Sheung Wan, long regarded as the historic heart of Hong Kong’s tea trade, has welcomed a new chapter in the city’s evolving tea culture. Chas By the Time, a three-storey concept space, opens its doors as a contemporary sanctuary where tea is not simply served, but experienced across taste, design and lifestyle.
More than a teahouse, the new venue integrates a takeaway tea bar, a curated retail boutique, a tea-infused restaurant and an event space dedicated to cultural programming. The concept reflects a growing renaissance in tea appreciation, reimagining how tea fits into modern urban life.
The project is the latest evolution from Tea Master Ming and her team, following earlier ventures CHAS YEH YEH and CHAS LONG LONG AGO. This new chapter is shaped by a personal reflection on growth and mindfulness.
"Throughout our lives, despite the inevitable changes in our environment and mindset, we must maintain our original intention while shedding unnecessary attachments," Ming said. "The name ‘Chas By the Time’ embodies the concept of Li Nian (letting go of thoughts to perceive the world purely) and Cha Shi (the cultivation of tea). Just as every tea tree grows from a seed into something unique, we hope every guest finds their own unique moment of presence in each brew."
The architecture echoes this philosophy. Each floor mirrors the lifecycle of a tea tree.
The ground level, designed as “The Roots,” houses the takeaway bar and lifestyle store. Raw stone textures, terracotta tiles and greenery evoke seeds pushing through soil, while industrial accents and folding glass doors create an open, contemporary feel.
Upstairs, the first-floor dining room, known as “The Body,” shifts to warm amber tones and wood textures. Gaiwan-shaped pendant lights cast a gentle glow over a menu where tea takes center stage.
The top floor, “The Spirit,” is reserved for workshops and appreciation sessions. Walnut wood and minimalist lighting create a serene environment intended for quiet reflection.
At the ground-floor bar, innovation meets heritage. Among 16 curated beverages, the standout is the “Floating Dir-Tea,” a layered drink that combines espresso with chilled tea-infused oat milk. Visually striking and aromatically complex, it offers a modern nod to Hong Kong’s beloved Yuen Yeung.
Another highlight is the “Ice Lemon Teaholic,” brewed from a bespoke blend of Winter Flush Phoenix Oolong and Charcoal-roasted Tieguanyin, then brightened with Indian gooseberry, lemon and calamansi. For purists, the “Hong Kong Brand Tea” series features cold brew teas served on tap, including selections from Lam Kie Yuen Tea Co. and Fook Wah Tea Co., celebrating local heritage brands with a stout-like texture.
Beyond beverages, the ground floor invites browsing. The retail selection includes premium tea cakes and gift boxes under THE CHAS label, alongside handcrafted pottery from artisans across Hong Kong, the Mainland and Taiwan. Locally made incense, tea-scented home fragrances and daily batches of tea-infused pastries further extend the sensory experience.
Upstairs, tea moves from cup to plate. The menu positions tea not as accompaniment but as ingredient. Dishes such as Orchid Tea Marinated Tuna and Ginseng Chicken infused with First Harvest Ripe Liu Pao Tea demonstrate a restrained approach that enhances rather than overpowers natural flavors. The Slow-Cooked Pork Chop with Ten-Year Aged White Tea offers subtle bamboo-leaf aromas, while the Lapsang Souchong Tea-Braised Beef Orzo carries a gentle smokiness. Vegetarian diners can opt for the Morel Mushroom Truffle Orzo.
The beverage program continues the theme, offering specialty tea-based drinks, seasonal fruit sodas and chocolate creations. For connoisseurs, the curated tea list spans Dancong from Phoenix Mountain, Honey Scented Black Tea from Nantou, Wild Souchong from Mount Wuyi and Liu Pao from Guangxi. Guests are invited to the Tea Bar for guided tastings, where tea masters demonstrate the evolving character of each infusion.
Looking ahead, the second-floor event space will host traditional ceremonies, tea cocktail workshops and meditative listening sessions, expanding the venue’s role as both cultural platform and community hub.
Chas By the Time
Address: 286 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: G/F Tea & Coffee Bar : 10am - 9pm (Monday to Friday); 1/F Restaurant : 11am - 9pm (Monday to Friday) ; G/F Tea & Coffee Bar, 1/F Restaurant : 10am - 9pm (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays)
marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com
