The Path of Tea

02/08/2008 Posted by GreenTeaGuy

I have studied Japanese tea ceremony for years. This shop is a living example of it! They truly know what tea is all about...and believe me it is about more than just what is in your cup. You go in, they help you select your tea if you want, or you can go to the sniffing bar and explore. You get to pick your own lovely tea cup or bowl from a wonderful selection. The tea comes in a beautiful glowing pot...and they pour it for you when they deliever it. There is even a kimono hanging on the wall. If you close your eyes and listen to the lovely music and fountain you are transported to a different time. It is an experience not to be missed! They have teas no one else in town has...and they know how to make them...perfectly.

Pros: You can relax and forget the stress of your day

Cons: None

02/08/2008 Posted by DottieTeaDrinker

If you haven't been to The Path of Tea...you have to go! There are other tea shops in town but there is no place like my Path! I love to meet friends there. The owners know so much about tea...and they are so happy to help anytime. I never knew organic tea was so much better. I joined the origami class on Thursday afternoons. I have made such good friends and feel it is much better for me than therapy! Every time I go in they have new teas...in addition to my old favorites. I have been to two tea tastings. They are so informative. I have never learned so much about tea in my life. They will be starting some new classes on Black tea soon and I can't wait. And...don't forget the treats! The lemon bars are awsome and so are the cup cakes.

Pros: Owners who know so much about teas. Best people in town go there. Best teas in the world.

Cons: That I can't be there more!

08/31/2007 Posted by krisko101

I can't gush enough about this wonderful little tea house across West Alabama from Little Woodrow's. Any question you could possibly imagine about any kind of tea the staff here can answer for you. Even if you don't ask, they go out of their way to provide you with the information you did not even know you would need. On my third visit, I finally bought a bag of loose tea, and they made sure to write how long we needed to steep the tea for the perfect flavor before we could even ask. The employees are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but they are attentive, genuine, and interested. They treat you like you're a long time customer the first time you walk in, regardless of how much or how little you know about tea, and have provided unfalteringly pleasant service each time I've returned. I never feel rushed, and always feel welcome, even if I intend to sit and sip for hours, or grab a big cup to go. The restrooms, tables, and floors are always very clean, and the shop is well-lit and comfortable. I never feel crowded at a table, even if the place is full. The consistent variety of patronage always provides little surprises for me. I've seen everything from soccer moms, architects, hippies, beatniks, high school students, River Oaks ladies, med students, soccer moms, undergrad students, middle-aged suburban women, etc., and I don't ever feel the least out of place or out of my element. A few possible explanations for such a wide variety of tea drinkers are the reasonable prices ($3 for a small (3-4 cups full), $5 for a large (6-7 cups full), and the vast selection of teas, all of which you can buy loose for anywhere from $6-$13 per 2 oz. Looking over the menu, smelling your tea, placing your order, and picking out a unique cup from a shelf of about 50 is an exceptional and personalized experience. All of the teas can be served warm, iced, or as a sort of slushie/frappucino drink at whim. There is no better tea house in Houston.

Pros: Every kind of tea you can imagine, wonderful ambience, great staff, personalized experience.

Cons: They only have one bathroom, and they've spoiled all other tea houses for me.

08/19/2007 Posted by butterflydia

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! The Path of Tea.... That's the experience you will have just as you pass through the door of this wonderful Organic Tea Shop. I didn't know just how special it was until I found out it was the ONLY Organic Tea Shop in Houston, also the entire State of Texas and actually from what I've been told there are only 3 Totally Organic Tea Shops in the whole USA! And just think we have this one right here in our backyards, literally! This organic tea shop is centrally located in the heart of all that is cool in Houston. Whole Foods, Borders Bookstore, Mission Burrito, Field of Greens and of course The Path of TEA located between Kirby and Greenbriar right off W. Alabama. Oh and a real treat is to have your friends schedule Thia for one of her private and educational TEA TASTING Sessions. I had no idea it wasn't a good idea to store your tea in the refrigerator! I frequent the shop probably 4 times a week. Sometimes I'm admitting to twice a day. Yikes! My latte factor (financial reference) has turn into an Oolong Factor! Plum Oolong seems to be my current drink of choice, Hot or Cool it's definitely a treat for me. You've got to stop in to meet Thia and Chris. I'd like to say, thank you Thia and Chris for making us feel at home when we are sipping our organic tea in your shop. For as much love as you give to us, I know you must be receiving tons of love back in return. I Love, Love, Love this sanctuary - It's got to be the BEST LIL' TEA SHOP IN TEXAS! Ya gotta bring your money, cuz they don't accept chickens for tea there. :)

Pros: Totally Organic Tea, Healthy Desserts, Ambience, Calm Serene Environment, The Owners a Plus!

Cons: Sometimes your favorit cup is being used by another patron, or your favorite seat is already taken. But that's it!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/08/2007 Posted by girlhouston

i LOVE the path of tea. it's such a neat place. the owner is always there and is so knowledgeable about tea. recently they've started to add even more fun tea-based items like desserts and body products with tea. the smell of the place is great and the ambience is nice as well. i always feel "special" when i'm in there. there are tons of beautiful cups and tea pots. it's a great store for gifts for your favorite tea drinker. my personal favorite is the organic genmaicha. after you go loose tea, you can't go back <smile>. oh i have to mention the cupcakes...totally tasty! it's right next door to the field of greens (another winner) and if you order from the field of greens you can have you meal and your tea while sitting in the path of tea. perfect little spot for meeting a friend and enjoying a conversation over tea. overall a winner in my book!

Pros: variety of tea, owner presence & knowledge