I have been going to the O’ways Teacafé in Claremont since it was first opened in December 2010 by Lisa Tsai and her husband, tea merchant Mingwei Tsai. Staff have come and gone, but O’ways has managed to maintain its high standards. I admit, however, that I tend to always order the same thing these days – the dim sum platter for two, which includes a choice of any one of the myriad of teas. The selection of specialised tea is quite overwhelming. I usually select one good oolong tea and one ornamental flower tea and share with Munchkin, my lunch companion.
The ornamental tea ball before it is immersed
The tea flower when it has opened
The interior has become more pared down over the years, but remains warm and welcoming. O’ways still offers table games to play for your amusement in anticipation of the meal, the gong to ring as you exit, and the piano on which Lisa Tsai sometimes treats customers to an impromptu recital.
When ordering the dim sum platter specify that it must be vegan. O’ways is vegetarian; the only thing they need to remove from the regular platter is the egg.
Here is what you can expect: an amuse-bouche of cauliflower fritter with hummus; soya mince dumplings; delicious bao (perhaps the best in town); panfried tofu; mushroom tempura; whole edamame; cauliflower, broccoli and mushrooms; cabbage filled spring rolls.
My only real criticism is the sauces. There are three served in a very small, shallow, compartmentalised dish. They are awkward to access and are always insufficient. But you can ask for more.
O’ways Teacafé, Shop 2, Heritage House, 20 Dreyer Street, Claremont 7708. Tel: 021 671 2850