East Bay's Afternoon Tea Scene Expands with New Thai‑Inspired Spot

The East Bay region of California is seeing a surge in afternoon tea offerings, ranging from traditional British tea served in a preserved Victorian home to modern Thai‑style tea experiences and Filipino kamayan‑style tea parties. A notable addition is Nudi Blue, a Thai‑inspired venue that opened in April and offers a $65 per‑person tea service featuring two teas sourced from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and two courses of sweet and savory bites such as guava‑filled mini croissants, caviar‑topped pastries, and deviled quail eggs with sumac. The tea menu includes white teas, oolongs, Earl Grey and wild‑picked specialty teas.

Other local spots include Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden in Alameda, run by owner Julie Baron, which hosts seasonal afternoon teas, as well as venues like Pretty Tea Parties, oh Chai! and The RoyalTEA Garden. The trend reflects a broader cultural shift as tea culture adapts to global influences while maintaining classic elements like scones, clotted cream and tiered trays.