© Carolina Reinertz
Hidden away in the centre of Luxembourg City on rue du Cure, ThéRâPie offers an authentic and intimate Japanese experience, it even has a downstairs spa.
When a place calls itself ThéRâPie, you can rest assured you're not just signing up for a casual lunch. Having opened one year ago and founded by Samira Maaoui, this spot combines tea, therapy, and food.
There are a few food options, but we went for the Shojin Ryori lunch (€27), a vegetarian menu inspired by Buddhist temple cuisine, served on weekends from 12pm to 2pm (3.30pm on weekends).
The place itself feels tucked away, even though it's in the middle of the bustling city centre. You can choose a regular table or go full Japanese and sit on tatami mats. I personally take any opportunity to sit cross-legged while eating, so off we went, shoes off, Japanese flip flops on (they give you a pair), and ready for therapeutic food.
The staff was calm and welcoming and took the time to explain the menu and tradition behind it. The whole vibe of the place is quite soothing, and the decor is truly authentic, combining soft light and natural wood.
The food
Shojin Ryori, as in Buddhism, is all about simplicity and balance. The cuisine avoids meat, garlic, or onions, using minimal seasoning so that the natural flavours can come through. It follows the "rule of five", five colours (white, green, yellow, black, red), five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami/savory), and five cooking methods (raw, stewed, boiled,
roasted, and steamed).
The menu (which changes every week) included:
- Hijiki seaweed and beans simmered in a soy and mirin broth
- A piece of grilled pumpkin topped with white miso sauce
- Wakame leaves and fennel shavings marinated in Japanese tosazu vinegar with a hint of dashi and shiitake
- Brown rice steamed with shiso leaves
- White miso soup with mushrooms
It was light and clean, and left you feeling satisfied rather than full or like you overate (something Westerners often do). But for anyone wanting something more filling, they also offer Shabu Shabu menus with wagyu beef (€80 or €30), hamachi fish (€65 or €20), or a vegetarian version (€40).
We finished with wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets handmade by their wagashi chef. Our choices were a matcha daifuku and a tsukimi dango with black sesame. To complement, I tried the buckwheat tea (sobacha), which is caffeine-free, and has a warm, nutty, roasted flavour, I really loved it. The matcha came with a full ceremonial preparation right at the table, and a very generous matcha powder portion.
The extras
Downstairs, you'll find their infrared spa, where you can book a session after your meal. The entry features a small shopping counter where you can buy artisanal teas, incense, and Japanese teaware. I’ve been told that the teas are sourced from small farms, personally selected by Samira herself, who travels to meet the growers.
They also offer an Ippuku Tea Ritual (€39) from 3pm to 6.30pm, which includes wagashi, kaiseki bites (traditional small Japanese dishes), and your choice of unique tea or a sake/wine alternative.
Final thoughts
ThéRâPie feels like a tiny piece of Japan tucked away in Luxembourg City, where you can slow down and enjoy food that feels as mindful as it tastes. Whether you come with friends, on a date, or even with kids, it’s an experience that felt like a warm comforting hug during this seasonal change.
Food quality – 4/5
Family-friendly – 4/5
Budget-friendly – 3.5/5
Date-friendly – 5/5
Veggie-friendly – 4/5
