Luxembourg’s city centre welcomes a thoroughly Japanese addition to its tea scene this October. Thé Râ Pie invites visitors to discover a serene space where zen moments meet culinary artistry.
Those unfamiliar with the concept of a tea sommelier are in for a treat at 32 Rue du Curé, where tea receives the same reverent treatment as fine wine. Behind the counter of Luxembourg’s unique tea salon stands Géraldine, whose expertise was honed at France’s sole dedicated tea academy.
Teas from Small Farms in Kyushu
The salon features a carefully curated selection of 25 Japanese teas. “We source exclusively from small farms in Kyushu, southern Japan,” explains Samira Maaoui, the establishment’s founder and director. “While most hold organic certification, some artisanal producers are too small for formal accreditation. Through these partnerships, we offer premium-grade teas, including rare black and white varieties — quite unusual for Japan, where green tea dominates,” she notes.
Following a successful career in communications, Samira Maaoui, who moved from Normandy to Luxembourg over two decades ago, began exploring further afield. Her passion for Japan, kindled by her husband’s enthusiasm, led to countless journeys across the archipelago. “The cuisine, the sake, the teas… We found ourselves missing these treasures in Luxembourg. Creating this space simply felt natural,” says Maaoui, who has poured her heart into the venture.
On Site or to Take Away in Bulk
Her commitment extends beyond concept to design — drawing on her interior architecture training, she crafted every detail of the salon herself. “From the intimate alcoves to the shelving and wall features — it’s all custom-designed,” she explains. The result is remarkable: traditional tatami seating spaces line the glass frontage, while conventional tables and chairs accommodate those who prefer Western-style comfort.
Visitors can savour not only exceptional teas but also indulge in a vegetarian Kaiseki menu (€39), featuring an array of small dishes that changes regularly. The experience is enhanced by authentic Japanese tableware. “Everything you see is available to purchase — from teapots to cups and plates,” Maaoui adds. Naturally, this includes the teas, which customers can buy in loose leaf form to enjoy at home.
Wagashi to Come?
Illustrative photos of wagashi
Maaoui hopes to soon complete her vision by introducing wagashi. “These exquisite traditional Japanese confections, crafted from red beans or mochi, represent the pinnacle of patisserie artistry. Only Tokyo and Kyoto offer recognised training in this discipline.” This rarity led to an unexpected setback: “We’d found a certified Japanese pastry chef eager to relocate from Tokyo… Unfortunately, visa delays proved insurmountable, partly due to the unique nature of her qualifications. We’re working to bring her over, as wagashi were central to our original concept.”
Yet even without this specialist offering, the salon has found its stride. The Japanese service team — Helen, Ichiro and Keiko — deliver an exceptional experience with characteristic grace and warmth.
For those wondering about the attention to detail in creating an authentic Japanese atmosphere, it’s worth noting that tea’s natural properties haven’t been overlooked…
The Japanese Spa Space
Maaoui’s devotion to Japanese culture manifested earlier through investment in remarkable technology: the Iyashi Dome. “Kyushu’s thermal stations are famous for their volcanic sand bathing treatments, where bathers experience deep detoxification. The Iyashi Dome recreates these benefits through advanced infrared technology,” explains Maaoui, who initially planned this venture earlier. “I’d established my company, Matcha, during Covid… then discovered I was expecting!” Now, as she embarks on the tea salon journey, combining both wellness experiences feels perfectly natural. Clients will soon have access to the Iyashi Dome experience.
Thé Râ Pie
32, rue du Curé
L-1368 LUXEMBOURG
Wednesday to Sunday
10:30 AM to 7 PM
therapie.luxe
