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babaroo Aug 13, 2008 07:44 AM

Loose Tea in Toronto

I have been trying to find a good place to buy different types of loose tea here in Toronto. I used to shop at a place called the Tea Haus in London but have not yet foudn anything like it here in Toronto.

  1. s
    stephen Aug 14, 2008 11:08 AM

    Another vote for the Tea Emporium here. Always been satisfied and like the chance to try new teas and blends...

    1. v
      virtualvelma Aug 14, 2008 07:48 AM

      House of Tea on Yonge is for sure where you should go.
      It's right close to Rosedale Subway - you get out walk to yonge go right and it's there two shops in or so.
      I have found some of the highest grade tea there that are all hand picked by a woman who is (for lack of a better word) a tea sommelier.
      I've gotten great tea there, whole leaves (not crushed), hand dried, no chemical... amazing.

      Pacific Mall is the only other place I've gone to buy tea.

      I just love a good fragrant jasmine green. I drink it all day.

      1. c
        Curlygrrl Aug 14, 2008 06:40 AM

        I love the House of Tea by the Rosedale subway station. Woyuld recommend it to anyone....

        1015 - 1017 Yonge Street
        Toronto, Ontario.
        M4W 2K9

        416.922.1226
        1.888.401.6780

        1. always_eating Aug 13, 2008 08:07 PM

          I usually buy my tea online from Capital Tea or from House Of Tea on Yonge Street, Tealish, The Tea Emporium or Red Tea Box.

          1. l
            lovestocookandbake Aug 13, 2008 07:59 PM

            The Golden Mint is really great as well......

            It is just south of College On Yonge......

            Lots of YUMMY teas

            1. Teep Aug 13, 2008 07:19 PM

              I like the Tea Market. Not only do they have a selection of interesting loose leaf tea, they can also sell you a cup of whichever tea you like brewed on the spot, to go with the cookies and things they carry. And the owner is friendly and knowledgeable, once I was looking for something and he was able to get it for me the next week.

              They're underground at Yonge and Bloor. At the subway level where the Shoppers Drug Mart is, go down the stairs by the Source; they're on the other side of the tunnel.

              I also shop online at Hasu Teas. www.hasuteas.com/

              1 Reply
              1. re: Teep
                jayt90 Aug 13, 2008 07:50 PM

                If you would settle for no choice, but a well selected, high mountain grown Sri Lankan orange pekoe (hand picked tips) then Lee Valley has 200gm tins at $7.50 http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page....
                It is a remarkable tea for the price.

              2. mogo Aug 13, 2008 07:03 PM

                There's Ten Ren (Dundas & Huron) for Chinese teas. They also have locations up in Markham.

                1. s
                  seeldee Aug 13, 2008 06:31 PM

                  I agree with the Tea Emporium recommendations. We buy our loose tea there and have never been disappointed (and we drink A LOT of tea). In fact, we've picked up the same black teas (Yunnan Imperial and Keemun) at Mariages Freres in Paris and found no discernible difference in quality or taste. You won't be disappointed.

                  1. c
                    cometier Aug 13, 2008 11:28 AM

                    Capital Tea no longer has retail location but can be access on the web. http://www.capitaltea.com/

                    the owner is very knowledgeable and helpful. If you are looking for something in particular or have an idea of what you want, give him a call, and describe what you want, he will be able to recommend a few items...

                    1 Reply
                    1. re: cometier
                      Non Doctor Aug 13, 2008 11:58 AM

                      I'd like to second the Tea Emporium.

                      Frank Weber and his lovely wife Shabnam know all there is to know about tea.

                    2. a
                      am1234 Aug 13, 2008 11:07 AM

                      You should definitley try The Tea Emporium - they have a few stores in the city - not sure how many, but you can take a look at their website - www.theteaemporium.com. I don't find them pricier - their product is much better than any of the other stores I've been to.

                      1. dinin and dishin Aug 13, 2008 09:40 AM

                        Tealish on Walnut St. - south of Queen West. Very interesting selection. The young couple that own the store are delightful and spent a good deal of time becoming knowledgeable.

                        -----
                        Tealish
                        198 Walnut Ave, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

                        1 Reply
                        1. re: dinin and dishin
                          pinstripeprincess Aug 14, 2008 07:06 AM

                          love tealish.. they're mixes are great such as the patisserie.

                        2. m
                          MissDarling Aug 13, 2008 08:12 AM

                          Well on Bloor West (near Jane) is Say Tea.
                          www.saytea.com
                          I think they have a Yonge St location too.

                          And there is The Tea Emporium at First Canadian Place (King and Bay).. it's a bit pricier though!

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