Pinkies up are not a requirement here. Curiosi-Tea House offers a huge variety of tea and vegan treats, made for every palette. Learn more about Winona’s coziest spot on the westside.
Heidi Wyn, Owner of Curiosi-Tea House
What brought you to this profession and what do you enjoy most about it?
“I was a teacher; my claim to fame was teaching every grade K-College, so my goal was to create a business where I could continue to teach. Now I teach about tea and the benefits of tea. Adding a plant-based food menu was important as I am passionate about providing healthy and environmentally-friendly eating and drinking options. We enjoy offering the experience of our space as well as our many teas and food from all over the world. I love hearing folks say ‘I didn’t realize I was a tea drinker! This tea is so good!’ because their previous experience was either really poor tea or poorly made tea.”
What is the inspiration behind the menu at your restaurant?
“Our whole menu is plant-based/vegan, so there is no animal product in any of our menu items. As tea is a healthy and an environmental-friendly option, we wanted our food to be both healthy and environmentally friendly as well. We offer things not found at most other restaurants like jackfruit, chickpeas and lentils as well as non-meat options from the Herbivorous Butcher and The BeHive vegan providers.”
What is a customer favorite on your menu and why?
“Our housemade Chickpea salad sandwich mixes are very popular as a sandwich or a wrap. We change them up for variety – Sundried Tomato Basil and Cran-Apple are two favorites. Our Breakfast Bagels are also hugely popular any time of day.”
What is YOUR favorite item on the menu and why?
“I love the Herbivorous Butcher Pastrami combined with Sundried Tomato Basil Chickpea, red onion, jalapeno, and spinach on toasted bread. It is known as Heidi’s Signature Sandwich. My favorite tea is the Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls and drinking it washes away all my stress. A bonus is this tea is a direct trade tea from a woman grower in China.”
What is your favorite food or drink from another area establishment and why?
“Being vegan is certainly challenging when eating out in Southern Minnesota, but my daughter who manages our Winona location, told me she enjoyed the vegan Butternut Squash Pizza at Muddled Thyme which I hope to try next time I am in town.”
What is one thing about this restaurant that people who have never been here should know?
“The 150-year-old building exterior does not necessarily tell folks about the experience they will find when they step inside. We have 150+ flavors of tea from all over the world and our eclectic décor helps reflect the varied culture and history of tea. Our three themed private rooms are also very fun for small gatherings, book clubs or parties. This is our second location. We began in Mankato, MN in 2014.”
We love our recipes homegrown and our flavors unique. Visit Winona is showcasing a regional restaurant/foodie attraction – new, classic, and everything in between – through the lens of one of its key team members. This new series, “Winona Eats,” celebrates all the culinary adventures that await you right here in the Winona area.
Bon Appetit!