ADONIA TEA HOUSE

In our hectic world, slowing down and making time for friends and family is essential. Adonia Tea House is a lovely place to make this happen over a good cup of tea and indulgent sweet and savoury treats.

Wainscotting, floral wallpaper, antique furniture, and fine bone china create the ambience of an English tea house. Music by artists like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra plays in the background, and the tempting aroma of house-made baked goods fills the air.

Owner Ping Chou envisioned this when she opened the business in October 2003. At the time, she and her family lived in Kerrisdale. Ping has always appreciated the established neighbourhood and knew it was the perfect place to open her business.

In October 2023, Adonia celebrated its twentieth anniversary.

Ping and her daughter Crystal Chu, the general manager, commemorated the occasion with a special after-hours tea to thank customers and social media influencers for making their business more popular than ever.

Before utilizing social media, most of Adonia’s customers were from Kerrisdale, but their reach has expanded. They even get customers from cruise ships in the summer who search for afternoon tea destinations during their port of call.

When COVID-19 arrived, they had time to slow down and take stock. Like all restaurants, they could only offer take-out, which had been a small part of their business.

Crystal says, “Many good things came out of the pandemic. It was a positive time to think and make changes. We started using social media. We also introduced our seasonal menus, which have been extremely successful. We know many restaurants suffered; we are glad to still be here.”

Adonia offers two afternoon tea options.

The indulgent afternoon tea is an assortment of twelve homemade sweets, savouries, and your choice of tea. The eightpiece mini tea is perfect for smaller appetites.

The autumn menu features two year-round traditional afternoon tea classics, the egg salad sandwich and the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. Seasonal additions include the smoked salmon croissant, sun-dried tomato and brie baguette, maple glazed sweet potato and pumpkin cone, organic beet and orange salad, cinnamon apple Madeleine, caramel pecan and walnut tartlet, strawberry dark chocolate mousse cake and matcha panna cotta.

The lunch menu includes lobster bisque, tuna melt, warm seafood salad and more. Adonia’s tasting combo features a daily soup, organic mixed green salad, and a choice of any half sandwich.

Gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free afternoon teas can be arranged with 24 hours notice.

With over 40 types of tea, there is a tea for everyone; both caffeinated and non-caffeinated are on the menu. If you discover a favourite, you can purchase loose-leaf teas. The most requested teas include Cream Earl Grey, Cream Caramel, Fig Rose, Hawaii Cocktail, and Teardrop of Peony.

Adonia’s customers often come with their family or friends. Over the 20 years, Ping has seen families grow, and it excites her to see four generations come together for a meal.

“Younger children like to dress up,” says Ping. “We enjoy introducing them to tea in a demi cup.”

Adonia is the perfect location to host a small private party.

Crystal says, “People book the restaurant for bridal and baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, and small weddings.”

The holiday season is just around the corner—Adonia’s winter menu launches on December 1, promising some wonderful seasonal sweets and savouries. Gift certificates make lovely presents; if you are lucky, the recipient may invite you to join them and make memories.

Customers are drawn to Adonia for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and quality food.

Crystal says, “First-time guests promise they will come again and bring their friends. Many who support us are regular customers. It makes us really happy.”

Adonia Tea House

2057 W 41st Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6M 1Y7

Phone 604-261-0049

www.adoniatea.com

(Story by Sarah Gordon. Nov 2023. PALLA MEDIA.)