Cha Cha Tea Festival is popping up on weekends in February to immerse visitors in the basics of brews: aroma, texture, color, and flavor — and to ring in Lunar New Year, of course.
The first-of-its kind food fest is being held at the 40,000 square-foot Water Street Projects for four consecutive weekends, giving attendees ample time to soak up the cultural significance of the drink. Karen Wong is the visionary who brought the concept to life: five tea house-inspired installations that depict the history and importance of chai, hojicha, lotus, oolong, and pu-erh.
All about Cha Cha Tea Festival
Various artists and designers helped create a multi-sensory experience that also includes tastings, traditional dance performances, sugar paintings, and lantern making. On the second-to-last weekend, visitors can participate in a ceramics market (February 15th from noon to 5pm) or go the traditional route with a game of Mahjong on the final weekend of the fest (February 16th at 6pm; $15).
Stop by and savor the delicious drinks and cultural experiences. You can learn more about the event on Instagram @chachafestival.
If you’re looking for more ways to ring in the Year of the Snake, explore 36 of our favorite AAPI-owned restaurants and businesses in NYC to immerse yourself in Asian culture.
🗓️ Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 1st to 23rd
⏰ 12-7pm
📍 161 Water St., 5th and 6th floors