Asian Style Tea And Sweets Shop Opens In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A new eatery opened up over the weekend in West Hartford and, although it was a so-called "soft" opening, the official opening definitely promises to be "grand."

And that will happen on Sunday, July 16.

Brian Keo and Shirley Wong have opened up "Cha Papi Tea & Sweets" at 150 Shield St., the soft opening — in which the operation quietly opens to the public for a few hours to prepare for the larger grand opening — was this past weekend.

And, according to the duo, the enthusiasm they saw was large.

"Thank you a million to all the amazing friends and family who stopped by the Cha Papi soft launch over the weekend," wrote the owners via social media.

"The overwhelming love and support was absolutely incredible. This weekend was an opportunity to not only introduce our offerings to a small audience, but also pinpoint the tweaks for our grand opening."

The eatery sells specialty Asian teas, both iced and hot, as well as sweet treats, expecially the beloved mochi doughnuts.

Mochi doughnuts are Asian-styled doughnuts made with rice flour and they're sweet, fluffy and come in a variety of flavors.

They are popular throughout Asia, as wel as in Hawaii.

Cha Papi — which Brian Keo told the Hartford Courant translates into "Tea Daddy" in Chinese — will host a grand opening celebration on Sunday, July 16.

And the entrepreneurs simply cannot wait to get going with their unique products.

"We’re excited to be introducing new Asian flavors in the form of drinks and dessert to the rapidly developing business sector of West Hartford. We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be here," wrote the duo.

For the Cha Papi Facebook page, click on this link.

For the Cha Papi Instagram page, click on this link.

For the full Hartford Courant report on Cha Papi, click on this link.