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The World's Best Tea Shops

Tea boutiques that have mastered the celebration of the ancient art of tea.

By Megan Murphy
<p>With one of the most elaborate selections in the world, this prestigious Parisian emporium showcases an apothecary-style wall of more than 600 aromatic varieties—all innovative and unparalleled in quality. Gourmands can savor the ultimate haute cup of tea (like the Coup De Soleil vanilla black tea blend with caramel and wild strawberry essence), alongside exquisite French cuisine and tea-scented delights. <a href="http://www.mariagefreres.com/" target="_blank">mariagefreres.com</a></p>
PHOTO © FRENCH TEA FLAMMARION

Tea drinking is a centuries-old practice with a rich history. Fine purveyors across the world are enhancing the experience by offering tasting salons within their retail shops. Here are the best tea company boutiques that have mastered the celebration of this ancient art.Are you a tea-fanatic? Check out these innovative ways people are using tea.

1

Mariage Frères; Paris

<p>With one of the most elaborate selections in the world, this prestigious Parisian emporium showcases an apothecary-style wall of more than 600 aromatic varieties—all innovative and unparalleled in quality. Gourmands can savor the ultimate haute cup of tea (like the Coup De Soleil vanilla black tea blend with caramel and wild strawberry essence), alongside exquisite French cuisine and tea-scented delights. <a href="http://www.mariagefreres.com/" target="_blank">mariagefreres.com</a></p>
PHOTO © FRENCH TEA FLAMMARION

With one of the most elaborate selections in the world, this prestigious Parisian emporium showcases an apothecary-style wall of more than 600 aromatic varieties — all innovative and unparalleled in quality. Gourmands can savor the ultimate haute cup of tea (like the Coup De Soleil vanilla black tea blend with caramel and wild strawberry essence), alongside exquisite French cuisine and tea-scented delights. mariagefreres.com

2

Hu Xin Ting Teahouse; Shanghai

<p>Situated in the middle of a koi-filled lake, this famous Shanghai landmark (known as the first teahouse in China) has a rich 145-year history. Tea aficionados must journey across a zigzag bridge and often fight crowds to experience Hu Xin Ting's classic green, jasmine and floral teas; sweet and savory delicacies, breathtaking scenery and weekly musical performances. <a href="http://www.idealshanghai.com/Venues/879/" target="_blank">idealshanghai.com</a></p>
PHOTO © DR. LUIS A. ZUGNO

Situated in the middle of a koi-filled lake, this famous Shanghai landmark (known as the first teahouse in China) has a rich 145-year history. Tea aficionados must journey across a zigzag bridge and often fight crowds to experience Hu Xin Ting's classic green, jasmine and floral teas; sweet and savory delicacies, breathtaking scenery and weekly musical performances. idealshanghai.com

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3

't Zonnetje; Amsterdam

<p>'t Zonnetje has been selling tea, coffee and spices (<i>thee, koffie en kruiden</i>) to the people of Amsterdam since 1642. Showcasing antique wares and an extensive tea selection, this charming retail shop features an upstairs salon serving accompaniments like Jodenkoeken (a traditional Dutch shortbread) and English marmalade. <a href="http://www.t-zonnetje.nl/" target="_blank">t-zonnetje.nl</a></p>
PHOTO COURTESY OF T'ZONNETJE

't Zonnetje has been selling tea, coffee, and spices (thee, koffie en kruiden) to the people of Amsterdam since 1642. Showcasing antique wares and an extensive tea selection, this charming retail shop features an upstairs salon serving accompaniments like Jodenkoeken (a traditional Dutch shortbread) and English marmalade. t-zonnetje.nl

4

Wang De Chuan; Taipei, Taiwan

<p>This century-old, family-owned shop strives to reinvent tea culture with a fresh take on Taiwanese tradition. Sleek and contemporary, the latest outlet steeps the four major categories—green, verdant, red and black—of Chinese tea, and serves richly flavored milk tea, a unique cold-brew tea and freshly baked pastries. <a href="http://www.dechuantea.com/" target="_blank">dechuantea.com</a></p>
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAPEI TRAVEL

This century-old, family-owned shop strives to reinvent tea culture with a fresh take on Taiwanese tradition. Sleek and contemporary, the latest outlet steeps the four major categories — green, verdant, red, and black — of Chinese tea, and serves richly flavored milk tea, a unique cold-brew tea and freshly baked pastries. dechuantea.com

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5

Yumchaa Soho; London

<p>Driven by the desire to "create tea (<i>chaa</i>) that tastes yum," this quirky London-based purveyor and tea salon sticks firmly to the no-bag policy and only curates quality, loose-leaf varieties. Yumchaa's specialty handcrafted blends incorporate Old World romance with New World flavors, such as the zesty Chai Red, aromatic Raspberry Vanilla or spicy Chilli Chilli Bang Bang. <a href="http://www.yumchaa.com/" target="_blank">yumchaa.com</a></p>
PHOTO © YUMCHAA

