I went here to try to find a tea-related gift for my sister. I knew I wanted to get her some tea and some sort of teapot, but other than that I was clueless. They sat me down and explained the differences in the teas and let me sample some until I found a few I thought my sister would like. They also had nice glass cup that steep your tea in water and then drop the tea down into a cup (very cool and efficient). I never would have imagined there is so much to learn about tea! I will be going here for all my tea needs. read more

Wonderful shop. Took my daughter here to buy some tea for a her tea set that I got her for Christmas. The guy working there was very helpful and patient with all of my questions and set us up with a really great combo pack of tea. He even threw in one of the blooming tea flowers for my daughters. I miss this level of service ... other retailers should take note. Also, the place felt really nice ... obviously smelled good, but it was also lit well, and the layout made sense to my westerner mind. read more

They have some nice stuff but be CAREFUL. I went into today after seeing great reviews and I must say I was a little disappointed. I was looking at the yixing tea pots to possibly add another one to my collection. I was looking at one I could tell was slip casted ( given away by the seam running down the front middle of the pot) , it clearly was not hand made. This did not bother me, but when I asked the owner more about the pot he emphasized that it was hand made! This would definitely fool your novice tea drinker! as the artisan pots are mixed in with the casted ones. This shop has some great stuff but be weary! The people at the shop are not afraid to "talk up" some of the lesser quality stuff in the store! I just don't like when people try to talk advantage of novice tea drinkers D: I would have given this place a 4/5 maybe even 4.5/5 if it wasn't for the miss information I was given. A little history about my self. I have been drinking tea for over ten years and have traveled to Taiwan/ Yunnan province and have visited tea farms myself. I know my stuff :) read more

New Century is a little tea shop in the international district. The Cantonese - speaking staff is knowledgeable and they do free tea tastings so you can make sure you like something before you buy it, they'll make recommendations for you to try if you want, so you might just discover a new favourite tea. The prices are average compared to other tea shops in Seattle. They take Visa and Mastercards. Metered street parking only. read more

I can't believe it has taken me so long to write a review for this place! This is one of my favourite tea places in the state, next to Xiu Xian (Kent), Teahouse Kuan Yin (Wallingford), and Phoenix Tea (Burien). They have the best selection of true, pure Chinese and Taiwanese tea and a nice selection of blended tea for those who prefer tea more casually or prefer herbals. I've also found more rarer varietals here, which is nice. The Pue'rh and green selections are truly something to behold though and I frequently come here for my bi lou chun (pilouchun, bailouchun) fix. However, be forewarned that the price matches the quality. While the prices are fair on many items, you will pay for the quality of Grace's best teas and they will be worth every single penny. If you are a tea lover, this place is not to be missed. read more

Such a beautiful shop!! We came for a tea tasing and tried about 5 different teas for free, and we ended up purchasing 2 because they were so good. Shop owner is very sweet and knowledgeable. I can't wait to come back again! read more

Grace at New Century Tea Gallery is a wonderful host! The shop is peaceful and welcoming. Grace was "entertaining" three others at a table with pu erh from the 80s. I'm fairly new to the world of tea, so, I joined in and within minutes i had learned more about tea than I had my entire life. I found the hardware I needed and purchased some 16 year old loose leaf pu erh. New Century Tea Gallery is now my go to shop for all things TEA! read more

Wow! This little tea shop is so beautiful and they have some of the best tea I have ever drank. Definitely a place to stop by if you want to buy tea. read more

