Anyone looking down Oranienburger Straße might imagine all sorts of things behind the doors of the Kunsthof, but hardly an original masterpiece of Central Asian wood architecture. In any case, the Tajik Tea Room is far more than an ordinary café, as it has already had an eventful history dating back to the 1970s.
Artisanal Swiss stone pine craftsmanship at the Tajik Tea Room
Originally, the artfully hand-carved Swiss stone pine columns were crafted for the Tajik pavilion at a trade fair in Leipzig. The former Soviet republic subsequently donated the impressive interior to the GDR, after which the tea room was opened in front of it in the former Palais am Festungsgraben. After a temporary closure in 2012, the historic arts and crafts workshop finally found a new home at the Kunsthof.
Upon entering the room, the elaborately decorated wooden columns and the ceilings painted with intricate ornaments immediately catch the eye. But it’s not just the visuals that surprise—the traditional seating area on platforms does as well. In keeping with Central Asian tradition, you first take off your shoes at the entrance and then settle comfortably onto soft cushions at a low table. Here, you can experience firsthand the authentic way of life of a distant region.
Traditional tea ceremony from the samovar
Culinary-wise, the focus here is clearly on “liquid gold,” with the selection ranging from classic green and black teas to spicy blends. Another highly recommended experience is the traditional Russian tea ceremony , served for two or more people and featuring a genuine samovar on the table. As a result, you can linger here for hours while your warm drink is continuously refilled. Fine rock sugar or jam can be served on request.
In addition to the tea, the down-to-earth regional dishes are equally appealing, such as Russian pelmeni with sour cream or heartily stuffed dumplings. Those with a sweet tooth, on the other hand, can enjoy Russian Zupfkuchen or blinis with a delicious quark filling. Such traditional dishes perfectly round out the culinary offerings.
📍 Location: Tajik Tea Room, Oranienburger Str. 27, 10117 Berlin
💰 Cash only!
⏰ Hours: Tue–Sun from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