Driven by the desire to "create tea (chaa) that tastes yum," this quirky London-based purveyor and tea salon sticks firmly to the no-bag policy and only curates quality, loose-leaf varieties. Yumchaa's specialty handcrafted blends incorporate Old World romance with New World flavors, such as the zesty Chai Red, aromatic Raspberry Vanilla, or spicy Chilli Chilli Bang Bang. yumchaa.com

6

Perch's Tea Room; Copenhagen

<p>Built in 1835, A.C. Perchs is one of the oldest tea stores in the world. Above the cherished shop in central Copenhagen is a serene second floor tearoom, where you can sip more than 130 high-quality varieties—several inspired by prominent Danish citizens, such as the Prince of Denmark blend or the Fairytale flavor in honor of Hans Christian Andersen. <a href="http://www.perchstearoom.dk/" target="_blank">perchstearoom.dk</a></p>
PHOTO COURTESY OF PERCHS

Built in 1835, A.C. Perchs is one of the oldest tea stores in the world. Above the cherished shop in central Copenhagen is a serene second floor tearoom, where you can sip more than 130 high-quality varieties — several inspired by prominent Danish citizens, such as the Prince of Denmark blend or the Fairytale flavor in honor of Hans Christian Andersen. perchstearoom.dk

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7

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique; Singapore

<p>Regarded as an international tea institution, TWG (The Wellness Group) is a collection of premium retail outlets and exquisite tearooms across the globe. The high-end flagship salon in Singapore offers patrons a fine collection of harvest teas and exclusive blends, along with signature tea-infused delicacies and handmade <i>pâtisseries</i> in a luxurious setting. <a href="http://www.twgtea.com/" target="_blank">twgtea.com</a></p>
PHOTO © TWG TEA

Regarded as an international tea institution, TWG (The Wellness Group) is a collection of premium retail outlets and exquisite tearooms across the globe. The high-end flagship salon in Singapore offers patrons a fine collection of harvest teas and exclusive blends, along with signature tea-infused delicacies and handmade pâtisseries in a luxurious setting. twgtea.com

8

Harney & Sons; Soho, New York City

<p>Specializing in gourmet tea since 1983, Harney & Sons is a family-run American company headquartered in Millerton, New York. Now an international powerhouse, the company produces and distributes the finest-quality loose teas and tisanes, along with organic and certified kosher products. The trendy Soho shop offers more than 250 varieties at the tasting bar, along with monthly classes. <a href="https://www.harney.com/" target="_blank">harney.com</a></p>
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARNEY & SONS

Specializing in gourmet tea since 1983, Harney & Sons is a family-run American company headquartered in Millerton, New York. Now an international powerhouse, the company produces and distributes the finest-quality loose teas and tisanes, along with organic and certified kosher products. The trendy Soho shop offers more than 250 varieties at the tasting bar, along with monthly classes. harney.com

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9

Ippodo; Kyoto, Japan

<p>For nearly 300 years, Ippodo Tea Company has been producing the highest-quality Japanese green teas. Now, its carefully cultivated premium varieties are available at retail locations worldwide. Ippodo's main store, in the heart of Kyoto, also features the on-site Kaboku tearoom and hands-on workshops to encourage learning about Japanese tea culture. <a href="http://www.ippodo-tea.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">ippodo-tea.co.jp</a></p>
PHOTO COURTESY OF IPPODO

For nearly 300 years, Ippodo Tea Company has been producing the highest-quality Japanese green teas. Now, its carefully cultivated premium varieties are available at retail locations worldwide. Ippodo's main store, in the heart of Kyoto, also features the on-site Kaboku tearoom and hands-on workshops to encourage learning about Japanese tea culture. ippodo-tea.co.jp

10

DAVIDsTEA; Canada (multiple locations)

<p>These colorful, modern shops across Canada and the US offer a tea experience that is fun, fresh and welcoming. With the largest collection of organic teas and infusions in North America, DavidsTea steeps more than 150 delicious types including exclusive blends, premium green teas and whimsical dessert creations like Red Velvet Cake and the minty chocolate Read My Lips. <a href="http://www.davidstea.com/" target="_blank">davidstea.com</a></p>
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVIDSTEA

These colorful, modern shops across Canada and the US offer a tea experience that is fun, fresh and welcoming. With the largest collection of organic teas and infusions in North America, DavidsTea steeps more than 150 delicious types including exclusive blends, premium green teas and whimsical dessert creations like Red Velvet Cake and the minty chocolate Read My Lips. davidstea.com

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11

More from Food & Wine

<p>With one of the most elaborate selections in the world, this prestigious Parisian emporium showcases an apothecary-style wall of more than 600 aromatic varieties—all innovative and unparalleled in quality. Gourmands can savor the ultimate haute cup of tea (like the Coup De Soleil vanilla black tea blend with caramel and wild strawberry essence), alongside exquisite French cuisine and tea-scented delights. <a href="http://www.mariagefreres.com/" target="_blank">mariagefreres.com</a></p>
PHOTO © FRENCH TEA FLAMMARION
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