Experiences in tea leaves: a guide to having the best tea in Buenos Aires

Named after a renowned French master baker who came to Latin America to bring exclusive boulangerie delights to our palates. Just in time! No one can resist the authentic French puff pastry, perfectly buttery and made with wheat flour, all crafted with products specially imported from France. Another must-try at Gontran Cherrier is the classic pain au chocolat, featured in the Parisien menu, which includes tea and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Regarding the infusions that draw us in, favorites include chamomile with vanilla and honey, a special chocolate and red fruits blend, a Rooibos alternative with red fruits, mint, and rose petals, and a fruity mix with blueberry, orange, and red fruits, among others. For the adventurous? Green tea with coconut and pineapple. Chapeau!

Best part: you can take home a box with a wonderful and wide selection of French-style macarons.

Where:  Malabia 1805, Arribeños y Zabala, Av. Congreso 1701, Pres Roberto M. Ortiz 1815 and Alianza Francesa.

No one should pass through Buenos Aires (and even less so live here) without visiting Casa Cavia. Not only for its remarkable architecture and impeccably tasteful decor, but because it is one of those examples where traditional porteño Belle Époque architecture—built in 1927 by Norwegian architect and artist Alejandro Christophersen—meets contemporary taste, without any ostentation.

In the courtyard, a beautiful pond emits gentle sounds while dishes by Julieta Caruso arrive at the table, echoing the same premise. Tradition and innovation come together in brunch dishes such as chipá with roasted tomatoes and basil, marinated meat sandwich with akusai, fresh herbs, and peanuts, or the must-try scones with cream, dulce de leche, and jam. They have their own blend: Casa Cavia (grapefruit, mango, mandarin, orange, and sunflower petals), Cherry Blossom (green tea leaves perfumed with late spring cherries), the digestive and relaxing Calm (verbena leaves from southern France, orange peel, and clementines from northern Italy), and even a decaf Rooibos option (red fruits, lavender, petals, and honey).

Also of interest: Where to buy flowers in Buenos Aires

Fun fact: We can’t overlook the flower shop by Camila Gassiebayle, which also decorates the place. With a worldwide formation, the florist adds that special touch every tea table needs: an arrangement that complements without clashing, crafted by a truly creative artist.

Where: Cavia 2985.

A minimalist and airy ambiance, with high ceilings and comfortable spaces, sets the stage to enjoy a carefully curated selection of teas at Ninina. At brunch time, pancakes, eggs Benedict, and cakes stand out. The fresh juices are natural and come with a wide menu to choose from.

As for the teas, the classics include an English Breakfast (a blend of broken black tea leaves from Assam, India, and Ceylon), but it’s worth trying the refreshing Marrakech Mint (a blend of Gunpowder and Chun Mee green teas from China with mint leaves), the ever-delicious Rose Peach (Sencha green tea from Japan with orange blossom, calendula flowers, white rose petals, and mallow flowers), and we must mention the Jasmine Chun Hao (a base of green tea from Fujian, China, with white jasmine buds), which already has a loyal following.

Tip: If your body ever asks for coffee, know that this place offers a carefully selected specialty coffee, imported directly, with perfect service ideal for the most discerning palates.

Where: Gorriti 4738, Holmberg 2464.

As the name suggests, Tea Connection knows a lot about tea but also believes in the ancient power of this infusion to gather people, create moments, and enjoy a unique experience. With 11 locations in Buenos Aires city (and several more in the outskirts), regulars appreciate the menu’s seasonal updates, offering new selections and blends to pair with the best teas and infusions.

The menu reads almost like a literary piece (and is longer than this note), where you can discover the details of each variety. We recommend must-tries like Almond Toffee (a very smooth and sweet black tea with almond flakes and pistachio seeds), Honey Chai (cinnamon, ginger, anise, clove, cardamom, black pepper, and honey), and Emerald Gyokuro (green tea from Kyoto). According to the Uji-Tawara farmer who harvests it, the secret to its sweetness is that “30 days before picking, we cover the buds with a bamboo mat. A month of shade is the secret for the plant to develop ‘Umami.’” Umami means “special flavor.” As said, true tea specialists.

Tip: Collectors can find diffuser pitchers (especially for iced tea), mugs, cups, teapots—including pieces designed in collaboration with designer Valeria Pesqueira. Of course, you can also take home exquisite varieties (to always have on hand) with carefully crafted packaging. Everything is also available online.

Where: Locations across the country.

Moshu’s story has its charm. After his father passed away, the current owner used the savings from 15 years working at a company to start this venture.

At the time, with the help of his mother and wife, they were also liquidating his father’s antiques shop. Today, many of those objects are part of the rustic and vintage decor, which serves as a heartfelt tribute. Through much trial and error, they perfected recipes that regular customers keep coming back for and refuse to compromise on.

In a cozy—and sweet—environment, tea accompanies and completes the afternoon ritual. Among the varieties are Cocoa Tea (cacao husks, clove, red tea, calendula, cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate), Chai Tea (black tea with masala spices), Chamomile (chamomile flowers, rose petals, honey, and mint), and Hibiscus infusion (hibiscus flowers, apple, cinnamon, and orange peel). All teas come from Tehani, a tea laboratory as they describe themselves, which supplies teas to the country’s top restaurants and cafés, sells their blends to the public with carefully designed packaging (the menu changes each season), and also organizes tastings and training sessions.

Tip: You simply must try the cakes, the house specialty. The Red Velvet (traditional North American red cake) is the result of a perfected recipe that turns tasters into fans. Another highlight is the Almond Apple Crumble Cheesecake, with apple and cinnamon compote and almond crumble.

Where: Moldes 3802 and Guatemala 4570.

There will always be those who, whether for a special occasion or to indulge themselves, want to be tourists in their own city and enjoy a “Five O’Clock Tea” at a five-star hotel. On the distinguished Avenida Alvear, Palacio Duahu—Park Hyatt Buenos Aires embodies 20th-century porteño refinement, adapted to current luxury with great sensitivity and aesthetics. Built in 1934 by French architect Leon Dourge, commissioned by Luis Duhau, then Minister of Agriculture of the Nation.

Glamour and luxury coexist in every corner. At tea time, the sandwich tasting includes brioche braid with sesame, egg, and cucumber; the “fosforito” with blue cheese, pear, and walnut; and anise milk bread with smoked trout, goat cheese, and pickled onion, among others. Among the petits gâteaux, there’s matcha profiterole and tropical milk chocolate. The teas belong to Inés Berton’s Tealosophy menu, an internationally recognized “nose” born in Argentina. For those with a sweet tooth, the recommended infusion is Jardín Duhau (Bourbon vanilla, lavender, and roses on a green and black tea base) or La vie en vert (peach, pineapple, and flowers with a green tea base). Also featured are La vie en rose (green tea from southern Shanghai with Patagonian strawberries and forest fruits) and the second blend with its own name: Palacio Duhau (lavender from southern France, clementines and bergamots from the Mediterranean, and petals, with a black tea base harvested at 2,000 meters above sea level).

Tip: The traditional tea service is offered in the Piano Nobile Salons, with tall windows overlooking the dazzling garden, a fireplace crowning the interior space, and beautiful original wood paneling. Luxurious service, impeccable presentation, and masterful flavors are all you need to feel like royalty for a while.

Where: Av. alvear 1661.