The Jasmine Tea Room

Altona, MB

When I called Suzy to inform her we were on our way from Carman to meet with her, our ETA was less of interest to her than my personal well being. Her sincerity in the question, “How is your day going so far?” was audible in our phone conversation and not simply just the repetitive and customary small talk. She actually cared how I was. In just two minutes of talking to her on the phone, I already had developed affection for her and couldn’t wait to meet her in person.

And she didn’t disappoint. The in-person Suzy is as warm as the sunshine streaming through the many windows lighting her space and as calm and quiet as the traffic puttering along the streets of her small, quiet town. Though the tablecloths are white and pressed and the decor is tastefully done, the formalities stop there. Suzy radiates genuine friendliness and upon watching her with her customers, you can tell she cares for them, and they her.

Quiet she may be, but she is not shy nor afraid of new ventures and life experiences. When she told us she was originally from Jakarta, a busy and chaotic metropolis in Indonesia, it was hard picturing her in such a setting. She lived for a period in New Zealand as a receptionist, and it was there, she gained an appreciation for a quieter and calmer, but no less exciting, place to live. Eventually, after a short stint in her home country again, she knew she needed a change and moved to British Columbia to pursue theological studies. It was shortly after, that she moved to the tiny town of Altona to be with her now husband, whom she met over the internet. After running a successful cake business, she and her husband had the chance to open The Jasmine Tea Room, which has been greatly appreciated by the community ever since.

Suzy endeavours to provide a space for people in the community to come and spend time together and enjoy light fare and drinks; the churchgoing crowd particularly enjoys occupying the space Sunday afternoons. The lentil soup served with homemade bread and chocolate cake we had, all made from scratch, had a satisfying and unique flair, obviously crafted with love and care. She specializes in hearty Mennonite fare, traditional to the area, spicing it up with Asian flavours when she can find the right ingredients.  Not to mention the  exquisite assortment of specialty teas and coffees!

It is easy to see how one could easily spend a lazy and afternoon here, never realizing where the time went, enjoying various hot beverages and simple yet delicious food, and of course, the best part, Suzy’s company.

Despite her first impression of Altona being “cold” (a prairie winter is undoubtedly a barrier to any newcomer from a tropical country!), Suzy is touched by how well the people in the community  take care of each other and has happily made Altona her home. With her warm disposition and culinary expertise, Altona knows they are lucky to have her, and The Jasmine Tea Room, with all that they have to offer. Stop in here if you need a good meal, a fantastic coffee or tea, and a huge helping of Suzy’s smile!