it simply: “We want to show people the true character of tea. Freshly brewed, aromatic, and full of natural flavor.”
Unlike quick tea blends or sugary milk teas, ChaYi takes a cautious and courteous approach. They source excellent tea leaves from China's famous Fujian and Yunnan provinces, as well as Sri Lanka, each with its own taste tradition. Every brew is steeped fresh and refreshed every four hours to ensure the best flavor. Even the sweetener—rock sugar syrup—was chosen for its silky finish, which enhances rather than overpowers the tea.
The menu is meticulously crafted, with fragrant Oriental Jasmine, delicious White Peach Oolong, robust Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe), and silky, chocolatey Pu’er. They are available in soothing hot or iced lattes, refreshing cold brews, and decadent Snowy Series options.
And speaking of the Snowy Series, this one is my personal favorite. It isn't overly sweet, so the tea shows through, but there's a creamy, frosty coating that feels both refreshing and uplifting.
Every drink transports me back to my recent getaway to Hunan, China, where mornings began with freshly brewed tea in quiet courtyards and the crisp air seemed to blend with every pour. ChaYi captures the same genuineness with each cup.
The owner also told the DAILY TRIBUNE that Hunan's famous "sexy tea" is one of his inspirations, a beverage he enjoys so much that he could drink it three times every day. His love for it leads him to provide its distinct flavor and experience to Filipino tea lovers.
The cup's design is reminiscent of excellent porcelain, with a smooth finish and subtle features that reflect the creativity of true Chinese tea. Just as each tea leaf holds centuries of tradition, the porcelain-like cup displays everlasting craftsmanship.
The Venice Grand Canal Mall branch replicates the soothing mood of its Binondo flagship, providing a location to sip slowly while admiring the Italian-inspired surroundings. With all drinks priced at P195 or less, ChaYi demonstrates that excellent, freshly brewed tea does not have to be a luxury—it can be an everyday practice.