Following an exploration of international coffee culture in the Northwest through eight cafés, this week’s compilation does the same with seven tea rooms. Tea culture and traditions are incredibly varied, and in our diverse region this is only a smattering of the options available. Enjoy!
1. Cederberg Tea House (South African) – From its perch at the top of Seattle’s hilly Queen Anne neighborhood, Cederberg Tea House serves up authentic South African tea and hospitality in hopes of slowing down the quick-paced American city culture for a moment here and there. || 1417 Queen Anne Avenue North, Seattle
2. Dragon Ball Tea House (Taiwanese) – Vancouver’s favorite bubble tea place serves up the tea smoothies blended with real milk and full of the large chewy tapioca balls. Fresh fruit flavors range from banana to honeydew to red bean. || 1007 West King Edward Avenue, Vancouver
3. The Sultan Café (Turkish) – With an entire web reference page dedicated to the history, varieties, preparations and culture of Turkish tea, The Sultan Café serves as a full-scale Turkish beverage reference from their restaurant and café in northwest Portland || 1500 Northwest 18th Avenue, Portland
4. Panama Hotel (Japanese) – The Panama Hotel has stood tall in Seattle’s International District for more than a century. Today it offers educational, history-focused tours (among other attractions, the building houses the only traditional Japanese bathhouse left intact in the U.S.) and traditional Japanese preparations of both tea and coffee. || 650 ½ South Main Street, Seattle
5. Fairmont Empress (British) – Also more than a century old, the Fairmont Empress offers one of the most famous afternoon teas in North America. The Empress Tea blend, crafted by the Metropolitan Tea Company, includes elements from as far afield as Kenya, Sri Lanka, Assam and China. || 721 Government Street, Victoria
6. Blue Lotus Chai (Indian) – Though the company is without an actual tea room to call its own, Blue Lotus Chai’s spiced Indian masala chai blends (from traditional to mint to star anise) can be found by the tin and by the cup across Oregon, Washington and Idaho. || Various locations, based in Eugene, Oregon
7. The Chinese Tea Shop (Chinese) – Self-explanatorily named, Daniel Lui’s Chinese Tea Shop also serves as a tasting room and hub for tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers. His website includes a tea wizard quiz to help you choose the best variety of tea for your tastes. || 101 East Pender Street, Vancouver
