I am an absolute tea fiend. If my cabinet full of loose-leaf teas, ceramic mugs and dried herbs wasn’t enough of an indication, I also love sampling new varieties of tea whenever I’m out exploring a new place. Berkeley’s cafe culture tends to focus on either amping oneself up with coffee or treating oneself to the sweetness of boba or dessert tea, so it can be tricky to find go-to spots that focus more on quality, grounding tea. Luckily, my years of thorough research have led me to these five local tea houses that hit the spot every time.
The student’s favorite: Asha Tea House
Conveniently located in Downtown Berkeley, Asha Tea House is the perfect place to study or catch up with a friend. It’s a small business that prioritizes fairly sourced teas — its management even travels to the destinations from which they source their tea. The shop often features pop-ups from local bakeries, so you can rest assured that Asha is on-trend with whatever you’re craving. I recommend their masala chai and seasonal fruit teas.
For peace and poetry: Far Leaves Tea
Soft music and down-to-earth decor frame this quiet cafe tucked in Southwest Berkeley. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, and their verdant patio invites you to pass hours in reading or conversation. They also host a monthly “Story Slam” open mic where community members can gather to share stories and creative pieces.
Up your tea game: Aroma Tea Shop
This San Francisco gem offers free tastings of tea blends ranging from simple herbal mixtures to high-quality pu-erh that’s been fermented for decades. When I impulsively stopped by after seeing their sign on the way to Ocean Beach, I had a great conversation with Aroma’s owner, learning about tea farming and processing and left with some very tasty purchases. If you’re able to make the journey out west, Aroma’s resources will enhance your future tea experiences.
All-around quality: Blue Willow Teaspot
Blue Willow Teaspot is a Northwest Berkeley classic that sources ingredients for several other local cafes. Its tranquil wooden interior soaks up natural light, under which you can spend weekdays working, or admire during their laptop-free weekends. I especially recommend trying one of their flights so you can sample pots of three or four teas. Some of my favorite finds have been their mixed berry tea — you can eat the berries too! — and sticky rice pu-erh.
The rising star: Forest Tea Bar
Recently opened on Shattuck Avenue, this sleek cafe mainly offers quality whisked matcha and hojicha tea with unique flavor pairings such as ginger and black sesame. Though Forest Tea Bar is still in the process of opening, it is clear from its focus on craft and detail why it is already gaining popularity among green tea enjoyers. It’s a great place to pick up a fancy drink before exploring Downtown Berkeley.
If you’re seeking a divergence from bold coffee and sweet juice drinks, these spots will offer you the perfect in-between.