ching ching CHA

Nestled in a quiet, tree-lined corner of Dupont Circle, ching ching CHA is a quaint tea house ready to take its patrons on a journey through traditional Chinese teas. The shop, named after its owner’s nickname, offers a wide variety of teas ranging from Taiwanese oolongs to fruity tisanes. Customers can take tea to go, or sit down, soak in the soothing aromatic atmosphere, and enjoy a traditional tea service. 

Beyond beverages, ching ching CHA offers a beautiful collection of teapots, cups, gaiwans, tea pets, stem vases, notebooks, and, of course, loose-leaf tea. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or hoping to brighten up your apartment, ching ching CHA guarantees a worthy find. While some of the handcrafted pottery is on the pricier side, the store offers plenty of affordable options, and the craftsmanship shines through every piece regardless of cost. 

While the artisanship displayed at the shop is lovely, the real draw of ching ching CHA is its owner, who goes by her nickname “Ching Ching.” She is a beloved presence in the neighborhood and the D.C. tea community for her long-standing shop presence and lively spirit. After opening the shop’s original location in Georgetown in 1998, Ching Ching has maintained a steady and loving customer base by creating a personal relationship with every person she meets, remembering the names or stories of even one-time customers months later. She wholeheartedly loves her people, and the people love her back, showing their devotion through years of supporting the business, helping tend to the garden, bringing gifts, and volunteering in the shop itself. 

As we move into the colder months, I encourage you to step outside the Georgetown bubble and into a little tea shop that is sure to return any love you give tenfold. Take a seat by the window, gaze at the delicate, handcrafted ceramics, and breathe in the scent of an ambrosial pot of tea. In a fast-paced world that seems to never stop hurtling forwards, sometimes the perfect remedy is to slow down and appreciate the moment—ching ching CHA is the perfect place to do so.