Asian-OwnedFamily-OwnedMinority-OwnedWoman-Owned
Lydia Lin and Joe Hsu are steeped in knowledge at their International District store, Seattle Best Tea. One of the oldest tea houses in the city, Lydia and Joe opened their shop in 1996 and have been educating people on the health benefits of tea and providing some of Seattle’s best tea ever since. In addition to selling premium loose-leaf varieties, Lydia and Joe sell bubble tea that lives up to the shop’s name. And if you stop by and have any questions about how to steep, store, or pick the right brew for you, Lydia is more than happy to spill the tea.
BEST Taro tea and love the variety of options and friendliness of the people!
I love how much owner Lydia Lin loves tea. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing the health benefits of tea with her customers. My go-to drink is the high mountain oolong with extra boba. I have also been fortunate to taste competition teas over conversations with Lydia – a real treat!
Seattle Best Tea is by far, one of the friendliest businesses. If they had a catchphrase, it would be, “take your time.” Whether it’s a new or regular customer unsure of fear to order, or a new employee-in-training, you will hear it often. Relax. Everyone else outside is in a rush, but you can relax. Breathe in the scent of fresh brewed tea; the most fragrant tea milk tea in town by the way. And consider what toppings you’d like today. That’s another plus; unlimited toppings!
This is hands down my favorite place for tea in the city! The staff have always been the friendliest, and I haven’t found anywhere that does Oolong better. I always make sure to take visitors here.