Finally got around to visiting Janam Tea on the Lower East Side with a friend for their afternoon tea. Janam Tea operates during the day, but at time, operates as the speakeasy Garfunkel’s. The Garfunkel’s space is an absolute delight, with super homey decor and a charming, low-key decor with just the right touch of elegance overall. Since they pretty much make everything on-site, reservations are necessary for the afternoon tea.
In the typical three-tier set up, the afternoon tea consisted of a level of savories: Cucumber on White with Mushroom Scallion Cream Cheese, Egg Salad on Wheat with Whole Grain and Dijon Mustard, Chive and Microgreens, Smoked Salmon on a Multigrain Cracker with Horseradish Cream and Dill and Chicken Curry Salad Tarts. A level of desserts: brown butter cookies, chocolate mouse, and mini-chocolate cupcakes. And of course, a level of freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. I found the scones to be particularly delightful along with the brown butter cookie, but my friend and I very much enjoyed the savory tea sandwiches too.
Janam Tea is definitely one of those welcoming, no-rush places that I found to be incredibly soothing, and the staff didn’t seem to mind the fact that I lingered about after finishing the food and sipping my tea, while reading a good book, so it’s definitely not one of those in-and-out places. In any case, I’d loved to come back again with more friends in tow down the line. If you’re an afternoon tea aficionado, Janam Tea is certainly worth a visit for the excellent service, homey, welcoming vibes, and great food & tea.
