Great tea house in Powell Street, San Francisco: Imperial Tea

Imperial Tea House

Food store

San Francisco

Open: Daily
Price: Moderate
Score (/20): 14

Reviewed By
Sue Dyson and Roger McShane

Phone Number: +1 415 788 6080
Address: 1411 Powell Street (near Broadway)
San Francisco, California
Country: United States

A 'must visit' place in this city where there are so many places to visit. On our most recent visit we were lucky enough to be the only people there and our gracious host took the time to explain much about the teas that were available. We were searching for a top class pu-erh tea from the Yunnan province and he was able to oblige with a 20 year old and a forty year old and also took the time to explain the differences we would notice and how to get the best from the tea.

He gave each of us a guywan which is a tea cup with a porcelain lid which you use one-handed to drink the tea. The first cup was discarded to ensure there was no mustiness in the flavour. The second cup was good and the third was the best. Both of the aged teas were delightful and we decided they would be a perfect accompaniment for some of the robust Northern Chinese dishes that we enjoy so much.

A great place and a compulsory visit for anyone who is interested in the mysteries of this fascinating drink.

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