Specialty tea shop Slow Cha invites you in for tea and cake

Creamy specialty teas, an intimate atmosphere and the authentic feel of the East: Slow Cha is the latest spot in town where you can relax over a hot brew and cake.

Photo: Forgács Zsuzsanna - We Love Budapest

Vitkovics Mihály utca is only a short walk from the centre of town, yet this quiet, comfortable street feels like stepping into the Secret Garden. Fun, arty shops are popping up here, encouraging more people to explore this little nook of Budapest. Slow Cha is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Founder and business manager Ashley moved here from Malaysia, and has only lived in Budapest for a year. The shop operates entirely in English, with signs outside beckoning passers-by to come in and taste the great teas and cakes. Ashley studied confectionery in Beijing and Sydney, and the tea cakes in the shop are all her own recipes.

Creamy and fragrant, the matcha tea is made from powder extracted from green tea leaves, and can come with many milk preferences: regular, soy, brown-rice and oat. The desserts are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Matcha Mille Drêpe is made with fluffy matcha cream filled between layers of crepe, Madeleine is concocted from hojicha chestnut and oolong tie guan yin, while Earl Grey Lemon features lemon-poppyseed cake and a hint of Earl Grey tea. Cakes run between 650 and 1,250 forints.

In addition to the popular matcha teas, some lesser-known varieties are available for those interested in expanding their palette. A black sesame latte, popular in Malaysia, is available for 950 forints, made from organic black sesame, black bean and brown rice. The genmaicha latte, for 850 forints, combines popped brown rice green tea with fresh milk, and pure tea without milk can also be ordered for a more traditional experience.

The tiny tea house welcomes you with minimalist accoutrements while retaining a real sense of sophistication. The original ceramics are all imported from Japan and China, and offer a truly authentic experience. Do be aware, however, that Slow Cha is only open from Wednesday to Sunday.