Chai Tea ... duh ... Chai is Hindi/Urdu/Gujarati for Tea and Tea is Anglo for Chai ... Chai Tea has no definite connection to Masala Chai. Besides Chai Tea sounding so pretentious -any resemblance to Spiced Indian Tea makes me want to puke!!! read more

This one isn't as cute as the Dupont location, but it's a lot more efficient and has friendlier staff. Also, their menu is more extensive. I like how they have seared tuna, which Dupont does not have, along with some different sides. This is a unique alternative to all the Corner Bakery, Potbelly's, Cosi and Au Bon Pains in the area, a very nice change. read more

For some reason, this place has become incredibly crowded during lunch times, as if President Obama came here one day for lunch or something. Oh wait, did he?!?!?!?!? (He didn't. Unless someone knows otherwise, and in that case, I should probably head over there soon.) They have a relatively limited menu here, but the stuff here is generally delicious. I've never been to the other locations, nor have I ever had any of their tea, but I've had a variety of their offerings. Their baked goods are different - not necessarily the sweetest, which is a good thing, but I for one have never gotten used to a good deal of salt in their oatmeal cookies. I absolutely love their chicken bento box, which comes with lightly breaded fried chicken pieces I believe tempura-style, sweet potato chunks, rice, and cucumber in a ginger sauce. I've also had a couple of their sandwiches, and my boss probably ate their shrimp salad for literally 4 weeks straight. Variety is not his spice of life. But, it gets some knocks for being ridiculously packed during lunch hours and having extremely limited seating. If you want to go during normal lunch hours, be prepared to wait for a table. On Tom Sietsema's recommendations, I once had a breakfast from Teaism but wasn't that impressed. I believe it was an apple sausage and egg "wrap" of some sort...but basically it was unmemorable and somewhat high-priced. I did enjoy the fresh fruit that day though... read more

I'm a loyal Lafayette Park Teaism customer- often coming several times per week due to its close proximity to my office. This past week I had just finished my lunch and was enjoying the last of my tea when a staff member came over to ask me if someone was sitting with me. When I said no and that I was finishing my tea, she told me she had two guests who needed a place to sit and then just stood looking at me. I was really disappointed and while I wanted to stand my ground as another paying customer, I felt very uncomfortable and left. I am mindful this location gets busy at lunch and am not someone to inconvenience others. I don't feel this is the right way to treat a frequent customer or any for that matter and will be finding a new lunch spot. read more

I always get the Zhengzhou Pearl Milk Tea. Service is quick and friendly. However, the tapioca balls are mushy and too soft for my liking. It is the taste and quality of their milk tea brings me back, though! read more

This spot is just what our Starbucks-filled city needs. You'll see a lot of lobbyists sipping on tea talking to important looking people here, and it's not an accident. I've had a few "business teas" here, and it never disappoints. Nice mugs, great chais and earl greys for those of us who depend on them, and plenty of unconventional flavors as well. I highly recommend utilizing this tea shop the next time you need to meet up with someone and chat! read more

Teaism is my go-to lunch spot for those really, really bad days. There is nothing better than the salmon or chicken bento box for lunch. It is alittle pricey when you compare it to ABP or Corner Bakery, etc. but it's so worth it. I've never had a bad experience at Teaism other than the long line. The inside of Teaism can get a bit busy and chaotic at lunch time, so I usually get my lunch to go and head to Lafayette Square Park, a great place to people watch and eat lunch across the street. read more

My coworker and I decided to venture here for lunch because it was absolutely gorgeous outside and Teasim is a change from our normal spots around K St. I had the chicken bento box which came with several panko crusted chicken pieces, sweet potatoes, pickled cucumbers, and brown rice. My friend had the salmon bento box which was almost identical, except for broccoli salad instead of sweet potatoes. Overall, I thought this was a great lunch for a summer day. It was light, but filling. The chicken was crispy, but not oily. The cucumbers were yummy, and I ate the broccoli salad instead of sweet potatoes, and it was great too! I do wish there'd been slightly more broccoli, but I just happen to really love broccoli. The brown rice was good too. It's pretty plain, but they put a sesame seed topping on it that takes it up a notch. There was also outdoor seating with umbrellas. The bento box I had was less than $10, so I'd definitely come back here again. I also ate at the Teasim in Dupont Circle a few months ago on a Sunday morning. It was the perfect place to enjoy some tea. I also had the lentil soup, and my friend had the scrambled eggs with cilantro. Everything was great that time too, I just hadn't had a chance to come back yet. I'd recommend this place to anyone that is looking for a cute, relaxed brunch/lunch. read more

