Chén Chè

Behind an unassuming facade on Rosenthaler Straße lies Chén Chè, a Vietnamese tea house with a green courtyard and a menu of flower and fruit teas. The name stands for a bowl full of delicacies, and the recipes are based on ancient monastery recipes. Additionally, there's Vietnamese cuisine without MSG, offered in a small, changing selection.

Chén Chè: Vietnamese Tea House at Rosenthaler Platz

Chén Chè is located on Rosenthaler Straße, a three-minute walk from Rosenthaler Platz underground station, and is easy to miss from the street. Behind the facade, a bright room furnished with lots of wood opens up, extending towards the back into a green courtyard. The name means “a bowl filled with delicacies.” The tea house is operated by the group behind District Mot.

The tea menu mainly features flower and fruit teas, including ginger tea with lime, chrysanthemum tea, and blue butterfly pea flower tea, alongside classic varieties like organic Sencha, jasmine tea, and Pu Erh. According to the house, the recipes are based on ancient monastery recipes, and regional ingredients are used. If you can’t decide, the service staff will guide you through the menu. For larger groups, a separate room is available, which is quieter than the main area. Tea is served in pots that are sufficient for several infusions, so a visit can quickly take longer than planned.

Vietnamese Cuisine and a Green Courtyard for Seating

Vietnamese cuisine, free of MSG, is served with the tea. The main course menu is intentionally kept small and supplemented by changing daily specials, along with house-made baked goods. The “Reistafel” (rice platter) on the lunch menu is the most reliable entry point for first-time visitors. Those who only want to drink tea will find it just as satisfying as those having lunch, and at lunchtime, the house is noticeably quieter than in the evening.

The real reason for a visit is the courtyard. Surrounded by bamboo, with low tables and lanterns, it feels like its own little place, even though Rosenthaler Straße is only a few meters away. In the warm season, one can sit there all afternoon; otherwise, the activities move indoors. The house accepts reservations via its website, which is particularly advisable in the evenings, as Chén Chè at Rosenthaler Platz is one of Berlin’s more well-known tea houses.