ChaYi makes its debut at Lucky Chinatown Mall in a historic part of Manila, the district of Binondo, a popular gastronomic and cultural hotspot. Dedicated to delivering handcrafted tea leaves from the mountains of China and sharing rich tea traditions through unique aromas and flavors, ChaYi offers masterfully crafted beverages that bring serenity to every sip.
Explore traditional tea drinks reimagined with a modern twist through ChaYi’s roster of products, with signature drinks like the Peach Harmony Latte (White Peach Oolong) and the Snowfall Latte (Artisan Ceylon). Enjoy as a refreshing beverage to start your day or as a midday pick-me-up drink after a full day navigating Binondo.
ChaYi’s versatile menu—ranging from tea latte, lemon tea, and cold brew tea—highlights the true essence of tea. With several taste profiles to choose from, they offer unique blends incorporated with high-quality ingredients.
Winchell Tan, founder of ChaYi, shares, “ChaYi was inspired by my love for tea and the cultural traditions I grew up with. As a child, I often watched my dad brewing tea at home or during business meetings. For me, tea became more than a drink—it was a way to connect with our culture and traditions. Through ChaYi, I want to share this experience with the Philippines, showing why tea is not just a beverage but an art form with a story worth celebrating.”
In Chinese culture, tea is a medium for connection—a silent moment of introspection, a ritual to honor guests, or a way to preserve history. Chinese tea culture is also deeply intertwined with mindfulness, community, and heritage. On the importance of preserving and promoting Chinese tea culture, Tan notes, “It’s about honoring the artistry and legacy of tea while creating a space where people can connect with something authentic and meaningful.”
ChaYi approaches its tea-making process with care, precision, and a dedication to bringing out the best in every cup. They incorporate elements of this ritual into the customer experience, whether through the presentation of the tea or the ambiance of the store.
ChaYi creates an immersive, culture-rich experience that blends tradition with modern sensibilities. Tan shares, “Balancing tradition with modernity is at the heart of ChaYi. While we draw inspiration from centuries-old Chinese tea practices, we adapt them to fit contemporary lifestyles. For instance, we use traditional brewing techniques but present them in approachable and visually appealing ways. Our tea blends respect the purity of traditional flavors but are crafted to cater to diverse palates, including those new to tea culture.” He adds, “The design of our stores and packaging reflects the elegance of porcelain while feeling fresh and modern. This approach ensures that ChaYi remains rooted in tradition but accessible and relevant to today’s customers.”
ChaYi honors the essence and experience of tea itself. Although popular for its health benefits, ChaYi wants to highlight the experiential aspect of tea—a sensory journey where one can appreciate the color, aroma, and flavor of tea. The cultural significance of tea lies in savoring its flavors, the rituals of brewing, and the stories it carries across generations.
With the success of the launch of their first store, they look forward to opening more branches in the Philippines in 2025.
Find ChaYi at 2/F, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Reina Regente St., Binondo, Manila. Visit us from 9 AM to 9 PM.
ChaYi is also available on Grab and foodpanda.
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