LOVE the Chicken Bento from Teaism. Ever since I ordered that I haven't ordered anything else from the place. LOL. It's a less sinful version of fried chicken but very satisfying and filling at the same time. I've also had the Bahn Mi here and it was a total disappointment. Maybe I was wrong to expect it to taste like the real Vietnamese Banh Mi. It was also pricey for the amount of food you get. Stick with the bento boxes! They are worth it. :) The drinks are a little overpriced in my opinion but I'm definitely a fan of their bento boxes. read more

It is super busy in here during lunch, and seemingly for good reason. When I entered there was a line at the counter, so I hung back with a menu to peruse. In no time at all, my partner nudged me - the cashier was already free to take my order. After ordering a sandwich, I barely had enough time to make my way down the counter to check out napkins & whatnot before the assembly line was already handing me the sandwich, neatly wrapped & ready to go. I will admit that I was happy to get my lunch to go, since the place was so crowded and loud with conversations, but the food was fresh (I had the portobello sandwich) and the staff friendly. read more

Interesting to know that a chain like this exists. Now I wish I had something like this in my area. It's like a Starbucks specializing in tea, which means it's kinda pricey for what they're serving. The iced Moroccan Mint that I ordered was very refreshing. The salty oat cookie was decent-sized and pretty good. I mean, I spend at Starbucks so I would definitely spend here if I could. read more

Teaism Lafayette Park - Salty oat cookie - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is a perfect spot for lunch or a nice tea. The bento boxes are a great deal, and a nice a healthy option, highly recommend the salmon. Also their pecan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie is to die for, AMAZING. This place gets pretty crowded for lunch so be mindful of that but has wonderful lighting and quite a bit of seating. read more

I ordered the shrimp udon and bubble tea. Total came out to about $18. Shrimp udon: This is not your typical Japanese udon. It looks more like a Thai soup, mine came with spinach and tomato. The broth had a kick, almost like lemongrass? If you like tom yum soup, you'll love this. Bubble tea: This was one of the best bubble teas I've had. The pearls are soft and chewy. The tea is not too sweet, the milk adds just enough sweetness to balance out the ceylon. I would definitely recommend! read more

We come here for work all the time. Nearly everything I've tried has been amazing: ginger scones (two per order, and it's only $2.95!!), salty oat cookie (both varieties are good but the brown one is so amazing), bubble tea, chai shake, salmon bento box, chicken katsu bento box, and the list goes on. This place doesn't do a single thing wrong. I will add that it is at times difficult to find seating during lunch because this location is so tiny, but you can't fault a place for being popular. read more

Teaism is a reliable spot for quick Asian food/drink downtown. The food is simple, classic Asian-inspired fare: bento boxes with nutritious veggies and well-seasoned proteins; ochazuke (a green tea and rice soup); and a rotating cast of noodle, sandwich, and veggie-friendly options For drinks, they have a great variety of hot teas for cold days, and a good selection of creative cold drinks. The imli cooler is a tamarind blast. The zhenzhou pearls is not for bubble tea purists, but it is a solid blast of milk tea and glutinous tapioca. I have been coming to Teaism for 10 years -- let's make it ten more. read more

A mini review for vegetarians. I go to this place often, but they don't have a lot of great vegetarian options. Sandwich I don't like red or green peppers (I know, bizarre for a veggie), but their sandwiches are pre-made so you can't order a sandwich without stated ingredients. Simply sad. Sides Their naan is actually just wheat pita bread sliced up and grilled. Hilarity. Don't even bother. Soup The lentil soup is delicious! Bento The veggie bento box is fine, but I'm not a big fan of their ice cold veggies (the centerpiece) with their odd tasting sauce. read more

I love working around the corner from this place! Sometimes I will go into Teaism before work and grab their chai latte, which is delicious, perfectly spicy and flavorful for a good morning pick me up without a massive sugar rush. I have also on other occasions tried their curry chicken salad and chicken bento boxes, and they are a pretty good deal compared to some of the other pricey lunches in the area. Their ginger limeade is perfect for a summer's day after a day of walking around or just a long day at work. I recommend this place for the average DC worker needing place now and then to spice things up, a break from the usual sandwich places and coffee shops. read more

