Does anything warm your soul quite like a delicious cup of hot tea?  Not really.

So if you find yourself in the Boulder, Colorado area you absolutely have to stop by the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse!  Between its fascinating history, intricate interior, and delectable menu, it should be at the top of your Rocky Mountain bucket list.

Here’s a little background on this distinctive eatery to whet your whistle.

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse History

The teahouse was constructed in Tajikistan between 1987 and 1990 by more than 40 artisans as part of the sister city initiative.  Their work reflects a traditional Persian motif dating back over 2,000 years.  And in keeping with tradition, the teahouse was constructed completely without the use of power tools!  Talk about some handy work!

Once completed, the teahouse was deconstructed and brought to the U.S. piece by piece.  Then, locals of both Colorado and Tajikistan carefully reassembled the structure where it currently stands on Boulder Creek Trail.  It’s perfectly situated just a hop, skip, and a jump from Pearl Street and the surrounding collection of funky boutiques and specialty shops.

Now for the big question on your mind – where the heck is Tajikistan?

Located just south of the Silk Road trails, Tajikistan is bordered by China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.  A largely mountainous country no bigger than Iowa, its capital of Dushanbe serves as the teahouse’s namesake.

The Striking Interior

There’s a lot to love about the Dushanbe Teahouse, but the most notable is its remarkable design.

The prismatic ceiling, tables, columns, stools, and exterior panels are all hand-carved and hand-painted.  The detail and hues of the ceiling are unmatched, and catch your eye immediately as you walk in.  Next, you’ll notice the uniquely elaborate patterns on the imposing wooden columns.  In case the ceiling didn’t sufficiently wow you enough.

And at the center of it all – the Fountain of the Seven Beauties.  The hammered copper statues symbolize the women of The Seven Beauties poem by Nizami Ganjavi in 1197 A.D.  The number seven has ties to color, astronomy, and theology, and each woman was written to inspire virtue.  It’s a serene oasis amongst the riot of color.

The Extensive Tea Menu

With over 100 different types of tea, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse has every possible flavor to tantalize your tastebuds.  Sweet, rich, mild, minty, and everything in-between!

In addition to tasting fantastic, tea also has a myriad of health benefits (bonus!)

For example: fighting illness, reducing stress, helping with weight-loss, moderating blood pressure, assisting in cholesterol control, lowering the risk of stroke, and slowing the aging process (thank God!), just to name a few.

Yet another reason to enjoy tea time!

The Delectable Cuisine

Equally impressive to their tea selection is the food at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.  If you’re expecting a few crustless sandwiches then hold on to your hat!

The menu is full of inventive recipes and savory flavor combinations from distant locales.  Some of the most enticing include the Indian Samosas, Persian Chickpea Kufteh, and Kookoo Sabzi.

And, if you really want your mind blown, try the Palatschinken!  The Austrian crepes with sweetened cheese, apple sauce, mint, and candied walnuts are out of this world!

Are you sufficiently intrigued?  Of course you are!  Because if you’re looking for an experience to engage all your senses, then the Insta-worthy Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse has you covered!

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