New Century Tea Gallery - Wow! This place is awesome! - Tea Rooms Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I found the New Century Tea Gallery quite by chance about a year ago. I have been a devoted drinker of fine teas for many years and have enjoyed visiting many excellent tea shops in the greater Seattle area, but my first meeting with Dafe and Grace took my education and appreciation of Chinese teas to a new level. Since then, I have had the great pleasure of introducing several friends to the joys of gong fu tea by taking them to the New Century Tea Gallery. Grace and Dafe have never failed to win them as converts to the art and pleasure of drinking tea. Just before Christmas, my 23 year old niece came to visit for a couple days and I took the chance of introducing her to fine teas by way of a visit to this small tea shop. Grace was everything I could expect from a tea professional and welcoming host. We spent about an hour and a half tasting and discussing varieties of tea. My delightful niece was captivated by the experience and left with a sampler of oolongs and a user-friendly brewing pot. I had the privilege of introducing her to the art of tea. The moral: take your friends and family to authentic tea shops. They will love it. read more

I am from San Francisco, and I have visited several excellent tea shops and tastings in Chinatown; however, I must say, quite honestly, New Century offered my family the finest and most educational tea tasting experience I have ever had. Dafe poured a wonderful selection of some of his finest offerings and taught me quite a few new things about tea and tea preparation. Their selection of teas is excellent (the different kinds of pu erh is impressive). They also offer a wonderful selection of tea pots and other items necessary for preparation (traditional and more modern). If you want to learn more about tea and taste some fine selections, I wholeheartedly recommend New Century. read more

This is so far the best tea shop I've been to in the city. The owner is extremely knowledgeable of the art of tea and its proper ways and mannerisms. One of my biggest pet peeves are tea blends and people pretending to know about tea but drink such blends. Don't get me wrong, blends are fun and what not, but the true quality and characteristics of different types of tea and their history get lost. This store has the richest selection of Pu-Erh. The last time I was there the owner happened to be brewing from a very vintage (80yo) batch. I got lucky to have some. What a wonderful, full bodied and wise tea it was. I picked up some Monkey Pick and Iron Goddess King. They were fantastic. I can't wait to go back. read more

I came in and was greeted warmly. Every question I had was answered with care. I got to smell the tea and taste it before I purchased it. They have so many beautiful cups and Tea Pots to choose from and take home. I took home a beautifully crafted tea tray and some clay lotus cups and some award winning Oolong Tea. Lightly oxidized and with a great flavor. Will go back for their beautiful selection of tea and Gongfu Tea Ceremony. read more

I came here on a Sunday afternoon with 5 friends for a tea tasting. We read the reviews on Yelp and thought it would be a good idea after dim sum in Chinatown. When we entered, the owner a Chinese woman asked about our preferences and we mentioned Oolong, Jasmine, and Green Tea. So of course she says lets start with the Oolong because it's the most expensive out of the three, $18 for 2 oz. As we sat down at a wooden table with wooden tree trunks for stools, we got pretty excited since this was the first time for a few of my friends. However, I was a bit irritated by the Chinese drama playing on a small TV right next to us so perhaps that tainted my experience. But what bothered me most was the fact that the owner seemed dispassionate about educating us on the quality of the tea, it's origin, how to brew it, its preparation, and how to best enjoy it. After 3 steepings of the Oolong, she asked us how many ounces we wanted to purchase. This further deflated my mood since we thought it was a tea tasting consisting of the 3 different tea variety that we mentioned earlier. After requesting to try the Jasmine tea, we felt obligated toward the end to purchase the more expensive tea to disprove her apprehension of us ever purchasing anything from her shop. I'd probably buy more Oolong if she was more hospitable toward us. I knew I should have gone to the other more talked about Tea shop in Chinatown (Seattle Best Tea Corporation) where they let you try so many varieties of tea that you almost feel Tea Drunk at the end. I hope others have a more pleasant experience. read more

We went there for my birthday, as i am a lover of tea. As i went in the owner was extremely nice and helpful in our search of what teas to try. She talked about the uses of the tea and the flavor of the tea. I plan on going back very soon. read more

Others have described the wonderful experience of visiting this store, so I'll just chime in that my partner and I wandered in here after stuffing ourselves full of dim sum and after sampling the Pu'erh tea, felt much better (stomachs settled). I learned a lot: like I have been steeping my tea way too long. We brought home a cake of Pu'erh, a sample size of the house special green, and a special mug I've been using at work. Spent more than we would have otherwise, but for great tea that will last a long time, and that we'll actually drink. Highly recommended! read more

