In a city that seems to be forever dominated by coffee shops, fast-food chains, and a culture of cramming as much into your schedule as possible, a world of tranquil tea salons, cozy tea houses, and serene tasting rooms has emerged. Rather than selling the same PG Tips and Earl Grey bags, these specialized purveyors offer intimate guided tea tastings of rare and unique single-origin teas, sourced from all over the globe and steeped to perfection. Some Losse thee bestellen can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars, but these teahouses encourage price-savvy exploration and provide the educational resources to get you started on your journey into the complex world of fine loose-leaf tea.
In an inconspicuous Greenpoint space, tucked above local Japanese breakfast and ramen joint Okonomi/Yuji Ramen, this Brooklyn gem is dedicated to the teas of Japan. The sparsely furnished space is a tiny jewel box of Japanese tea and teaware, with an extensive selection of loose-leaf tea from all corners of the country — many imported by the owner himself on his visits to the farms that grow them.
Tea Shop Elegance: Unveiling the Most Charming and Cozy Tea Boutiques
Located in a cozy Soho brownstone, this small and intimate Taiwanese tea shop is known for its expert guidance in selecting and brewing high-end single-origin teas, and for its warm hospitality. The owners are highly knowledgeable, and if you’re not sure what to order, the best option is a tea tasting (five steepings of the same tea) which will give you an opportunity to try different teas before you buy.