A Teahouse Like No Other—Right in the Heart of Boulder

Hand-carved columns, 100+ teas, and an origin story spanning the globe 🌍

Author

What's Happenin' Team
September 01, 2025

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: Sipping on International Friendship

 

Hey Boulder! 🌞

If you’ve ever walked past that vibrant building by the creek and thought, “What is this place?”—you’re not alone. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse isn’t just a spot for sipping chai; it’s a work of art, a global handshake, and a serene slice of culture tucked into downtown. Here’s everything you never knew you needed to know about Boulder’s most colorful hangout.

Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.

Let’s dig in!

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

Trivia Q&A ⛰️

Which country gifted Boulder the stunning hand-carved teahouse that now sits downtown?

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Hint: Answer at the bottom 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

✨ 6 Ways to Soak in the Magic

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse was literally a gift from the people of Dushanbe, Tajikistan—Boulder’s sister city. Forty artisans spent years carving, painting, and crafting this masterpiece by hand before it was disassembled, packed into shipping containers, and sent on a transcontinental journey to its new home.

1. Sip Your Way Through 100+ Teas

From classic Earl Grey to house-made herbal blends, the tea menu is extensive. Don’t skip the famous Teahouse Chai—it’s liquid gold.

Insider Tip: Book ahead for afternoon tea with pastries, white linens, and full-on garden party vibes.

2. Chill by the Fountain of Seven Beauties

At the center of the teahouse, seven sculpted muses pour serenity into the air. Bring a book or just zone out—it’s the perfect reset.

3. Admire the Details

This place is an art gallery in disguise. Every inch—from hand-carved cedar columns to colorful oil paintings—tells a story.

Look For:

  • No two columns are alike.

  • The tile mosaics represent the “Tree of Life.”

  • The ceiling? Carved and painted by hand. Without power tools.

4. Go on a Global Food Tour

The MICHELIN-recognized menu takes you from Morocco to Southeast Asia in one sitting. Tajik plov, Indonesian noodles, and Moroccan Harissa chicken are just a few highlights.

5. Sit Among the Roses

In the warmer months, grab a patio table surrounded by fragrant roses—45 varieties, to be exact. It’s like dining in a blooming postcard.

Bonus: The creekside backdrop is chef’s kiss.

6. Take the Teahouse Home

Swing by the tea counter on your way out and snag souvenir tins or bottled chai concentrate. It’s the perfect way to bring the magic home.

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🎭

Monday, September 1

🧠 This is a Clue Trivia📍 Beyond the Mountain Brewing | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday)

🍻 Twisted Bingo📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday)

Tuesday, September 2

🔥 Junkyard Monthly Flow Jam📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 💵 $10 suggested donation (recurring monthly, 4th Tuesday)

🛝 Junkyard Open Play📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ Various Hours | 💵 $10 kids / $5 adults (recurring weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

🎉 Smarty Party📍 Avanti F&B | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Tuesday)

🎧 Turntable Tuesday📍 VisionQuest Brewery | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Tuesday)

📅 ScubaCon📍 637-V South Broadway, Boulder CO 80305 | ⏰ 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

📅 Jean Dawson📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Boulder?

We’re on a mission to crown Boulder’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️

🌻 A Boulder Treasure

It’s not every day you sip tea beneath a ceiling that crossed continents to get here. Forward this to a Boulder buddy who hasn’t visited yet — and maybe make a date of it. See you next week!

 Answer: 🇹🇯 Tajikistan — Boulder’s sister city Dushanbe sent over the entire teahouse, piece by intricately carved piece.

See you Wednesday 💚

-What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🌸

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