Red Robe Tea House & Cafe

Red Robe Tea House & Cafe has been serving Portland since 2011.  Owners Pearl Zhang and Raymond Liu previously owned a Chinese restaurant and bring their enthusiasm and expertise to this new venture.  The tea house, located on the corner of NW Davis Street and NW 3rd Avenue, takes its name from Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) which is one of the most prized teas in China.

Red Robe offers a nice selection of teas and food ranging from lighter fare to full meals.  Guests have the option to enjoy a casual mug of tea or tea prepared gongfu style.  Tea and tea supplies are also available for purchase.

One wall of the tea house features Liang Tang's calligraphy of The Tea Drinking Song (Seven Cups of Tea) by Lu Tong, complete with English translation.  

After a long drive from Seattle, I didn't trust myself with a full gongfu tea service.  Since I still wanted to get the most from my Bi Lo Chun, I compromised with a gaiwan and had several wonderful steepings of this smooth, savory tea.

On the return trip through Portland, I made a point to stop again at Red Robe where I enjoyed a cup of Hangzhou West Lake Dragon Well with a couple of tasty items from their food menu.  I look forward to many future visits!  Perhaps I'll request the gongfu tea service, next time...