House of Awaki has officially opened its doors in Bengaluru, introducing a contemporary Japanese tea house concept dedicated to celebrating the depth and diversity of Japanese tea culture. Located in Kalyan Nagar, the new destination combines premium ceremonial Matcha, speciality Japanese teas, signature beverages, and a thoughtfully curated menu of contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine.

The name Awaki blends the idea of being "awake" with Ki, the Japanese philosophy of life force and energy, reflecting the brand's focus on mindful hospitality and intentional tea experiences.

At the heart of the concept is an extensive Japanese tea programme featuring six ceremonial Matcha cultivars - Ren, Kiyone, Takara, Ajisai, Bara, and Yuri, sourced from renowned tea-growing regions including Mie, Uji, Yame, and Kagoshima. Each cultivar offers distinct flavour characteristics, allowing guests to explore the nuances of premium Matcha.

Beyond Matcha, House of Awaki also showcases three varieties of Houjicha - Akane, Hibisu, and Tsubaki, along with Genmai, Genmaicha, and Rikka teas. The beverage menu further expands the tea experience through creations such as Miso Cookie Caramel Matcha, Pandan Palm Candy, Coco Matcha Honey Lemon, Milo Akane, and Coco Matcha Float.

Complementing the beverage programme is a menu of approximately 20 contemporary Japanese-inspired dishes designed to pair naturally with the teas. Signature offerings include Ponzu Prawn Inari, Chicken Karaage, Kale Tempura, Kimchi Udon, Braised Pork Belly, and Mayak Egg Toast. Desserts such as Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Matcha Houjicha Basque Cheesecake, and Mocha Babka Toast continue the tea-led culinary journey.

Speaking on the launch, Pranav Praburam, Founder of House of Awaki, said the concept was created to introduce Indian consumers to the richness of Japanese tea culture beyond its growing popularity as a trend. He noted that his experience learning about Matcha from tea practitioners in Malaysia inspired the vision for a destination where every tea tells a story and reflects craftsmanship.

The culinary programme has been developed by Chef Mathangi Kumar, a Le Cordon Bleu London alumna. According to Kumar, the menu has been conceptualised around the teas themselves, ensuring that every dish complements and enhances the flavour profiles of the beverages while remaining rooted in Japanese culinary principles.

Designed as an intimate 30-35-seater space, House of Awaki aims to build a community around Japanese tea through immersive experiences, educational workshops, premium retail tea offerings, and future ready-to-drink innovations.

Located in Bengaluru's Kalyan Nagar neighbourhood, the launch marks the beginning of House of Awaki's broader vision of making authentic Japanese tea culture more accessible to Indian consumers through craftsmanship, education, and thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences