Steeped in Meaning

How the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse has become a beloved local mainstay

By Lisa Van Horne  »  © Photos by Rory Martinelli 

1770 13th Street
Boulder, CO
303.442.4993
boulderteahouse.com

In 2023, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse celebrated the 25th anniversary of its opening. For Sara Martinelli, it was an achievement that represented far more than the success of a business venture.

“It is really amazing to see its growth and evolution,” says Martinelli, owner of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and Three Leaf Farms and CEO of the Boulder Tea Company. “We were so young when it first opened. Our kids were literally babes-in-arms. Now they are grown and working in the family business. The teahouse has become such an integral part of life for our entire family.”

The teahouse has also represented far more than its exquisite tea and food fare offerings to countless individuals—community members, activists, artisans and more—ever since it was conceptualized. The true beginnings of the teahouse were in the 1980s when Boulder and Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, became sister cities. This establishment was the product of years of tireless efforts by Mary Hey and Sophia Stoller, two Boulder women who sought to promote international friendship and connections in the face of persistent Cold War rhetoric. 

To celebrate this newfound connection, Mayor Maksud Ikramov announced that the city of Dushanbe would be gifting Boulder with a teahouse—a gesture that exemplified these themes of togetherness and relationship-building.

“In Central Asia, teahouses serve as gathering places where friends meet to talk or play chess over a cup of tea,” says Martinelli. “We work to emulate this in our teahouse every day, specifically with our afternoon tea. It’s one of the most luxurious and indulgent little rituals that people can experience—a respite from the busy world and a chance to take a moment to indulge in delicious treats and great company.”

The ensuing years saw the teahouse come to life—a product of the tireless work of countless artisans to hand create an intricately furnished space that celebrates ancient traditions of craft and storytelling.

“Many teahouses are traditionally decorated with Persian art, characterized by the use of stellar, solar and floral motifs from nature, the repetition of patterns, form over representation, pattern over detail and lavish decoration and color,” says Martinelli. “Our teahouse accurately reflects this artistic tradition that dates back nearly 2,000 years.”

From the vibrant ceramic panels of the building’s exterior to its interior carved and painted ceiling and distinct cedar columns, the building is a physical testament to the culture of its makers—with many of their names commemoratively etched and painted within the space. It is a piece of art in all its parts, and as a whole, with both its exterior and interior earning the designation of a historic Boulder landmark.

This same care and dedication are evident in the offerings of the teahouse as well. Over 100 teas are available to patrons, with many created from the tea plant Camellia sinensis and exclusive herbal and wellness blends crafted by Martinelli, a certified herbalist, as well. To accompany these spectacular teas is an abundance of equally mouthwatering food fare.

“We specialize in a diverse range of foods from all over the world, offering our guests a unique opportunity to experience and savor the rich flavors of various cultures,” says Martinelli. “Our menu is carefully crafted to celebrate global culinary traditions, bringing together authentic dishes and ingredients that allow our guests to embark on a flavorful journey without leaving Boulder.”

Martinelli seeks to further extend this invitation to learn and explore within the teahouse through a variety of signature events in which guests can immerse themselves in the process and history of making tea all while having a little seasonal fun.

During Tea Leaf Reading Workshops, guests can engage in an interactive session of reflection based on this historical practice. In Witch’s Brew Potion Making events, guests concoct their own personal tea blends—learning the magical properties and folkloric uses of various herbs in the process. The teahouse is likewise offering a workshop with visiting artist Maruf Mirahmatov—who is helping restore the exterior of the teahouse—during which guests can gain knowledge about and try their hand at his distinct painting style.

In reflecting on her fondest elements of the teahouse, Martinelli notes how meaningful she finds it to share both her personal passions and the robust history of the establishment with so many visitors and locals.

“I love Boulder so much, and the teahouse has now become such a Boulder landmark,” says Martinelli. “I feel so incredibly fortunate to be able to be a part of that, to dive into my passion about tea, herbs and food, and to do it within this amazing community. It feels like our community has embraced the teahouse and recognizes it for the unique and extraordinary place that it is.”