New tea-inspired bar: A review of Tell Camellia in Central, Hong Kong

Did you know tea comes from the Camellia plant? I didn’t … until I visited Tell Camellia, a delightful new tea-inspired cocktail bar inside the new H Code building in Central.

The bar is founded by Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung, two Hong Kong bar industry veterans, who conceptualized this hidden gem where guests are invited to explore the world’s most exciting tea cultures through cocktails.

Sound fun? I thought so!

Though I’m usually a one drink per night kind of person (lightweight) I was lucky enough to attend this cocktail tasting which meant I sampled all of the teatails as well as one non-alcoholic T&Tonic.

The Design

The bar is a beautiful zen-ish little hideaway that’s perfect for dates, one-on-one hangs or small groups.

The Teatails

Each of the teatails (all $95) is named after the origin of the tea blend used. It’s hard to choose a favourite but, if I had to, I’d choose the Australia. It looks like a standard Old Fashioned but is anything but with a Yalangi Rain Tea and whiskey base plus blue cheese, strawberry and Tim Tam flavours. Delicious.

For those that enjoy bold and unusual flavours, give the Japan a try. This is not your average matcha-based cocktail as there’s shochu, pumpkin seed, mint and … fermented soybeans (!) in there. The fermented scent hits your nose but the cocktail is just nicely warming.

The Sri Lanka also really impressed as it had aromatic whiffs of coconut and basmati rice alongside Ceylon Tea, appa amma wine, and rye whiskey.

The Mocktail

There’s one non-alcoholic drink on the menu: the Rosemary and Lime T&Tonic ($95). This was refreshing, a non-sticky and sweet yet fragrant soda. I’d order this again.

Verdict

We’re lucky to live in a city with a vibrant cocktail scene and Tell Camellia is adding to that reputation. Give it a try and give your tastebuds something new to discover.

LG/Floor , H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central, 6038 4020

*By invitation