Tea culture in Bali, a mix of old tradition and modern interpretation, has gained popularity in recent times, with tea houses popping up around Bali, particularly on the west coast and around Ubud.
Whether you’re looking to discover Bali’s tea culture during your visit, or you just need that tea fix, we’ve visited some tea houses and listed 10 below that we think you’ll love.
But first, a little more about Bali’s tea culture:
What Is Tea Culture In Bali?
Traditionally, tea culture in Bali was the practice of ceremonial brewing and drinking of tea.
Rooted in the Chinese introduction of cultivating tea on the island and the tea-drinking etiquette the Chinese brought with them, the Balinese people developed their own culture around it.
Local herbs and flowers are added, such as lotus, lemongrass and jasmine, and the ceremonies often take place in serene locations, such as rice paddies, temples and traditional Balinese houses.
The ceremony is designed to invoke mindfulness and a connection with one’s inner spirit and the natural surroundings.
Nowadays, many tea houses have appeared in Bali, bringing a whole new modern-day aspect to tea culture, focussing on varieties of teas to discover in a modern setting.
Whilst they all hold on to various levels of tradition, the ceremonial part isn’t present in all of the tea houses.
Some of these tea houses focus on traditional Balinese teas, whilst others specialise in Chinese teas, and some specialise in Matcha tea.
10 Best Tea Houses In Bali
Chontea Ubud Tea & Matcha House – Ubud
With its traditional Balinese thatched roof, set at a shocking angle, with a modern glass surround in a garden setting, this place really stands out. The inside features a central counter with chairs around it.
Enough about the building, on to the tea!
The main focus here seems to be matcha tea, now, if you’re unsure about matcha or you’ve never tried it before, then it’s worth going for the matcha-tasting course, they explain everything about the matcha and the different varieties before tasting them.
If you’re still unsure about the matcha, there is a Gyokuro tea tasting course, this is a type of green tea from Japan that is grown in the shade.
Another interesting tea was the Houjicha latte, Houjicha is a Japanese green tea that is roasted over charcoal giving it a unique flavour.
Where Is It? Jl. Hanoman, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Instagram
Artteas – Ubud
A beautiful tea house just down the road from Ubud Palace. The mix of Balinese and Chinese decor with a modern, clean take makes this the perfect place to enjoy a tea or two, and it fits right in with Ubud’s chill vibe.
There are Chinese and Indonesian tea sections on the menu, with an array of teas including Oolong tea and Jasmine tea.
Where Is It? Jl. Hanoman No.1, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Artteas
Chai Chitai – Canggu
This is a cool little number just below Brooklyn Billiards Hall, in the heart of Canggu.
Hands down our favourite thing about this place is the wall of cups, where you can choose your own unique cup to drink your tea from. This is a nice touch and seems to be a hit with everyone visiting.
The tea ceremony is available here, and the friendly staff do it well, mixing tradition with a modern, friendly atmosphere. With their knowledge of the tea they serve, even the real tea connoisseurs will be left impressed.
Oh, and see if you can find the secret room!
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.83, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Online: Instagram
The Chai – Uluwatu
This place has a great selection of mostly Chinese teas, all of which are served with a short tea ceremony by the lovely staff.
The building is modern, with a fresh feel, and everything down to the ceramics gives off a good feeling.
One of our favourite tea houses to visit in Bali, it also serves great food, all of which is vegetarian and vegan. If you don’t fall into one of these dietary categories then don’t be put off, the food here is very creative and worth a try.
Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Made Tea – Ubud
In the heart of Ubud, Made Tea has the most beautiful setting, in its own garden surrounded by forest and rice fields, it’s a slice of paradise.
We tried the tea workshop, a must for tea enthusiasts. After a garden tour, we were introduced to the art of tea making and helped to make our own unique blend. You can try your unique blend there and take some home with you.
If you’re in the area and don’t fancy tea, there are coffees and cakes on the menu, and the garden is always there!
Where Is It? Jl. Gn. Sari, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Made Tea
Dragon Tea Temple – Ubud
This isn’t just a tea house, this is a tea temple!
The tea ceremony is available here, and it’s amazing. A spiritual experience that incorporates some spiritual elements such as tarot reading and sharing tea with others.
This tea temple is of a traditional Japanese style, be prepared to sit on the floor! The garden is very Zen and beautiful, with banzai trees and statues of various Buddhist deities.
We were taken aback by the richness of some of the teas available there.
Where Is It? Jl. Penestanan Kelod Jl. Penestanan No.8, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Instagram
Gaba Tea House – Seminyak
This place is only small, but it’s cozy and inviting, and packs an extensive selection of teas, from black teas to herbal teas and their unique blend.
The tea ceremony here is very traditional and marries well with the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Try the Pu’er tea, a variety of fermented tea traditionally produced in Yunnan Province, China, or their GABA tea, which is said to have certain health benefits.
Where Is It? Jl. Lb. Sari No.5, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
The Chai Bali – Ubud
There’s a great atmosphere here and a great selection of mostly Chinese and Taiwanese teas.
It’s kinda cozy and let’s of an authentic aura. Try the buckwheat tea if it’s available, although you better be quick as it sells out fast.
If you’re feeling hungry, there’s a small selection of vegan Chinese food to indulge in.
Where Is It? Jl. Werkudara, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: Instagram
Brew Me Tea – Sanur
Another one for the tea connoisseurs, the selection of teas here is pretty impressive.
They have tea tasting available here, and the staff know loads about the different flavors and tea culture.
There are some teas here which are unique to Bali.
Where Is It? Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.482, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80222
Online: Brew Me Tea
D`Wan Tea – Jatiluwih
This last one on the list of tea houses may not fit the list, but it’s so intertwined with tea culture and it’s a must-visit for tea enthusiasts.
Up in Jatiluwah, at the foot of Mount Batukaru, D’Wan Tea was Bali’s first tea garden!
The location is amazing, with breathtaking views of the mountain and across the rice fields. It’s a little out of the way, about a two-hour drive from Ubud, there’s a 50k IDR fee to enter the tea garden and 100k IDR for the tea tasting.
If you have the time, then it’s worth the visit, and they have a guesthouse there too.
Where Is It? Jatiluwih, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82152
Online: Instagram
FAQs
Is There Anywhere In Bali To Go For A Traditional Afternoon Tea?
Yes! While Bali has an array of traditional Balinese tea houses, sometimes people just want a good old British afternoon tea, or “high tea”.
Of course, we have you covered already, check out our guide to High Tea In Bali
Is Balinese Tea Good For My Health?
The locals consider traditional Balinese tea to be good for your health, and ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and other local herbs are considered by some to be good for inflammation and digestion.
I’m Not Much Of A Tea Drinker, Is Coffee Big In Bali?
Yes, coffee is also very big in Bali, just like in most of the world.
Some of the tea houses listed above make great coffee, and there’s also a list of dedicated shops and plantations in Bali.
Check out our list of the 29 Best Coffees In Bali
More Than Just A Tea House: Our Final Thoughts On The Best Tea Houses In Bali
Tea drinking in Bali is a tradition and the brewing itself is an art form, each venue is more than just a tea house, it’s a place to unwind and absorb Bali’s tea culture.
From tea connoisseurs looking to discover the different blends and different flavours, to those looking to experience the traditional ceremony, Bali has an array of places to quench anyone’s thirst for culture and tea.
Let the richness of culture and flavour take you to new heights of elevation and happiness as you explore and indulge yourself in this paradise for tea enthusiasts.
