FAQ

Where's the shop?

Our shop is located right in the heart of Ballard, just a block south of Market Street at 5405 Ballard Avenue West.

What are your hours?

We are open Monday-Saturday 8AM to 8pm. On Sundays we open at 8AM but close at 6PM.

What do you have to eat?

We sell freshly baked pastries from several local partners, including Macrina Bakery, Rila Bakery, Alexandra's Macarons, and cakes (including gluten free options!) from Sweet Violette. On Saturdays and Sundays only, we offer sweet and savory options from Fuji Bakery. Finally, we are proud to stock beautiful handmade wagashi from Tokara Japanese Confectionary in Phinney Ridge. You are sure to find something perfect to accompany your tea.

Do you have WiFi?

Of course! Our WiFi password is conveniently displayed next to the register, or available upon request from any member of staff. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and inviting space, conducive to focus and work of all types. In addition to the all-important work of relaxation and self-care.

What music are you playing?

Our staff enjoys wide latitude in setting the tone musically--we sport a fairly eclectic mix of tastes, but always strive to keep the music unobtrusive and pleasant! If you like what you hear, just ask a staff member and we'll give you the details. If you don't like what you hear, or the music creeps up a little too loud, just let us know and we'll adjust accordingly.

What kinds of tea do you have?

We carry many exceptional teas in every category, from all around the world. Whether you prefer your tea black, green, white, oolong, herbal, or puerh, we have something that will excite you.

If I'm new to tea, where do I start?

Our staff is quite experienced at helping our customers zero in on a tea experience that will delight. Whether you have a favorite already or are completely new to the world of tea, we are happy to work with you to find the right cup. Just ask for help and we'll provide!

Are your teas organic?

Organic certification requirements vary widely the world over--several of our teas are certified organic and labeled as such, however organic certification is not our highest priority when sourcing teas. We prioritize cleanliness, craftsmanship, integrity in production, and teas grown with the least amount of pesticides and chemicals as possible. Often times, many of these growers are not certified, but do in fact practice organic farming--we work primarily with small growers possessing multi-generational experience who view tea making as a craft and an art. We are a shop that exclusively provides specialty teas, and in the course of their rigorous production all over the world, many growers will be certified, however many more will not.

How do I brew my tea?

The tea we sell can be successfully brewed by adhering to a simple set of parameters per category of tea.

Starting with a baseline of 6 grams of tea (around two tablespoons) per 16 ounces of hot water:

Most black teas brew for a minute and a half in boiling water.

Green teas generally brew for a minute and a half in 170 degree water.

Rolled oolong teas benefit from an initial rinse (about a five second steep before dumping the water) in boiling water, followed by a three minute steep. Unrolled oolongs do not need to be rinsed, and brew for three minutes in 190 degree water.

Raw Puerhs also get a rinse in boiling water before steeping for 1 minute. Ripe puerhs, on the other hand, steep for 4 minutes after their rinse.

White teas brew for four minutes in 170 degree water.

Herbal teas brew in boiling water for four minutes, but will only develop stronger flavor rather than any unpleasant taste should you choose to steep for longer.

We have found that certain teas within these categories show their best selves with modified brewing instructions--the specific tips for each tea can be found on our shop page for the tea in question!

We also provide these parameters on a helpful card that we include with each online purchase.

All this being said, we encourage everyone to play around with their method of brewing to find their own ideal cup. A slightly longer or shorter steep, hotter or colder water, more or less tea, and multiple steeping can all result in a pleasant surprise for your individual palate!

Can I take some home?

Of course! If you've enjoyed your tea and wish to have some to brew on your own, we are happy to bag it up for your personal use. From 1 and 2 ounce portions good for 5-10 cups, pricier treats, and single herbs, to whole pounds for those who need a reliable supply. All of our teas are loose leaf, but we also sell fill-it-yourself tea bags and infusers, among all sorts of practical and attractive teaware.