I cannot recommend New Century Tea Gallery enough. We came in this afternoon to check the place out as we had never been in the new location. Dafe helped us out and invited us to try any type of tea we would like. He served us some oolong, jasmine and pu-erh teas and sat and talked with us for half an hour to an hour about tea. The prices are very appropriate: the lower-quality teas are very affordable and the high-quality teas are expensive, as they should be. We purchased some oolong tea and teacups, and Dafe was nice enough to give us a tea scoop for free! We'll certainly be coming back. read more

Ive searched the country for a place to experience tea tasting the way one experiences wine tasting and New Century in Seattle is that place. A very rewarding, relaxing and educational experience that I would like to experience more often. I wish we had one in Washington DC. read more

I had a good experience at this tea house. Grace served me cake that I liked but she didn't realize it was not for sale. When asked to purchase it she offered it even though it was for sampling only. Thanks! After a few more experiences with New Century I imagine my rating will change to 5/5 stars. Pros: -Fantastic selection of puerh. -Friendly atmosphere. -Focus on serving tea (samples). -Prices are clearly marked on most teas. Cons: -Some cakes do not have prices labeled. read more

I love New Century Tea Gallery. Grace is such a gem and helps you connect with the experience of the tea ceremony and how to appreciate high quality tea. She is very kind and now when I come in I feel like I am greeted by a friend. I feel spoiled because now when I taste teas from other shops it doesn't seem as good. Her teas taste so clean with very complex flavors. Wonderful for fine tea lovers. read more

An absolute must for any tea nuts out there !! They have the best teas in town, especially their pu erh teas. There's always tea tastings going on, where you'll likely find other like minded tea geeks, or the lucky newby to the tea world who is going to have their mind blown by the quality of the teas being served. And the environment feels very much how I'd envision a proper tea house in China would feel. Wonderful shop !! read more

I've been to my fair share of tea houses and this one is by far my favourite. Not only is the shop beautiful, but it is stocked with literally anything a tea lover could ever want or need. The staff is more than happy to educate anyone on the benefits, uses, and preparation of any teas and can help you find the perfect leaf for your brew. Highly highly highly recommend this to any and everyone!! read more

Lovely atmosphere. Many many teas to choose from and the owners are wonderful. Their young daughter especially! She was helping her father during our tea tasting and was so adorable. The tea itself was delicious. And the way they present and brew the tea is not something I've witnessed before so that was a treat. Will definitely stop by again and this shop has been added to my go to places in Seattle!!! read more

This is and has been my most favorite tea shop, not only for the vast array of tea's, but more so for the wonderful couple that serve and share their knowledge and teas. Dafe and Grace are the perfect hosts, always smiling, always ensuring that your cup is never dry for long. You can't help feeling at home, and like family here. If you have the time, make this one of your stops, just allow for some time, because these two wonderful people love to share their love. read more

It was my first time in the shop and I was very impressed by the selection and level of service. The host gave us great tea recommendations and educated on various times of tea. Everything in the shop felt very high quality but not snobby. Will be going back every time I need to stock back up on tea. read more

It's so hard to find a good, honest, down-to-earth tea shop and now I can stop looking. There is a really good selection across the spectrum, even lots of varieties of puerh and teaware. I got what I came for and then some. The owner is so kind and offered to serve some tea for us to try as well. Just an overall lovely and warm experience! read more

Amazing authentic tea selection this place is the real deal......she will let u sample teas..kinda like wine tasting.

