It looks like another iconic global brand is setting its sights on Vancouver!
Cha Tra Mue, Thailand’s legendary Thai tea brand, is officially opening its first Western Canada location right here in the city.
You may have caught wind of this back in July when Cha Tra Mue made a surprise pop-up appearance at Vancouver’s Thai Festival.
Their booth saw massive lines of locals eager to get a taste of their famous Thai tea, and it turns out that was just a teaser of what’s to come.
A Noms Mag community member (Vikki) tipped us off after overhearing from a staff member at the pop-up that a Vancouver storefront was in the works.
We reached out and got confirmation directly from Earth Setsawat, the owner of the upcoming shop.
Earth is no stranger to Vancouver’s food scene.
A UBC grad and self-described full-time foodie, he first launched the fast-casual healthy brand WELA after graduating in 2018.
Now, he’s turning his passion for Thai tea into something much bigger.
“My first Cha Tra Mue Thai Tea was from a street vendor in Bangkok,” Earth told Noms Magazine.
“He poured it from one jug to another from almost an arm’s length up. It was like a little tea performance. I took one sip and thought, wow. That memory is what I want to recreate here in Vancouver.”
Cha Tra Mue has been serving Thai tea for over 80 years and has become a cultural icon across Southeast Asia.
With over 200 locations around the world including in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the US.
A location in Toronto is in works and will be opening sometime in August.
But this will be the first time for Western Canadian fans can enjoy the cafe experience without hopping on a plane.
The Vancouver location will be opening along West Broadway – taking over the previous Corner Kitchen Japanese Restaurant unit.
Inside the same building where Earth once said to himself, “this would be an amazing spot one day.”
That full-circle moment is now becoming reality.
The 1,300 square foot space will feature 16 seats and a warm, Pacific Northwest vibe with subtle Thai design touches.
And of course, the drinks will stay true to their roots.
The must-try? “The Original Thai Tea,” said Earth. “It is boldly brewed, creamy, aromatic, and instantly transportive. One sip feels like you are back on the streets of Bangkok.”
Other signature drinks like matcha Thai tea and their rose milk tea will likely be part of the launch menu as well, giving Vancouverites a real taste of what makes this brand such a big deal abroad.
Cha Tra Mue’s bags of tea will likely make an appearance too if we had to guess.
The team is aiming to open their doors sometime in November or December, just in time for winter tea cravings.
Cha Tra Mue will be joining other upcoming international food spots springing up in Vancouver like Cotti Coffee, Hong Phat Richmond, and Laderach.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 736 W Broadway, Vancouver BC