Few places in Berlin feel as much as a haven as this tearoom, tucked away in a courtyard behind Mitte’s famous synagogue. Sitting admits colorful carpets and cushions, you get to enjoy a tea ceremony from a giant samovar, with a selection of sweets and vodka on the side, and if you want some home-made dumplings. Sounds like a dreamy date with your loved one(s)? It is.

Compared to the minimalistic interiors of Berlin’s other tea havens such as Companion Tea this place feels like it brings you back in time. For one, you cannot pay by card (not joking, have your cash ready). Two, making a reservation via phone is highly recommended. You don’t want to be squeezed in but have all the time in the world to overlook the vast, colorful room, where Märchenstunden, fairy tale readings, take place from time to time.

Where does the Tadjik Tearoom originally come from? Today’s Republic of Tajikistan, which used to be part of the USSR, and where a majority of the population continues a nomadic life as it did hundreds of years ago. Influenced by Islam, the tea rooms served as an important place of communication.

A cozy place through and through, you will leave your shoes at the door so make sure you wear socks without holes – or simply grab a pair of slippers at the entrance.