If you thought afternoon tea was all scones and tiny cakes, think again because Okeya Kyujiro has just flipped the script.
The Yaletown Michelin-starred omakase restaurant, known for its elegant, choreographed experience, has quietly debuted something brand new: Ochakase.
And no, this isn’t just tea with a few Japanese sweets.
Ochakase is a 14-course afternoon tea omakase, created by Chef-owner Takuya Matsuda, who wanted to blend the traditions of “ocha” (tea), “kaiseki” (multi-course meals), and “omakase” (chef’s choice) into one never-seen-before experience.
The result is a completely original concept that’s both theatrical and deeply rooted in Japanese culinary heritage.
We were lucky enough to try it and it’s easily one of the most innovative dining experiences in Canada right now.
The experience begins like Okeya’s regular omakase: front-row seats at their dimly lit chef’s counter, where each course is prepared in front of you with precision and storytelling.
But instead of nigiri, you’re getting Japanese seasonal sweets and warm savoury dishes, all beautifully plated and paired with rare teas from across Japan.
Expect live slicing of premium Shizuoka melons, fluffy dorayaki pancakes infused with truffle from Spain, and piping-hot takoyaki with gold flakes served with the same flourish as a grand finale.
One of the most impressive parts was seeing Nerikiri – a traditional Japanese confectionery made from white bean paste (similar to wagashi), being handcrafted right in front of us.
That is some serious skill.
Over the two-hour experience, you’ll sip five Japanese teas as pairings.
Teas range from Kyoto-grown Gyokuro to roasted Kukicha from Shizuoka and even hojicha sourced from Matsuda’s family farm in Mie.
As you reach the 13th course, you’ll be invited to the interactive matcha ceremony.
Here you’re given your own whisk and chasen and guided through the process of making matcha the traditional way.
It’s meditative, fun, and delicious.
And then comes the 14th course -the secret one.
No photos. No spoilers.
Just trust us: it’s worth the wait.
Ochakase isn’t your casual, tea-sipping afternoon.
At $150 per person (before tax and tips), it’s an immersive experience that fuses rare ingredients, theatrical storytelling, and high-level technique.
You won’t find cucumber sandwiches here, just pure culinary artistry.
For those worried that you’ll be still hungry afterwards – be at ease. Even skipping lunch, we were well satisfied at the end of the meal.
And while Okeya hasn’t revealed how often these Ochakase experiences will run, they did confirm it’s limited and reservations are only accepted via email.
So if you’ve been hunting for something truly special (or need a luxurious way to celebrate a milestone), this is it.
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Address: 1038 Mainland Street, Vancouver