At Inari, creating a tea program for a restaurant isn’t just about providing a selection of teas—it’s about storytelling, sensory alignment, and curating a new ritual for the end of a meal. Just like wine or coffee, tea deserves its own place at the table, and when crafted with care, it can elevate a dining experience to something truly unforgettable.

It Begins with a Conversation

Every tea program we design starts by listening. We sit down with chefs, sommeliers, and restaurant owners to understand the essence of their culinary offering. We study the menu, of course—but also the location, the atmosphere, the audience, and the philosophy behind the cuisine.

This is how we create a tailor-made selection of teas that amplify the food, align with the brand identity, and surprise and delight guests.

Case Study: The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

When we developed the tea program for The Aubrey, the acclaimed Japanese izakaya concept inside the Mandarin Oriental, we didn’t just deliver a list of teas—we created an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

We conducted a staff training session with guided tasting and pairing, ensuring every team member—from waitstaff to managers—understood not only what they were serving, but why. We shared the stories behind the teas, the subtleties of infusion, and even ideal pairings for various dishes on the menu. In short, we helped transmit our passion—so the staff could do the same.

Not Just Tea—Tea That Makes Sense

While we’re always happy to provide classics like Earl Grey or Jasmine tea, our mission is to help restaurants stand out through tea. For The Aubrey, for example, we curated a thoughtful selection of Japanese teas—including Sencha, Matcha, Genmaicha, and Hojicha—alongside a refined Yabukita Wakocha First Flush Black Tea. Whether it’s a vibrant green tea to refresh the palate or a nuanced black tea to close the meal, every element is intentional, harmonious, and crafted to elevate the dining experience.

We treat tea like wine: built around balance, pairing, origin, and emotion.

Simple to Serve, Memorable to Experience

One of tea’s greatest strengths in hospitality is its elegance through simplicity. With minimal equipment and a bit of thoughtful training, tea service becomes a moment of grace in the dining experience.

At Inari, we help make this possible—not just through expert curation, but by offering tailored teaware solutions that enhance both function and form. From classic elegance to modern minimalism, the right vessel transforms tea into an experience guests remember.

Ritual, Not Routine

The result is more than a tea menu—it’s a tea ritual. One that’s aligned with your restaurant’s personality, and designed to create lasting, memorable moments for your guests.

We don’t just sell tea. We help restaurants build an identity through tea—refined, rooted in terroir, and designed with soul.