ARAKSA
adj. (sanskrit)
to preserve & to protect, especially in reference to community and surrounding environment
We are guided by a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, which influences every aspect of our offerings. From the exceptional organic teas grown in collaboration with local hill tribe communities surrounding Araksa Tea Garden in Chiang Mai to our slow food concept menu featuring mindful and authentic Thai dishes, we strive to make conscious choices that support sustainability efforts and celebrate locality.
SPACE
At Araksa Tea Room, we embrace and support local craftsmanship by choosing to incorporate indigenous hill tribe ingredients and showcasing local artwork. Serene yet inviting, we have carefully curated our space with a focus on using natural materials and decorative elements of textile, ceramics, and handicraft from local artisans in Chiang Mai.
Central wood post, made from reclaimed wood, has been treated with teak oil allowing its natural colors and textures to shine through. By embracing the mismatching colors, we showcase the inherent beauty of nature while proudly demonstrating our use of reclaimed materials.
Locally Sourced Handmade Ceramics and Glassware
Our ceramics are locally sourced and handmade, promoting the work of local artisans.
The majority of our glassware is hand-blown and sourced locally, supporting local glass makers and reducing the environmental impact of mass-produced glassware.
Antique and local artwork
Incorporating Burmese antique furniture and Chiang Rai Hmong artwork supports local craftsmanship and helps sustain traditional art forms. The large textile centerpiece is made up of four traditional Hmong baby carriers. Used by the women of the hill tribe to safely carry babies on their backs. These garments are personalized and often tell a story of the child and familial relationships in their designs. These particular pieces date back to approximately 1990’s.
By hiring local craftsmen from the surrounding Araksa community, we foster economic growth and community development.
Upcycled Menu
Our menu paper is made from discarded tea leaves from Araksa Tea Garden and mulberry bush bark in a traditional Thai method, giving new purpose to these natural materials and reducing waste. Known as Saa paper (กระดาษสา), this paper-making process does not require any wood, therefore, no trees are cut down.
Bamboo
The bamboo used in our walls is harvested from around Araksa Tea Garden, and handwoven by the Akha hill tribe in the traditional style, supporting responsible land management and the livelihoods of members in our community.
The wall lamp shades are made from harvested bamboo, showcasing the beauty of this renewable resource while minimizing the use of non-renewable materials.
Locally Sourced Linens
Our linens are made and purchased from local textile communities in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, supporting traditional textile practices and providing income for local communities.
Our textiles in use, on display, and for sale will showcase different patterns, often from surrounding indigenous communities, as we hope to share our love of Thailand’s diverse textile heritage.
Plaster walls
Our choice to use plaster walls reduces the usage of harmful paint chemicals, contributing to improved indoor air quality and a healthier environment.
Flooring
The terrazzo flooring is made from a mixture of recycled materials, offering durability and longevity while reducing the consumption of new resources.
TEA
Indulge in the art of tea tasting at our enchanting new tea room. Step into our grounding and welcoming space as you explore our curated tea menu. Each tea is sourced directly from Araksa Tea Garden in Chiang Mai, where the finest organic teas are grown by a diverse group of individuals from Akha, Hmong, and Lisu hill tribes alongside local Thais. Explore a diverse selection of tea types, including delicate white tea, refreshing green teas, aromatic oolongs, fragrant black teas, and soothing herbal infusions. Our knowledgeable tea specialists will guide you in selecting the perfect tea and share brewing techniques and parameters to bring out the best flavors in every cup.
Afternoon Tea
Delight in a timeless tradition as you savor an assortment of homemade pastries such as the classic humble scone, carefully selected to pair with our organic teas.
Tea Pairing Menu
Elevate your dining experience with our thoughtfully crafted tea pairing menu that embraces the beauty of the slow food concept. Every bite tells a story and every flavor recalls the secrets of tradition and sustainability. Each home cooked dish has been mindfully prepared to harmonize with specific teas, creating a symphony of taste that combines the best of culinary and tea traditions.
Workshops
Join our renowned tea tasting workshops, where you can learn about tea culture, brewing methods, and discover the unique nuances of each tea variety. Enhance your tea knowledge with our tea blending and tea sensory workshops, and discover the joy of tea appreciation.
Retails
Continue your tea journey beyond the walls of Araksa Tea Room and browse through our selection of award-winning organic teas. Explore a variety of tea-related accessories and Thai crafts handmade by local artisans.
DINING
Slow Food – Good Clean Fair and Safe
Slow Food is a global movement that promotes local, seasonal, and sustainable food. It emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional cooking methods, supporting small-scale farmers, and fostering a deeper connection with the food we eat. Slow Food encourages mindful eating, savoring meals with family and friends, and understanding the ecological, cultural, and social impact of our food choices. The movement aims to counter the fast-paced, industrialized food culture by advocating for a more conscious and responsible approach to food production, consumption, and enjoyment.
At Araksa Tea Room, we embrace the slow food philosophy—good, clean, fair, and safe. Our menu is a testament to our commitment to sustainable and mindful cooking. We source local, indigenous ingredients to create dishes that highlight the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. Our menu embraces seasonality and changes often to ensure we use the freshest ingredients and support small-scale farmers while minimizing impact on the environment. We invite you to leave the phone, disconnect, and slow down to experience the pleasure of mindful eating and the vibrant tastes of Thailand.
Chef Toto
Born in Saraburi, Thailand, Chef Toto found his passion for cooking at a young age. After earning a degree in Food and Nutrition, he honed his skills under the guidance of Chef Yao Yaowadee, a respected figure in gastronomy and food consultant at Araksa Tea Room. There, Chef Toto embraced the slow food philosophy, gaining a deep appreciation for crafting dishes with wholesome, organic ingredients.
BAR
The beverage experience at Araksa Tea Room is centered around a harmonious blend of tea-based cocktails expertly developed by Jamie, our head mixologist. With international experience in bars, tea, and travel, Jamie brings an exciting approach to his creations. Our specialty cocktails take you on a journey, using ingredients that trace the path of tea leaves from the tea garden in Chiang Mai to our tea room in Bangkok. Each signature cocktail highlights a different province, showcasing local ingredients and flavors alongside each tea, resulting in a beautifully dynamic collection of beverages.
Additionally, we offer a selection of classic cocktails, where liquors can be substituted with tea-infused versions on rotation. To complement your tea experience, we also offer a range of Thai beers and organic wines.
Tea-Based Cocktails
Discover the art of tea mixology with our innovative tea-based cocktail menu. Each beverage highlights unique Thai ingredients coming from regions that trace the path of our tea leaves from Chaing Mai to Bangkok.