# The best tea in the world **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [January 22, 2010, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971 "2010-01-22T06:00:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/1 "2010-01-22T06:00:08Z")
In your humble opinion, what are the best, coolest, most interesting teas in the world – and where can I get them? I’m setting up a tea section in my bookstore (packaged, not prepared & served), and I’d like to carry a good selection of loose & bag teas and accessories. I don’t want the same ol’ stuff the grocery store sells, but I also don’t want stuff that’s so expensive and/or strange that I’ll never be able to sell it. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![Taomist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Taomist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taomist)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/2 "2010-01-22T06:08:54Z")
I worked at a coffee/tea/hippy place in college, and I still remember the marshmallow tea. We had several dozen types of loose teas, and the marshmallow was interesting. Kind of numbing to the tongue, it goes well with a little milk and sugar. I don’t know how well that packages, though, as I haven’t seen it commonly around. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/3 "2010-01-22T06:27:18Z")
No question about it: Bois Cheri Vanilla Tea. It is from Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. I have seen it for sale in Mauritius (obviously) as well as Dubai, Prague and the UK. It has a fantastic flavor yet is not so exotic as to be difficult to sell. You’ll have to Google a bit to find it, or possibly contact the plantation directly. There is also this brand although Bois Cheri is much more popular. [http://www.corsontea.com/en/contact.aspx](http://www.corsontea.com/en/contact.aspx) ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/4 "2010-01-22T06:31:01Z")
I’m currently addicted to Silver Needle white tea: simple, pure, and perfect. Earl Grey white tea is also nice. I get both from Teavana. ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/5 "2010-01-22T07:55:44Z")
I never miss the opportunity to plug [Upton Tea Imports](http://www.uptontea.com/). Their selection is astonishing, and I strongly suspect that some of the other retailers on the 'net get their tea wholesale from them, based on relative prices and similarities in the product. Unfortunately, I’m both of rather simple tastes in tea and away from my stash, so I can’t make very specific recommendations… ---
**Author:** ![ColdPhoenix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@ColdPhoenix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdPhoenix)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/6 "2010-01-22T09:39:20Z")
I went through all of the Twinings teas. Lapsang souchong has a very distinctive taste. It stayed in the cupboard for a long time… > **[Lapsang souchong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapsang_souchong)** > > Lapsang souchong (/ˌlæpsæŋ ˈsuːtʃɒŋ/; Chinese: 立山小種) or Zhengshan xiaozhong (Chinese: 正山小種; pinyin: zhèngshān xiǎozhǒng, 'Proper Mountain Small Varietal') is a black tea consisting of Camellia sinensis leaves that may be smoke-dried over a pinewood fire. This smoking is accomplished either as a cold smoke of the raw leaves as they are processed or as a hot smoke of previously processed (withered and oxidized) leaves. The intensity of the smoke aroma can be varied by locating the leaves closer or ... ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_From\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3da27b/32.png) [@Girl\_From\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_From_Mars)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/7 "2010-01-22T10:25:13Z")
I really like Gen Mai Cha both for its lovely nutty flavour, and also for the cuteness of the small ‘popcorn’ bits of rice. When I lived in NZ I also used to get a green tea with lemon, lime and daisies in it - really refreshing - but can’t find any supplier here in Australia. And for fun factor, make sure you include some of the [flower bombs](http://www.exoticteapot.co.uk/index.php/Flowering-tea.html). ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/8 "2010-01-22T10:29:51Z")
Barry’s tea from Ireland. And there’s really no need for “interesting”. Just a nice cup of tea and possibly [cake](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOLYYYsFqcI) ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/9 "2010-01-22T12:09:24Z")
Moving thread from IMHO to Cafe Society. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/10 "2010-01-22T12:22:18Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Moving thread from IMHO to Cafe Society. If ever there was a thread appropriate to a forum called “Cafe Society”… I’m a huge Lapsang Souchong fan but I buy mine from Harvey Nichols (pretty much the only thing I buy from Harvey Nicks, I should add). ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/11 "2010-01-22T12:53:10Z")