If you want an amazing selection of teas and tea tasting, this is the place to go! The owner is very professional and knowledgeable and provides an authentic tea experience. It's a must if you are a tea drinker. read more

What more is there to say about New Century than what's already been said by the other reviewers? Believe them. If tea--including information and traditional tea tasting service-- is what you're looking for, this place is it. Not a place to work or gather with friends. When that's what I want, I go to Remedy. But when I want tea, I go to New Century. read more

Terrific gem of a tea house! This is my favorite tea house in the US. My husband and I like to try different tea houses. We brought along a few friends and stopped in New Century Tea Gallery. Indeed, it is a gallery - full of amazing tea varieties. We met Grace Li and she had us sample several different varieties of tea - green, oolong, red and pu-erh. She did not spare the expensive type either. We never felt rushed and my education in tea drinking expanded. We all walked out with several purchases. I am back in Seattle next week and hope to stop in just for a chat and a lovely cup of tea with Grace. read more

If you are a tea lover, this is as authentic of an experience you will find in Seattle. The tea masters were knowledgeable and kind enough to take you through as many tea selections as you desired. They even opened up a 1992 Tea Cake Pu-Er that was mind blowing. It should definitely be in your i"tea"nerary when traveling to Seattle. read more

I went here with my better half since she was on a mission for tea. The selection is fantastic and the tea we purchased has an amazing aroma. The people running the shop were very friendly and helpful. I think we'll definitely be coming back. read more

New Century is gracious and cultured. I stopped in one time nearly 3 months ago. When I came in today, Grace remembered that I buy their Jiaogulan. After nearly 3 months. Impressive, and their tea tasting is always delightful. Strongly recommend, and their collection of pu' her's is extraordinary. read more

This is one of those places that develops a well-deserved following. Amazing atmosphere (beautiful decor, walls lined with huge glass jars of tea, deep rich wood furniture, dark Chinese red walls -- the place has the feel of a mysterious cave, even down to the tables and chairs made of huge planks of twisted wood, like big root coming out of the ground). Top-rate teas (I came home with a few ounces of West Lake Dragon Well green tea, considered by most to be the best green tea there is), and the most informative and friendly people who work there. You can sit down at one of those beautiful wood tables and be served any tea from the shelf. They will pour you infusion after infusion while educating you about the tea you're drinking. I can't wait to go back and try some more of their wonderful teas (try the Monkey Pick oolong, too -- the smell alone is heavenly!). read more

I am so happy to see that others have had as wonderful an experience as we had when we stumbled upon New Century Tea Gallery on a visit to Seattle a few years ago. What a delight to have Grace offer us tastings at the elaborate tea table, and to help us notice the differences among subsequent steepings of the oolong and puerh teas we tried. I enjoyed the puerh brick we bought for nearly a year, but the experience of education and conversation with Grace continues to warm me. read more

New Century Tea Gallery is the best source for very high quality green, black, oolong, and pu'erh teas in Seattle. I am absolutely in love with their special grade-spring green tea! Every time I have gone in Grace, sits us down and has me pick out teas to try. It is fun and relaxing! The environment is enchanting and the teas delectable! If you are a "tea person" or someone just getting into tea that is visiting or living in Seattle or Greater Seattle area it is a fantastic place to try and buy high quality tea-source. read more

My husband and I were visiting Seattle with 2 of our children, ages 18 and 14. We chanced upon this establishment having no idea what a wonderful experience it would be. Dafe was very knowledgeable and so welcoming. He invited us to sit down while he brewed cup after cup of delicious tea. We were amazed at the things we learned and were so enamored of Dafe. We had never experienced a setting like this, rows and rows of apothecary jars filled with more kinds of tea than we knew existed. We were seated on a cushioned bench like guests in his household. He stood at a table in front of us that was set up with a brewing station. Perhaps this is typical of a tea shop but it was a new experience for us. Dafe offered to make us any kind we'd like to try. We were too ignorant of tea to be able to choose so he chose for us, explaining about the different types, the relationship between the age of the leaves and the amount of caffeine, where things were grown, how to brew tea and we were astonished to learn that we could brew 4-5 cups out of the same leaves. We must have spent 45 minutes to an hour there and rate this stop as one of the top 3 highlights of our trip, equal in enjoyment to our time at Pikes Place Market and the Olympic Penninsula. read more