Bengaluru, July 13: House of Awaki has officially opened in Bengaluru, introducing the city to a contemporary Japanese tea house dedicated to the craft and culture of Japanese tea. Located in Kalyan Nagar, the intimate destination brings together premium ceremonial Matcha, speciality Japanese teas, signature beverages and an ingredient-led menu, inviting guests to experience Japanese tea beyond the familiar café format.
The name Awaki combines the idea of being “awake” with Ki, the Japanese philosophy of life force and energy, reflecting the brand’s belief in mindful hospitality and a more intentional way of experiencing tea.
At the heart of House of Awaki is one of India’s most thoughtfully curated Japanese tea programmes, featuring six ceremonial Matcha cultivars — Ren, Kiyone, Takara, Ajisai, Bara and Yuri — sourced from the renowned tea-growing regions of Mie, Uji, Yame and Kagoshima. Each cultivar offers a distinct origin, flavour profile and character, allowing guests to discover the diversity of Matcha through every cup.
The experience extends beyond Matcha with three distinctive Houjicha varieties, Akane, Hibisu and Tsubaki, alongside Genmai, Genmaicha and Rikka, offering a broader introduction to Japan’s rich tea heritage. The beverage programme further explores these teas through signature creations including Miso Cookie Caramel Matcha, Pandan Palm Candy, Coco Matcha Honey Lemon, Milo Akane and Coco Matcha Float, blending traditional Japanese teas with contemporary flavours.
Complementing the beverages is a curated menu of approximately 20 contemporary Japanese-inspired dishes, created to pair naturally with the teas. Signature plates include Ponzu Prawn Inari, Chicken Karaage, Kale Tempura, Kimchi Udon, Braised Pork Belly and Mayak Egg Toast, while desserts such as the Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Matcha Houjicha Basque Cheesecake and Mocha Babka Toast continue the tea-led experience.
Speaking on the launch, Pranav Praburam, Founder, House of Awaki, said,
“House of Awaki was created to introduce India to the depth and diversity of Japanese tea culture. My journey with Matcha transformed after travelling to Malaysia to learn from practitioners who viewed it as a craft rather than a trend. That experience inspired us to create a space where every tea has a story, every cup reflects craftsmanship and every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation of Japanese tea.”
The culinary programme has been conceptualised by Chef Mathangi Kumar, a Le Cordon Bleu, London alumna, whose ingredient-led philosophy brings together contemporary Japanese flavours with thoughtful tea pairings.
Chef Mathangi Kumar, Consulting Chef, House of Awaki, added,
“The menu has been designed around the tea rather than alongside it. Every dish has been carefully created to complement the flavour profiles of the teas, resulting in an experience that is balanced, approachable and true to Japanese culinary philosophy.”
Designed as an intimate 30–35-seater, House of Awaki marks the beginning of a larger vision to build a community around Japanese tea through immersive experiences, premium retail teas, ready-to-drink innovations and educational workshops.