Now that the summer weather is here, venture out by bike and explore the region’s diverse tea culture. Black, Green, Rooibos, Oolong, Iced, Hot, Bubble or Fermented… we have a Vancouver Tea experience for you!
Historically, when you think of Tea in B.C. , the ubiquitous Murchies comes to mind.
Source: instagram.com/murchiestea/
According to legend, founder John Murchie became familiar with Queen Victoria’s favourite blends while he worked for an exclusive importer in Britain. He immigrated to Canada and established Murchie’s Tea company in 1894 and began experimenting with his own mixtures. Although originally steeped in British flavour profiles, Canadian Classics have emerged with Murchie’s signature Sugar Maple Tea, and their rich & malty Rocky Mountain Black Tea.
Murchies may be found throughout the province. If you want to make a day of it, there is a well-situated one in UBC’s Westbrook Village. Travel via ebike to the campus of University of British Columbia and visit The Museum of Anthropology, or The Pacific Museum of Earth. Spend some time on the thrilling Greenheart Treewalk, amongst the beauty of The Niobe Memorial Gardens and in the enchanting forests of The Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, authentic Chinese tea was difficult to find in Vancouver, as importing was a challenge. Founder Kwok Sun Cheung had a dream to bring high-quality, genuine Chinese tea to Vancouver and opened Super Fine Tea Co. in 1981, importing first-class ingredients directly from suppliers in China. Today, his daughter Olivia owns the store - on the same street where it originally opened - in Chinatown, now called Treasure Green Tea Company. Treasure Green still uses only superior ingredients, continues to focus on traditional brewing, and provides exceptional customer service.
Because of the old-school brewing & steeping process, you will not find “grab-n-go” service here. Each drink, whether it’s made for in-house tasting or takeout, is made carefully with time, and poured into your cup in front of you. Frequent Winner of Best Iced Tea in Vancouver, Treasure Green’s Champagne Jasmine Iced Tea is crafted with Cold Infused Premium Jasmine Green, grapefruit zest & honey. Popular right now is their refreshing Iced White Mojito Tea, made from an organic white tea base and layered with lemon, mint, and honey.
Source: instagram.com/vanchatea/
For a modern twist, take a spin out to Vancha in West Van. The back wall of the interior has a painted map of the world’s important tea growing regions - with an emphasis on China - showcasing the tea traditions present at Van Cha. The stylized map highlights the geography of the six key styles of tea that form the Chinese repertoire: flower, oolong, green, white, black, and pu-erh.
Follow the wellness and Zen path to O-5 TR Rare Tea and Kombucha in Kitsilano. The owner’s ethos: “O stands for our obsession with Origin, traveling the world to build strong bonds with farmers & sourcing rare tea from remote villages. FIVE represents Natureʼs elements: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire and Void. “ The O-5 Tea Bar is welcoming, with Macha and White Tea being their specialty. You can also purchase Kombucha brewing kits for your home.
The Granville Island Tea Company is tucked into the Granville Island market amongst chocolate shops, fish vendors, Lee’s donuts, and fresh produce stands. Founded in 1999 by Deborah & Mark Mercier, this destination houses 200 unique blends which are stacked on their infamous tea-tin wall, ranging from classic black teas like Creamy Earl Grey to one-of-a-kind mixes like the Rooibos Banana Cupcake. A must-try on your next visit to Granville Island Tea Company is their creamy Masala Chai Tea Latte with cinnamon & cardamom.
Traditional “High Tea” - made popular with “ladies-who-lunch” - remains a Vancouver ritual. Recently, the young & fashionable have revived this custom. If you are touring by bike, especially if you choose a Zygg Subscription Ebike QX Model for personal use, you will be able to arrive in that flowery frock, with no-sweat. The “step-through” / low middle bar design is comfortable for any attire.
Source: Secret Garden Tea Company
Secret Garden Tea Company, in Point Grey, was launched in 1995 by Kathy & Erin Wyder, two sister-in-laws who loved old-school tea parties. They have fashioned an Alice In Wonderland vibe with their cozy tearoom. For special occasions or a leisurely catch-up, stay for an afternoon service filled with tiny cakes, croissant sandwiches, scones and fruit tarts, with vegan, gluten- free and nut-free options. You can also order ahead, and pick up your delights to go - perfect for a summer’s cycle & picnic.
Make the trek out to Burnaby, by way of the convenient cycling paths & bike-friendly transit modes, to visit The Audrey Moment Cafe. This gem of a spot also hosts private, tea-focused events & parties.
Not that far from Science World, Cultivate Tea in Mount Pleasant is truly an exalted tea experience. They have an exceptional collection of rare teas, their own line of ceramics, and hold educational, tea-tasting events for their own Tea Club in this exquisite, tranquil venue.
Don’t forget the bubbles!
Bubble Tea is possibly the most beloved, diverse & fun of all the tea adventures for Vancouverites, especially for university students. Here are the biggies:
Next to the Vancouver Public Library, Ben Gong Tea Library serves up fantastic Cold, Bubble, Milk Teas and Smoothies.
Mr Mustache Bubble Tea near Richview Park, and Baronness in Kitsilano, are neighbourhood faves.
Teaspoon and Company near the Contemporary Art Gallery, and Cha Yuan in Yaletown, serve high-end Bubble Tea and also sell bubble kits and loose tea blends to take home.
And, perhaps the most awesome of summer tea treats: T-Go Tea, with a couple locations in Richmond, invented a Premium Matcha Green Tea Latte Blizzard Smoothie, inspired by the famous Taiwanese shaved-ice dessert. Richmond’s expanding bikeways system, makes your journey via ebike a breeze!
For those seeking a sophisticated experience in the evening, saunter into Lotus Whiskey and Tea Lounge at The Parq Hotel, Vancouver. The Parq, and adjacent The Douglas, have teamed up with Zygg to provide hotel guests access to our e-bikes. So, after your day cycling through Stanley Park, circling The Sea Wall, or exploring Jericho Beach, pop in for a Tea Cocktail, like The Mint Julep Canuck, Chai Irishman, or Ketel of Fruit.
Cheers, everyone! #safecycling