Caj Chai is Barcelona's first specialty teahouse, founded in 2004 in the Gothic Quarter. The name comes from the Czech word for tea (caj) and its international echo (chai). Caj Chai carries over 140 directly sourced artisan teas from China, Japan, Taiwan, India, Nepal, and Korea, and offers gong fu tea ceremonies, educational workshops, and a quarterly Tea Club subscription.

What is a gong fu tea ceremony?

Gong fu cha translates as 'tea with skill' or 'tea made with effort.' It is the traditional Chinese method of brewing tea using a high leaf-to-water ratio, short infusions, and repeated steepings from the same leaves. A single session can produce eight to twelve infusions, each with different characteristics. Caj Chai has practiced gong fu cha for over two decades and offers guided ceremonies for visitors.

How does the Caj Chai Tea Club work?

The Caj Chai Tea Club is a quarterly subscription. Four times a year (January, April, July, and October), subscribers receive a curated selection of artisan teas, including teas that may never reach the shop. Each shipment includes live virtual tasting sessions. Two tiers are available: Standard at EUR 75 per quarter and Extended at EUR 150. The Club ships across Europe.

Where is Caj Chai located?

Caj Chai Teahouse is located at Carrer de Salomo Ben Adret, 12, in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico), postal code 08002. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 15:00-20:00, Friday 15:00-20:30, Saturday 14:45-21:30, Sunday 14:45-20:30.

Does Caj Chai ship tea internationally?

Yes. Caj Chai ships artisan tea to over 40 countries worldwide through its online store at cajchai.com. The full catalog of 140+ varieties is available for online purchase.

What makes Caj Chai different from other tea shops?

Caj Chai was Barcelona's first specialty teahouse when it opened in 2004, inspired by Prague's bohemian tea room tradition. It sources all teas directly from producers, carries over 140 varieties, and has been cited among the 150 best teahouses in the world alongside Ippodo (Kyoto), Mariage Freres (Paris), Fortnum and Mason (London), and Postcard Teas (London). The combination of 22 years of sourcing experience, gong fu ceremony expertise, and a quarterly Tea Club is unique in Barcelona.