also a huge fan of lapsang souchon - find it hard to find in my area, sadly. **Mr Wombat** , if you’re looking for a supplier, in addition to Twinings, I would suggest [Murchies](http://www.murchies.com/wwww/victoria.php) in Victoria, BC - they have a wide variety of teas. And blessings on your business for expanding into the tea area. [Piper sips his morning tea.] ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/12 "2010-01-22T13:34:57Z")
I love the Aveda Comforting Tea, but it’s only sold in Aveda salons, as far as I can tell. There are, however, knock-off recipes all over the internet, and the ingredients are very easy to come by and not nearly as expensive as the tea itself is. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/13 "2010-01-22T13:37:00Z")
I like PG Tips from the UK (though it’s now sold in the US). For green tea, I’d look at Republic of Tea’s “People’s Daily Green.” It may seem odd, but Lipton’s Pyramid Tea line is surprisingly good – I love their White Tea with Mango and Peach and their Green Tea with Mandarin Orange. You might want to look at [The English Tea Store](http://www.englishteastore.com/) for ideas. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/14 "2010-01-22T14:03:55Z")
I am inordinately fond of [Stash](http://www.stashtea.com/) teas, they come in both loose and bagged, and the bagged are not gutter sweepings like most other commercial brands to teabags. They have a quite good russian caravan, lapsong and earl grey that are my regulars, and other assorted teas that I get in small amounts for special occasions. [though I buy the loose teas rather than bag teas generally and use a pod maker to make tea pods :D] ---
**Author:** ![Rrose\_Selavy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bcef8e/32.png) [@Rrose\_Selavy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rrose_Selavy)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/15 "2010-01-22T14:52:37Z")
From the UK, I’m fussy about teas, need some flavour, for a strong decent cup I always go for Yorkshire teas though I buy bags not loose. > **[Yorkshire Red Loose Leaf Tea Foil Bag - 8.8oz (249g)](https://www.englishteastore.com/yorkshire-red-loose-leaf-tea-foil-bag.html)** > > Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Red is a blend of the very best of teas from India, Africa and Sri Lanka to create the unmistakable character of Yorkshire Tea. - ---
**Author:** ![breaking-reality](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a8b319/32.png) [@breaking-reality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/breaking-reality)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/16 "2010-01-22T15:00:45Z")
I also tend to be a fan of Stash teas, but I think Tetley teas ([http://www.tetleyusa.com](http://www.tetleyusa.com)) are by far my favorite, especially the peppermint. But just plain old Tetley is pretty good, too. I think depending where you live they do have them in the grocery store, but none that I can find in the Midwest. ---
**Author:** ![Rrose\_Selavy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bcef8e/32.png) [@Rrose\_Selavy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rrose_Selavy)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/17 "2010-01-22T15:03:48Z")
Yeah, Plain Tetley (UK blend) would be my second choice after Yorkshire. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/18 "2010-01-22T15:22:29Z")
Lipton Yellow Label Quality One. Mmmmm. Next would be Kashmiri tea, but it takes some preparation that might be outside of what you have in mind. It’s lovely and spiced, with cardamon and ginger, a touch of crushed almonds. But very yummy, indeed! ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/19 "2010-01-22T15:31:15Z")
Twinings Earl Grey or English Breakfast for me, please, with lots of sugar. I have a sweet tooth. My dad was absolutely gaga for Lapsang Souchong for awhile, and drank it by the gallon, it seemed. He has since recovered. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971/20 "2010-01-22T15:45:27Z")
[QUOTE=RealityChuck] I like PG Tips from the UK (though it’s now sold in the US). [/QUOTE] Same here. In fact, I’d consider using PG Tips as your default tea, as opposed to plain old Lipton. It’s easily available through Amazon. (I just got a box of it from them last week) It’s different enough that some people will notice it, but not so different that people will wrinkle up their noses and say “What the heck \*is \*this?” Just don’t let it brew for more than about three or four minutes or it will start to go bitter. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-tea-in-the-world/525971.md?page=2)