Oliver RoyWe’re spilling the tea on the best tea shops in Montreal
They say the best way to explore a city is to get lost in it. Well, consider me a professional at getting lost, especially when there’s a big urban location involved.
Sometimes it turns out to be a blessing in disguise, though. In my (mis)guided wanderings through Montreal’s charming streets, I’ve stumbled upon something I love: a treasure trove of tea havens, each with its own unique personality and charm.
Join me as I recount my escapades, from indulging in a matcha-induced frenzy to contemplating the meaning of life over a pot of pu-erh tea. Who knows, you might even discover a few hidden gems along the way.
Ming Tao Xuan
Media from mingtaoxuan
Location: 451 St Sulpice St, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2V8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-845-9448
Operating hours:
- Friday to Monday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re seeking an authentic tea experience, look no further. This place offers an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, ranging from the delicate Dragon Pearl Jasmine to the unique Hei Ku Qiao buckwheat tea.
Every visit here is an immersive cultural journey, complete with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony that feels like a direct transport to the Forbidden City. We highly recommend exploring their exquisite pu-erh Tea collection, especially the Luna Crescent Sheng Pu-erh.
Plus, you can browse their exquisite traditional tea wares, a must-have for any tea lover’s collection. And for ultimate convenience, you can order your favourite teas and accessories directly from their website.
Nos Thés台灣餐廳
Media from nos.thes
Location: 1609 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1L8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-904-0246
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
What sets this tea shop apart is its delightful blend of traditional Taiwanese bubble tea and a diverse menu of mouthwatering Taiwanese dishes.
One sip of their classic Pearl Milk Tea, with its perfectly chewy tapioca pearls and creamy tea base, and you’ll see why it’s a must-try. But if you want something different, we recommend trying their Taro Bubble Tea since it offers an earthy flavour that pairs wonderfully with the tapioca pearls.
Beyond the beverages, Nos Thés台灣餐廳 provides a cosy atmosphere decorated with manga and anime merchandise, making it a paradise for otaku culture enthusiasts. You can even pre-order your manga titles here before they’re released!
Camellia Sinensis | Boutique
Media from camellia.sinensis
Location: 351 Rue Émery, Montréal, QC H2X 1J2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-286-4002
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Camellia Sinensis is where the tea selection is a cut above the rest. This place boasts over 200 varieties straight from the finest tea gardens in China, Japan, India, and Taiwan.
So, whether you’re a fan of white tea, green tea, oolong, black tea, or pu-erh, there’s a perfect brew waiting for you here. Don’t miss out on their Grand Cru selection, the crème de la crème of their offerings. It features gems like Ceylon New Madakumbura white tea and Ceylon Mattakelle black tea.
And for those days when stepping out feels like too much effort, their website lets you order your favourite teas online, bringing a touch of their elegance straight to your doorstep.
Totem Tea & Spice
Media from totemteas
Location: 4411 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1S2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-507-7525
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
This charming boutique is where traditional meets modern in the most delightful way, making it a must-visit for tea aficionados and curious newcomers.
One of their top hits, the Serengeti Black Tea, is praised for its robust flavour and smooth finish. Feeling fancy? Go for the Generation Da Hong Pao, a legendary Wuyi oolong with rich notes of chocolate, roasted barley, and a whisper of old tobacco barn.
But the delights don’t stop at tea. The boutique also offers a range of high-quality spices and incense. Their Kalimantan Aloeswood incense, for example, provides a rustic, aromatic experience that can enhance the ambience of any space.
Plentea
Media from barplentea
Location: 377 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3B 1A4, Canada
Contact: +1 647-375-9475
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
Opened in July 2022, Plentea is all about its mission, “Make New Patterns”, which aims to shake up the tea world and elevate your tea-drinking game.
The must-tries? Their handcrafted tea lattes are made to order with meticulous care and passion. But if you prefer variety, they also have over 20 types of bubble tea that are served in eco-friendly glass bottles to keep things green.
And if you can’t get enough, their subscription box service delivers a curated selection of their best blends right to your doorstep.
Thés Guru Teas
Media from teasguru
Location: 1289 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1V1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-727-3907
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $
Tucked away on Beaubien Street, Thés Guru Teas is a tea lover’s paradise where loose-leaf varieties reign supreme. Their Moroccan Mint Tea? It’s so good you’ll want to ditch your morning coffee (shh, we won’t tell).
This place is also a tea-education centre. Their tastings are legendary, turning even the most casual drinker into a full-fledged tea snob (in the best way possible, of course).
And if you’re always on the go, we recommend checking their travel sets since they’re such lifesavers. The “Nomad Tea Kit” and “Traveler’s Delight” are your ticket to enjoying a perfectly brewed cup wherever your adventures take you.
Cha Do Raku
Location: 750 Rue de Bienville, Montréal, QC H2J 1T7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-849-5983
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Monday – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: $
Specialising in teas from Japan, this tea house is a gem for anyone interested in the art of tea preparation and traditional Asian tea culture. They have an intimate setting and educational workshops that dive deep into these traditions.
One of the coolest features? The Tea Clinic, where owner Shiho Kanamaru offers personalised flavour suggestions based on a short survey so that you’ll find the perfect tea for your taste.
And don’t even get us started on their Matcha Chocolate Cake! It’s pure heaven on a plate, the perfect pairing for their rich and earthy matcha. Try to make a reservation online, though – this place is very popular.
Asiatica
Media credit to se8v
Location: 310 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H2X 1X9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-282-1388
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
Asiatica is your one-stop shop for a tea adventure. Their selection is out of this world, with high-quality loose-leaf teas that’ll make you feel like you’ve travelled the globe without leaving your kitchen.
Their Jasmine Dragon Pearls? Pure magic in a cup. Each sip is like a mini vacation to a fragrant jasmine garden.
And for those who like their tea a little more indulgent, their Milk Oolong is basically a hug in a mug – warm, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Plus, their shipping deals are the cherry on top of an already delicious sundae. Free shipping on orders over $75? Yes, please!
Salon de Thé CHAÏ Tea Lounge
Media credit to ashleyymckay
Location: 3506 Park Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2H7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-507-1166
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Salon de Thé CHAÏ Tea Lounge can be your go-to spot for a tranquil escape, whether you’re looking to unwind or cram for that upcoming exam.
Their Love Day Earl Grey? It’s a love affair in a cup. Seriously, one sip, and you’ll be head over heels. And don’t even get us started on their chai pecan pie – it’s the perfect sweet treat to complement your tea-drinking experience.
Plus they get bonus points for their impressive vegan menu! They’ve got something for everyone, so even your plant-based pals can indulge in a little tea-time goodness.
