The Tao of Tea

The Tao of Tea Restaurant Review:

There's a wide variety of tea for sale in this lovely shop, as well as teaware and other tea-related gifts. But don't just purchase something and go. Settle down on cushions and relish the gentle lighting and interior waterfall. More than 100 different teas are on offer from various countries including India, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal and the U.S., all detailed on a menu that's more like a book, and served with ceremony. We like the 500-mile spicy masala chai. Although tea is the focus, Asian-influenced dishes are available, too, with an emphasis on Indian, as a welcome complement. Choose from spinach rolls, samosas, aloo paratha and desserts suitable for an English high tea. The Tao of Tea has an additional outpost, the "Tower of Cosmic Reflections," in the Lan Su Chinese Garden at 239 NW Everest St. in NW Portland's Chinatown, 503-224-8455.