Artisan Tea in San Francisco
Seattle may be known as the city of coffee, but San Francisco is the city of tea, thanks to the large Asian population. San Francisco serves as the primary gateway for exotic and artisan teas from all over the world, and many of them stay locally in the Bay Area, where they can be purchased in specialty stores or drunk in tea cafes. In addition to having a relaxing, fun atmosphere, tea cafes can also introduce you to some interesting new flavors and experiences.
Artisan tea is dependent on careful handling and harvest. Truly specialist teas are categorized by the season in which they are harvested, what time of day the harvest takes place, and how the tea is dried and packaged for sale. Winter is the season for delicate, nuanced artisan tea with a flavor that fills the palate and tantalizes the senses, and the best tea houses in San Francisco feature unique seasonal teas such as Winter Oolong, fresh green teas, and aged pu-ehrs. You can also find more well known classics like jasmine pearls and amazingly crafted herbal teas and tisanes from all over the world. Knowledgeable staff can connect you with new flavors and talk about the origins of the tea you are drinking, as well as making you feel relaxed and at home.
The Imperial Tea Court in Chinatown is probably the finest tea house in San Francisco, featuring a wide range of specialty teas including aged pu-ehr, which has an amazing earthy, smoky taste that is hard to forget once you've experienced it. The décor includes traditional Chinese furniture, and in the bustle of Chinatown it is difficult to remember that you are still in the United States, only steps away from a myriad of cultural attractions. Samovar and Modern Tea also offer extensive teas along with menu options for light snacking, a wonderful way to while away a cool day in San Francisco.
