Zaan Japanese Tea House, Japanese in Quezon Ave

Tea ceremony? Non Iwamoto described the word unfitting for the vast meaning of this ritual So yeah, it's more than just drinking a matcha tea
I got lucky to have a discount on the tea ceremony, Iwamoto san also gave me a tutorial as to how the ritual is done One on one Before we go deep on that, let me just tell you what i got for lunch 

veggie appetizer
Not in the menu but it was offered to me by Rose, the server She said it was a complementary It was a few sticks of carrots, cucumber and jicama ( that's singkamas!) It goes with a peanut-sesame paste to taste

cold soba
The soba was infused with tea I could tell the the leaf taste The green onions, ginger and wasabi were equal in quantity just enough to flavor the dip

Matcha surprise
It's basically an icecream freezed in a cup Then it goes with a warm concentrated matcha You know Japanese affogatto style and i really love it

After that was a session with the host of the ritual Iwamoto san told me that this ritual originated from the Buddhism This ceremony is suppose to set apart yourself from the whole world and just think of nothing So it is expected during a tea ceremony, bawal ang maingay  (like Yay! )
She mentioned, that to your right, most important person should sit Bawal ang mayabang din kasi this ritual also encompasses respect for others and humility

The table will be taken away during the ceremony, and you will have to sit the japanese style

1 The sweets will be offered to you You need to bow down to the host after the host bows to you (yes there is a correct posture for that)

2 Then if you have companions, you need to ask permission first before getting yours (this is done again by bowing to each other)

3 Then in just three steps, use the common chopsticks to get your sweets and place it on paper provided to you (It's actually an envelop with clean paper and a wooden pick inside for the sweets)

4 After that, in three steps again, place your chopsticks back then pass to your left (make sure you give it presentable and kust enough to respect your companion's personal space)

5 Enjoy your sweets while the host is prepping your tea

6 Once your bowl of tea arrives (yes, bowl! But there are only a few ounces of tea inside) you need to bow to each other again

7 In three steps, you draw the bowl near to you Rotate it using your right hand such a way that you will be drinking from the side of the bowl (yes!! They respect even bowls not to drink from front or back of it!)

8 Finish your tea cleanly Make loud slurps 3 huge slurpings will do 

9 Return the bowl in three steps Then bow

The host shall do this one by one to all its visitors And only advisable for a group of 4 (just in case you are more than 4, everyone else will have to sit back and watch the ceremony

The ambiance is no doubt very japanese! Music too is really authentic japanese Chef is japanese What else? It's japan in philippines! Check IG account for some pics

Iwamoto san also sells (makes) pili nuts covered chocolates cause it's a good gift for japanese (since pili nuts cannot be found in japan)

It's an experience you should try if you want to try tea ceremony Iwamoto sa told me that she only taught me the basics (wow) food is great here but tge experience is unforgettable

Parking has at least 5 slots in that area, they're open until 8pm, but they can extend if you have reservations (they have the facebook to do that) Credit cards check as well!
You will never be dissapointed if you visit