Сomplete guide to tea: where to taste and buy it in Riga

ApsarA

We start off with by far the most experienced and commonly known tea experts in Latvia. ApsarA started their business just as Latvia gained its independence for the last time. Since 1992 they’ve been researching and experimenting in order to take tea enthusiasts on a journey in flavors and sensations. 

Patvāris

In accordance with the best and most cherished slavic traditions comes the only tea house in this list which offers tea straight from samovar. Although this tea making device originates in the Middle East, over time it has become a household item in most Eastern European countries. Most families have at least one shiny samovar sitting somewhere on a shelf, waiting to be operated on a special occasion. 

At “Patvāris” however, every day is a special occasion. Every detail here is as if from a different time and in a way that’s how it truly is. Tea in metal cups poured from shiny samovar, presented on a red tablecloth covering a wooden table. Walking in here is like entering a proper slavic birthday party. You’ll feel welcomed, entertained and well taken care of.

Address: Dzirnavu 43

Tabu Tea House

Tea house “Tabu” is located in the scenic Vermane garden, offering a vast range of tea possibilities and the perfect environment in which to enjoy this experience. Here you can try every tea imaginable. Black, red, green, white and even yellow tea which might be surprising to many but yes, it exists and yes, it’s amazing. 

To add to the existing regular options, “Tabu” have taken the extra step in making their own special combinations with creative names and secret ingredients. Normally they also offer thermos filled with extra water to prolong the tea enjoying experience but their house specials are exceptional. If you wish, it’s also possible to have a whole tea ritual done right in front of your eyes for a full spectrum.

Tējo Tea House

Now here’s a tea house that you can recognize by simply having a glance at the structure of it. It’s a relatively small two storey Japanese style house with a terrace built in an octagon form and with glass replacing the walls. Only windows offering a view over the beautiful surroundings of the Opera house, city canal and park surrounding it. 

ILLUSEUM

Another well established place in this list. Illuseum is located on a street that’s named perfectly for hosting a tea house. Miera iela which in translation to english would mean Peace street. But hidden in one of the houses here is a sanctuary unlike no other. Here they have everything. Tea prepared in authentically designed tableware, served in accordance with the best tea making traditions. 

Although in most cases you can come here to simply enjoy some high quality tea from all over the world, they do hold some special events with vinyl playing DJs too. And not just that. Bands playing eastern style music to assure of the most authentic atmosphere possible will help you feel like in a completely different country.

Alternative teas

Bubble Tea 

While all the previous options are more commonly preferred by grown ups, this is an option that has grown massive popularity in the younger generation. You might notice these places from far when walking down the street. Not because they’re particularly flashy or colorful from the outside but because of the long lines of people standing even outside the shop, waiting for a cup of bubbly tea. So what is it? 

It’s like a cocktail but the main ingredient here is tea or coffee in some cases. The bubbliness of these drinks comes from tapioca or boba pearls which is an edible translucent sphere produced from tapioca, a starch made from the cassava root. When used as an ingredient in bubble tea, they are most commonly referred to as pearls or boba. The outcome is refreshing and tasty!

Tea shops

Although most of the places mentioned before offer an option to buy tea to go, you might be looking for something simpler. Like a shop specializing in selling various kinds of tea from all over the world.

NUNO Tea

NUNO teas are carefully crafted using flavors from all corners of the globe. The ingredients are selected based on specific criteria and undergo rigorous quality checks. Each plantation is inspected to ensure that their teas maintain the unique taste. The imported ingredients even hold the prestigious IFS Food certification, guaranteeing their exceptional quality.

Their tea ingredients are imported from 40 countries, including Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. This allows selecting the finest flowers, leaves, and fruits from each source and combining them into a tea of exceptional quality. All of their products can be ordered online and come in a carefully designed packaging. Quality here is guaranteed!

Tasite.lv

Another option for ordering tea online has to be tasite.lv. It’s a simple, yet efficient solution for everyone looking for high quality tea or coffee to drink at home. While previously mentioned site brands all tea as some of their own, this site offers the luxury of choosing between different beloved brands. Both local and international. 

What’s cool here is you can prepare for a tea party in style as they offer snacks, sweets and special gift packages to help you make the most out of any event.