Top matcha destination makes triumphant return to Vancouver
Drinks and bites
With the matcha craze that has taken the world by storm, Paragon has become synonymous with the viral green tea latte. Just like its other locations, you’ll of course be able to get your matcha latte fix. However, Cheung wants to encourage people to broaden their horizons when it comes to tea.
“I would actually challenge people to try something on the Paragon menu that is not matcha. I don’t know if it’s going to be controversial, but try matcha the first time you come to Paragon, and then try something else,” said Cheung.Â
At Paragon, matcha — in addition to its other powdered teas like its powdered hojicha and genmaicha— is made traditionally with a chasen (a bamboo whisk). But the star of the show is its tea’spresso machine.
Cheung explained that the tea’spresso machine mimics a Gongfu tea ceremony, where it brews tea in multiple infusions to create a stronger aroma and more depth, but in a modernized way.
“We’re not actually doing a Gongfu tea ceremony in front of people, but we’re using technology that’s built upon the tradition of proper brewing methods, and that’s exactly what Paragon’s about,” said Cheung.
Examples include many of the rotating seasonal options the tea cafe offers, including its winter addition of the Kinako Cold Foam Hojicha.
“Kinako is a nutty, roasty soybean powder often served with Japanese desserts like mochi,” describes Paragon. “Usually made with yellow soybeans, we discovered an even toastier black soybean version in Japan and knew we had to incorporate it into our menu.”
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This dedication to brewing the perfect cup of tea goes even further than its tea’spresso machines, as Cheung encourages feedback from customers if they feel like their drink isn’t right.
“Especially during this soft opening period, we are more than happy to make [guests] another drink, and another drink, the second time, third time. We just need to know what needs to be tweaked, and that’s our promise to our customers,” she added.
Plus, Cheung teased that there are plans to do collabs with some of its Vancouver neighbours, including the new Street Hawker Turbo, which recently opened next door.
“When people think about the collabs that we have had in the past, it has always been more like a dessert and pastries. But from time to time, we like to do things out of the box, [and the collaboration with Street Hawker] will be one of the things: [showing] how tea can be used in savoury items.”Â
Exact details on the collab have yet to be shared, but be sure to keep an eye on Paragon’s Instagram for any announcements.
Paragon Tea Room Cambie softly opens on Friday, Jan 16 and operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. However, those looking to get their tea fix can pop by today during staff training.
You can also visit Paragon at its locations in Richmond, YVR Airport, and CF Pacific Centre.
Paragon Tea Room — Cambie
Address:Â 3432 Cambie St., Vancouver
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