Teaism Lafayette Park - Chai and scones for breakfast - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great selection of drinks, the teas have a real authentic taste/flavor, and there really isn't any tea houses anywhere like it in DC. I usually go in the late afternoon to avoid the lunch rush, and I've only had the food there a couple times (for breakfast), and it was fresh and decent for the price, but nothing special. I go here when I feel like having some good tea, and it's the perfect place for that. read more

It's a disorganized mess in there. You can't quite find the line to order. There's no room for it before you hit the tables where people are eating. And then the pickup area is just next to it, with another line of people trying to wrestle their way to get their food, choose condiments, get a drink, etc. It's a terrible setup. But, the food was pretty good. Having read enough bad things about the veggie bento, we got the Seitan Stir Fry, which was terrific, if not a huge portion. We also got the Tofu Side w/ ginger & scallions, which was a complete joke. Simply a slice of raw tofu in a bowl with soy sauce at the bottom. Finally, we got a salty oat cookie and it was delicious. So, I'd say we're happy with the food - it's not perfect but perfectly acceptable. But the rest of the place needs to be thought through a bit. read more

Chai how I love thee. I visit Teaism every time I'm in DC. Cookies- I can't come back to the Seattle office without them for fear of being thrown out. read more

I really do not know how to say this but I love Teaism! Every time I come to DC, I try to make my way there and always make sure to recommend it to friends. My usual order is tea cured salmon with naan. It is absolutely exquisite. The salmon just melted on your tongue. I enjoyed that the fresh fruit and their tea is delicious and fresh. Savor it - no sugar, no honey, no milk. I also enjoyed the atmosphere. It is quite cozy. I could enjoy an early brunch by myself with a good book under the warm sun. Plus, the view of the White House is just a block away. While this is nice, it is also pleasant to spend the day surrounded by some close friends and go family style - to try a little bit of everything! That's how I tried the scones - delicious but some are too sweet for my taste. Verdict, thumbs up! read more

One word - meh...! Didn't like it, too crowded during lunch, and the food is average. Might go back, but only if a friend insists. read more

Nothing seems to split my office quite as much as Teaism, which is really pretty weird. I think its great, especially the bento boxes for lunch and a iced mint tea (with free refills). I find it to be a light meal and a fair deal. Others are a bit less impressed, and I can understand why. You do need to be careful what you order, for instance the chicken bento box is cold, and fried cold chicken is really something you want to eat at 3 in the morning after a night of partying, not at lunch time downtown. They are quite quick, if often a bit packed, and expect most of your food to be cold (which is great for salmon and tuna). Their rice is also delicious. read more

Being rather bored with my lunch rut yesterday I went a few blocks further than normal to Teaism. I was wholly expecting to like the place, considering my love for tea and Japanese fusion, but I was rather disappointed. The lady I dealt with ordering at the register seemed cold and annoyed, though I didn't blame her much considering it was the height of the lunch rush, but it wasn't a good introduction to the venue. I ordered the salmon bento and a lapsang souchong. The food was prepared quickly and was presented surprisingly well given the speed of the line. However the salmon was pretty bad. The fish itself was fresh, thank god, but the way it was handled was rather gross. Imagine, if you will, a Costco salmon cooked perhaps a bit too long to the point where it's lost a lot of color, then chilled to a temperature like it was just taken out of a fridge, and then slathered in a miso sauce that tastes like the dregs of a cheap unfiltered Korean rice wine. I've never been so let down by a salmon dish that was otherwise fresh. The sides were good though, liked the furikake on the rice (I wish more places would offer that... get so bored with scoops of plain rice); the sunomono was ok and the broccoli was surprisingly good, especially since I don't even like it usually. The tea was average, weaker than I would have liked. I probably won't be back. read more

I LOVE this place. Although it gets a little too crowded during lunch, I love the facility and the food. Inside it feels like a quaint tea room or dining in the Smithsonian, and they have outdoor seating. The food is great, especially the Bento boxes, although a little pricey. It's good for vegetarians and meat lovers, and really good for tea lovers! I always recommend this place when visitors are asking where to go for lunch. read more

