Toronto’s Top Teas: a mini-guide to the city’s 12 most beautiful, fragrant and tasty infusions
Photograph by Daniel Neuhaus; prop styling by Sarah Magwood; food styling by Tanya Santos;
Slamming back an espresso may get the caffeine coursing, but tea—the new coffee, judging by the sheer number of dedicated shops opening all over the city—is a drink for all senses. Our mini-guide to Toronto’s most beautiful, fragrant and tasty infusions
Genmaicha
Grains of roasted brown rice are mixed with green tea leaves for a complex, earthy taste. $5/400 g. Sanko, 730 Queen St. W., 416-703‑4550.
Three Blooms
For a cuppa and a show, you can’t beat flowering tea. Once steeped, this herbal beauty features lily, jasmine and osmanthus blossoms. $15/seven balls. Tea, Oh!, teaoh.com.
Kenyan White Rhino Matcha
A finely powdered white tea with a chalkier texture and more bitter taste than its green counterpart. (No rhinos were harmed in the process.) $16.50/50 g. Tea, Oh!, teaoh.com.
Ginger Rooibos
This is a classic, straightforward red rooibos tea with a twist: slivers of dried ginger add a comforting warm flavour. $6/50 g. Tsaa, 412 Danforth Ave., 647-347-8720.
Yellow Dragon Pu-erh
Fermented and aged, it’s purported to reduce cholesterol. Claims aside, the lemon grass and ginger flavours are soothing. $5.63/50 g. Tea Emporium, 351 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-488-4061.
Lapsang Souchong
Its smokiness is strangely but pleasantly reminiscent of pepperoni, and its punchy taste will appeal to whiskey lovers. $9.75/100 g. Majesteas, 950 Queen St. E., 647-350-4646.
Silver Needle Yinzhen
For an incredibly delicate cup, these white strands of unoxidized tea leaves must be steeped in below-boiling water. $21/50 g. Steeped and Infused, 1258 Queen St. E., 647-348-1669.
Organic Green Matcha
In Japanese tea ceremonies, the pulverized green tea leaf powder is whisked into a froth for a lush, mossy green cup with a grassy taste. $16.95/20 g. Sanko, 730 Queen St. W., 416-703‑4550.
Green and Fruity
This green rooibos has 200 times more antioxidants than red versions. Bonus: dried fruit makes it smell like a candy shop. $6.50/50 g. David’s Tea, 2285 Bloor St. W., 416-769-9991.
TLC Tea Loves Coffee
Coffee beans are mixed with black tea, and it’s a surprisingly delicious blend. Cocoa nibs help bridge the flavour gap. $6/50 g. Tealish, 728 Queen St. W., 416-203-3301.
Cardamom Mulberry Chai
While it looks like potpourri, this herbal chai with star anise, cloves and coriander is both brewable and delicious. $12.95/2 oz. Red Tea Box, 696 Queen St. W., 416-203-8882.
Oh Canada Maple
There are tiny pieces of Ontario maple sugar in this black tea mix, but the russet-coloured tea is brusque lumberjack woodsy, not saccharine sweet. $6/50 g. Tealish, 728 Queen St. W., 416-203-3301.
 $16.50/50 g. Tea, Oh!, teaoh.com.
Ginger Rooibos
This is a classic, straightforward red rooibos tea with a twist: slivers of dried ginger add a comforting warm flavour. $6/50 g. Tsaa, 412 Danforth Ave., 647-347-8720.
Yellow Dragon Pu-erh
Fermented and aged, it’s purported to reduce cholesterol. Claims aside, the lemon grass and ginger flavours are soothing. $5.63/50 g. Tea Emporium, 351 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-488-4061.
Lapsang Souchong
Its smokiness is strangely but pleasantly reminiscent of pepperoni, and its punchy taste will appeal to whiskey lovers. $9.75/100 g. Majesteas, 950 Queen St. E., 647-350-4646.
Silver Needle Yinzhen
For an incredibly delicate cup, these white strands of unoxidized tea leaves must be steeped in below-boiling water. $21/50 g. Steeped and Infused, 1258 Queen St. E., 647-348-1669.
Organic Green Matcha
In Japanese tea ceremonies, the pulverized green tea leaf powder is whisked into a froth for a lush, mossy green cup with a grassy taste. $16.95/20 g. Sanko, 730 Queen St. W., 416-703‑4550.
Green and Fruity
This green rooibos has 200 times more antioxidants than red versions. Bonus: dried fruit makes it smell like a candy shop. $6.50/50 g. David’s Tea, 2285 Bloor St. W., 416-769-9991.
TLC Tea Loves Coffee
Coffee beans are mixed with black tea, and it’s a surprisingly delicious blend. Cocoa nibs help bridge the flavour gap. $6/50 g. Tealish, 728 Queen St. W., 416-203-3301.
Cardamom Mulberry Chai
While it looks like potpourri, this herbal chai with star anise, cloves and coriander is both brewable and delicious. $12.95/2 oz. Red Tea Box, 696 Queen St. W., 416-203-8882.
Oh Canada Maple
There are tiny pieces of Ontario maple sugar in this black tea mix, but the russet-coloured tea is brusque lumberjack woodsy, not saccharine sweet. $6/50 g. Tealish, 728 Queen St. W., 416-203-3301.){kind=link}
Such a wonderful array of wonderful tea shops — many of which I’ve sampled and can attest to their fine teas. But one oversight is the fabulous Tao’s Tea House on Yonge across from the Canadian Tire. Tao has THE best China teas including a Golden Monkey to swoon for!
Originally from Britain, I am a serious tea drinker and have sampled many varieties in Toronto. My favourite, not mentioned here, is the Earl Grey Lavender from Agora Cafe in the Junction. They have a complete range of Fair Trade, Organic teas and if you want a recommendation just ask the staff who are very knowledgeable and helpful.
I have totally fallen in love With Forever Nuts by Davids Tea. It tastes like apple pie. Each time I go there I try something new. I am looking forward to checking out the places you have mentioned too.
Thanks
So happy that tea, instead of the ever present coffee, is getting its due. Although not a tea shop, my favourite tea is Peace Tea by the Algonquin Tea Company
Tsaa has not only teas, they also have bubble teas! And I think that the best tea they have is Sweet temptations. Hmmmm tealish.
My favourite tea shop is Tao Tea Leaf, on Yonge Street, between rosedale and bloor, the owner is very knowledgeable.
Luk Yu tea shop on the 2nd floor in Market Village has the best Bai Lo Chung in the city.
Majesteas, 950 Queen East has May pickings of Silver Needle, Golden Needle, Phoenix Oolong and a Bi Lo Chun that is the best I’ve ever tasted – heaven in a cup. Love you can have a cup in their shop so you know what you’re paying for. Great there are more quality tea shops opening!