I first heard about the Tajikistan Tearoom on
Atlas Obscura, and was incredibly excited to visit. In the UK, there are few Russian or Eurasian cafes and restaurants, so I was keen to try something new.
Tajikistan Teestube started out as a part of the Soviet pavilion at the 1974 Leipzig Trade Fair, but was relocated to this unassuming courtyard in Mitte in 2012.
The inside is supposed to evoke a traditional Tajik teahouse and is absolutely charming. Patrons remove their shoes and are provided with slippers, before sitting on low tables and embroidered cushions.
I opted for the Russian Rauchtee (literally 'smoke tea') which was perfect (I'm a big fan of smokey tea). There is a wide variety of tea and coffee on the menu, as well as side orders of honey, nuts, cream and other condiments for the drinks. The food menu is also very extensive and has a real Russian flavour: blinis and salmon,
pelmeni (dumplings filled with mincemeat) and much more.
Tadshikische Teestube really is something different, and I can't recommend it enough. If you're going later in the evening, it's better to book in advance. If you're going alone or as a couple, I recommend going on a weekday around 4pm as you will miss the evening rush of bookings.