This is the only Teaism location that I've been to, despite the high praise for this DC chain from just about everyone, including Rachael Ray (don't hold that against it, please!). I've been here for lunch a couple of times, but if I hadn't been taken there by my bosses, I'm not sure I would've ever noticed it. It's currently hidden by a pretty significant amount of construction on H Street, but it's always fairly crowded at lunchtime so it can't be that much of a secret. I've only had the Ochazuke, which is a Japanese brown rice and tea soup. I've had both the Salmon and the Shrimp, and they were both really good. I make a point to ask for the extra vegetables too, they add a nice crunch. The rice and other dry parts come out in a cool asymmetrical bowl, with a nice smear of wasabi at the top, and the tea is brought out alongside in a pot. Very tasty, and really perfect if it's a blustery day or you're feeling a bit under the weather. The Ginger Limeades are delicious, and the Salty Oat Cookies are just as good as you've heard they are - but stick with the original, the chocolate ones are surprisingly the lesser cookie (for five cents more!). I'm not a big tea drinker, but I expect I'd like this place even more if I was. I definitely plan to return for lunch and will certainly try some of the other entrees. The breakfast sounds great and perhaps *one day* I'll be motivated to get up early and try it. I would absolutely give it four stars if the atmosphere was better. This is nothing like what I'd expect a tea room to be. While I liked the cool tea-themed pop artwork on the walls, with its crowded tables and very loud lunch rush, the small room starts to feel a bit claustrophobic and cafeteria-ish -- nothing like the cozy atmosphere I imagine the Dupont location to be, nor the open space I envision at Penn Quarter with its surely lovely koi pond. I'm sure this Teaism feels different at other times of day (though this location does close at 5:30pm like basically everything in the area), but if I wanted to nibble a Salty Oat Cookie while enjoying a book in a moment of leisure, I'd probably head up Connecticut to check out the Dupont location, even sight unseen. read more

Came here Friday morning after a long week of being unable to eat anywhere but at home - boy was it nice to actually see the sun on the way here. We went in, ordered two cups of chai, sausage with raita and naan, and ginger scones. The meal was delicious: came with some fresh fruit, jam and butter. The Naan was whole grain, so it had a very nice taste and the sausage was not too greasy, which I liked. As a matter or fact, it was very flavorful with a smoky finish and the skin was crisp, just how I like it. The chai was amazing! Granted, I like mine with freshly steamed milk, however, the taste was nothing to complain about! Now, the ginger scones: they weren't rock hard (which is always nice!) and there were two good sized scones for that one scone order on our plate, which was a nice surprise. The service was also very good - we were offered a sample of the chai before ordering it, and even though it is a-la-carte, we were still asked if everything was ok and if we needed anything else at the table. The decor of the place is modern- chic. The artwork on the walls is for sale and I found it very tasteful and calming with lots of blues, yellows, and greens. Great place for a date: it was open and welcoming, but our table was private enough for a nice conversation. The price? Everything minus the tip was $15. For two people for a nice filling brunch? Who could ask for more? Definitely will come back! read more

Up until yesterday, I would have told you that the best thing about Teaism was the ginger scones. However, after my last few experiences, I am amending my choice to their salty oatmeal cookie. I have dined at this particular Teaism multiple times and I am always disappointed. This morning, my ginger scones were old and stale (do they seriously just keep them sitting out all night?!?). They got rid of my favorite dish a year ago and I haven't been able to find anything as good since. The reason I gave it 2 stars and not just 1? Their teas are great. read more

Stop here for lunch.. I ordered the World peace tea and beef tacos. This is the cutest little tea shop I have ever seen. They have a simple but classy shop. The teas are loose leaf tea and taste is amazing. The staff are very knowledgeable about the type of teas the have. I was feeling a cold coming along and an employee suggested I try world peace. It was very good and hot. The tacos where amazing. read more

Teaism Lafayette Park - Lunch.. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place has got consistently worse over the last six months. Compared to other Teaism's in the area, this is by far the worst one. The veggie bento box was awful, the tempeh was not edible, it is usually not great, but better then whatever they put in this bento box, completely gross! The veggies were not fresh either, some very very bitter. For $10 I got tossed tempeh, a 1/2 cup of rice and bad quality veggies. The baked items are good, and usually the salmon bento is pretty good, but they really need to lower their prices on items that are vegetarian and bad quality if they continue to sell them! read more

