Welcome to What's For Tea

Welcome to What's for Tea? – At home bakery

Thank you for visiting What's for Tea?, where every bite feels like a warm embrace and every treat is crafted with love. We're so glad you're here! At our at-home bakery in Chicago, we specialize in bringing you the finest selection of baked goods, whether you're in the mood for a sweet snack, a comforting loaf of bread, or a show-stopping custom cake for your next celebration, we’ve got something special for you.

 

The Story Behind the Name

You might be wondering, "What's for Tea?", why that name if you are a bakery? And it’s a great question! The name of our bakery has a special meaning that ties into both the tradition of British teatime and our desire to bring you a comforting, enjoyable experience with every bite.

In England, the phrase "What's for tea?" can mean a couple things. It can mean, literally, What’s for tea?

But more often it refers to the traditional concept of "tea," which includes not just a warm beverage, but also a selection of baked goods, scones, sandwiches, and small treats that are enjoyed during teatime. With this in mind, we’ve adopted the name to reflect our mission, providing you with the perfect treat for any time of the day.

To honor this tradition, we are proud to offer tea pairings with each of our baked goods. Whether you’re enjoying a fresh scone, a rich babka, or a slice of cake, we’ll suggest the perfect tea to complement your choice. Our goal is to create a well-rounded experience that elevates your enjoyment of each bite.

 

Our Story: More Than Just a Bakery

What’s for Tea? was born out of a deep passion for baking and a love of bringing people together through delicious food. In the heart of Chicago, we bake all of our goodies fresh daily, using the best ingredients we can find. From old family recipes to innovative new creations, every product we offer is made with attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality.

As a baker trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every recipe and baked good we create. My formal training not only taught me the artistry of crafting perfect pastries, cakes, and breads, but it also instilled in me a deep respect for technique, precision, and the use of the finest ingredients. The skills I gained there are the foundation of everything we make at What’s for Tea? So, when you order from us, you can trust that each product is the result of passion, care, and professional expertise.

We believe that baking is an art, and we're here to share that artistry with you. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or ordering something for a special occasion, we strive to make every experience with us a memorable one.

 

Our Offerings: A Delicious Range of Treats

At What's for Tea?, we offer a variety of baked goods to satisfy every craving, from indulgent cookies to artisan breads. Here’s a closer look at what you can find in our bakery:

Sweet and Savory Baked Goods:

We’re proud to offer a diverse selection of treats that can brighten your day. Some of our favorites include:

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• Cookies

  • Brown butter chocolate chip

  • Dirty chai

  • Cornflake

• Babkas

  • Chocolate

  • Walnut raisin

• Danishes

  • Blueberry

  • Raspberry

• Kardemummabullar (cardamum buns)

• Cakes in 3”, 6”, or 8”

  • Chocolate

  • Vanilla

  • Lemon

  • Carrot

 

Freshly Baked Breads:

We take pride in our freshly baked breads, made with care and the finest ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a hearty whole-grain loaf or a crusty sourdough, we’ve got the perfect bread to complement your meal or elevate your sandwich. Our breads are:

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Our breads are crafted with patience and precision, letting the natural fermentation process work its magic to give you the very best texture and flavor in every bite.

 

Custom Cakes: Made Just for You

At What’s for Tea?, we know that a cake is not just a dessert—it can be also be a centerpiece, a symbol of celebration, and an expression of your personal taste. That’s why we’re excited to offer custom cakes tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a wedding, or just a special gathering, we’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure your cake is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

When you order a custom cake from us, you can expect:

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• Personalized Design:

  • We love collaborating with our customers to create cakes that fit perfectly with the theme of your event. From elegant wedding cakes to fun and whimsical birthday cakes, we’ll make sure your cake perfectly reflects your vision.

• Attention to Detail:

  • We understand that small details can have a huge impact. From intricate piping to personalized toppers, we pay attention to every aspect of your cake to make sure it’s a true work of art.

• Ongoing Communication:

  • We believe that collaboration is key to creating the perfect cake. We’ll be sure to  communicate with you throughout the entire process, ensuring that every detail meets your expectations and that your cake is ready for the big day.

 

Whether you have a specific design in mind or need some inspiration, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you create a cake that will make your event even more memorable.

 

 

 

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Tea Pairings for Your Perfect Treat

At What’s for Tea?, we believe that every baked good deserves a perfect tea to complement its flavor. Inspired by the English tradition of teatime, we offer tea pairings with each of our baked goods. When place an order, we will suggest a tea that enhances the flavor profile of your chosen treat—whether it’s a classic Earl Grey with your scone or a fragrant jasmine tea to go with a slice of our babka.

We want to help you create an experience that is as delightful as the food itself, and we’re always excited to share our knowledge of tea with our customers. We offer a variety of loose-leaf teas from traditional black and green teas to more unique blends. So, whether you’re enjoying your snack at home or sharing it with friends, we’ll make sure that your tea pairing takes it to the next level.

 

Why Choose What’s for Tea?

At What’s for Tea?, we’re not just about baking delicious treats, we’re about creating an experience that leaves you feeling satisfied, comforted, and excited for your next visit. Here’s why our customers keep coming back:

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• Locally Owned: As a small, locally owned business, we take great pride in serving our community and bringing joy to our customers through our products.

• Custom Orders: Whether it's a cake for a special event or a customized batch of cookies, we’re happy to work with you to create exactly what you need.

• Quality Ingredients: We use the high quality ingredients to ensure the best tasting good we can offer, with an emphasis on sustainability whenever possible.

• A Passion for Baking: Baking isn’t just a job for us, it’s a passion. Every loaf of bread, cookie, and cake is made with love, care, and attention to detail.

 

Get in Touch

We’re so excited to share our baked goods with you! Feel free to browse our menu, check out our custom cake options, and reach out if you have any questions or special requests. Whether you’re ordering a loaf of fresh bread, ordering a batch of cookies, or planning your dream cake, we can’t wait to serve you.

Thank you for choosing What’s for Tea?, we look forward to sharing a little bit of sweetness with you soon!