March 29, 2026 Dushanbe Tea House
Wow! It has been a while since we did brunch at Dushanbe Tea House. This place is truly amazing:
“In 1987, during his first visit to Boulder, Mayor Maksud Ikramov of Dushanbe announced that his city would gift Boulder a traditional Tajik teahouse to honor the new sister city relationship. From 1987 to 1990, more than 40 skilled artisans in Tajikistan created the intricate decorative elements that define the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse today. These include the hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, ornate tables, stools, carved columns, and the colorful ceramic panels on the exterior. Many of these artistic traditions have been passed down for generations within Tajik families, preserving centuries of craftsmanship. (https://www.boulderteahouse.com/explore-the-teahouse-2)”
Martin tried to capture the atmosphere, but you simply have to be there to really see it.
Here’s the north side, you can already see that this is no ordinary restaurant. Those intricate patterns are done in tile!
Part of the west side. We’re still outside, so this is all tile.
The ceiling at the entrance. This is hand carved and painted.
This was shot at 4k and that Martin needs to slow down his pans! Even this doesn’t capture the full experience!
Here’s the 720P version, which will actually play on a less than super fast connection.
Bill’s brunch is Lapsang Souchong Bulgogi. The smoky tea marinade actually works! Quite a bit different than our Pulkogi.
Martin, of course, has to do their French Omelette. It is wonderful and classical.