I only ever give below three stars if it was money not well spent, and that's how I felt about teaism. The hype was great about this place, and I went on a Sunday evening and ordered the Mint Moroccan Tea and Chicken Bento. The Tea was good, no complaints there, like any good mint tea I've ever had, and I loved that it was chilled. That was the only good part. I got the Chicken Bento, and the sauce that came with it was curdled. It smelled off and I'm certain it'd spoiled. The fact that it was pre-packaged and sat outside (dairy product) made it even more dubious. That sort of put me off the entire thing. The upkeep of the store itself isn't wonderful. Dirty bathrooms, generally not kept up dining area. I mean, basically, I would never go here again. Not worth the price. read more

I really love teasim. It's one of a handful of places in the city that offers a wide array of vegan items. But I really dislike how different each location is. For example, the Alexandria location has a great naan sandwich (but it's only available there). I recently went to the Dupont location and had their vegan dark hot chocolate. It was AMAZING. Filled with anise and cinnamon, made with rice milk, it was a really indulgent treat. Today at work I was cold and craving something sweet so I decided to walk to the Lafayette Park location to get my new favorite hot chocolate. I order. As I'm waiting I see that the server is behind the counter breaking up pieces of dark chocolate. Then he fills up the cup with hot water and hands it to me. I wanted to believe I just hadn't been looking the whole time or missed something. I start sipping as I'm walking back and notice it doesn't taste anything like the one I had in Dupont. The hot chocolate I was looking forward to tastes essentially like instant hot cocoa. No cinnamon. No anise. No creamy texture. A complete waste of $4. I don't think I'll be going back to this location again soon. Franchises please get your act together and serve consistent products! read more

I have been a frequent Teaism customer for two years. About 4 weeks ago they changed the menu and removed the chicken salad and other favorites plus the prices went up on the remaining bento boxes. There is zero on the new menu that appeals to me. I had lunch there today, because of social pressure, and ordered the Udon vegetable noodle soup for $12. It was awful. Under cooked whole Brussel sprouts, hard cauliflower, one large piece of practically raw eggplant and dishwater broth Beware old time Teaism customers, the new menu is the dregs plus more expensive Teaism, why did you do this? read more

Busy lunchtime, close to White House, what could be wrong? Out of the special Vietnamese Wrap, friend had their Salmon Bento Box (she liked it but only three compartments) and the oriental chicken salad I had was passable. BUT - left a jacket on a chair to save a seat while picking up food and had credit cards lifted (wallet put back). It was packed! It's small. Must be the good ones who hang out here. Watch it. read more

Great snacks and Tea! Had the special tea for $20 and had delicious salmon sandwich and cucumber sandwich with truffles, tarts and cookies. Hubby had the curried chicken salad, delicious and satisfying! read more

It's a great lunch option, if you don't go at lunchtime. I kept going back to their salmon bento box, which comes with brown rice and edamame. The salmon has a nice glaze and the rice comes with sesame seeds and other good seasonings. It tastes so good, and it's so healthy. It would remind me of airplane food, if airplane food reminded me of food. By that I mean it's all preprepared, so your pretty classy meal is ready almost instantly. Only, you'll have trouble find a place to sit at peak hours. read more

Their pearl milk tea is disgusting. The pearls were too soft and the tea itself had no flavor. I also had a bento box, which was okay. Not my favorite lunch, but a nice change from the generic sandwich shops that are in the area. I will return to try a different kind of tea and maybe a pastry, but my initial experience was a let down from the reviews I've read. read more

I have been to all three Teaism branches, and this is the best one for a weekday lunch. If it is nice out, it is worth sitting outside at either the tables or in Lafayette Park (you can get your food to go) and watch the tourists in front of the White House. I would recommend any of the bento boxes, but especially the tuna - it is quite tasty and just the right amount of food for a quick bite. I also love the ginger limeade or any of the ice teas. There are lines out the door at times but it usually moves quickly. A good bet for anybody looking for more than a sandwich or a salad for lunch. read more

I went here for a boba and not only were they annoyed that I ordered something off their menu but their boba is a day old! It's hard and mushy on the outside meaning it's no good. Very let down. Do NOT recommend. read more

Great place for breakfast. Menu is interesting and inspired. I highly recommend the scrambled eggs, chai tea or mango lassi. Tea is always good, especially the jasmine pearl. Service is slightly dull and unfriendly but it doesn't seem to bother me. read more