I'm visiting SF Chinatown with family, and I get bored while they're shopping for trinkets and I wander into this tea bar. This older fellow asks me to sit down with a bunch of other people, then he gives us this comprehensive explanation of how to brew tea right and he can tell you what tea is best for this or that. I got this delicious coco pu'erh tea that smells like chocolate (and yes it helps you poo-er). Great gem of a place! read more

This was the best stop on our San Francisco trip. The young lady that assisted us during our tea tasting was extremely knowledgeable. We tasted, we laughed, we learned and definitely left with an awesome experience along with the best tea. This is a must see must stop. read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Don't bring your kids here. The owner made some gross explicit sexual jokes in front of two children at the counter. I was kinda shocked. Talking about how the tea will give you erections, looked at my boyfriend's crotch and joked about him having a large penis, etc. He just went on and on about this in front of the kids. Also, in the middle of our tasting, a woman walked past the store and he yelled out to her "Get in here!! You're so sexy!! Get your sexy a** in here! If I were 20 years younger..." and everyone at the tasting looked at her and laughed, assuming they knew each other, but we realized he didn't know her at all and the woman looked mortified. He also tried to make sexual jokes with me that were gross. Yuck. Didn't feel comfortable or safe at all read more

Wow! Amazing visit. Me and the family were visiting Chinatown and decided to get some tea. We definitely did not expect to stay for over an hour, but Uncle Gee and his daughter were such amazing hosts that we felt like we were at home. We tried five different teas while they gave a detailed explanation of each tea. We definitely came away with greater knowledge and an enhanced interest in trying different teas. For those on here giving negative reviews, you literally need to go out and buy a sense of humor because Uncle Gee is hilarious. We will definitely be coming back. Until next time, Uncle Gee! read more

Staff is fun and knowledgeable. This is our monthly stop for teas, great place to visit and tea taste. The history and stories are awesome.

I cannot say enough good things about this shop! Firstly, there really is no other place like it. Whether you stop at this location or their other spot on Grant, as soon as you walk in, you'll be treated like family! However, I recommend coming on the weekends between 12-4 so you can experience Ming and his mastery at work. He truly puts on a wonderful show and also educates you about all the flavors and properties of the various teas. I've been drinking the Royal Pu'er every morning and it's changed my life! For someone with a lot of digestive problems, this shop has made my life so much happier! I also love the blue tea which helps with anxiety and sleep. And the chrysanthemum and rose which are both so soothing and delicious! They also sell amazing teapots that make it easy to brew and store your leaves. And of course the cutest little tea cups! I come here every time I need a tea for any reason (just to drink, for digestion, circulation, sleep, etc). They never steer you wrong and it's such a beautiful store to visit! Great for locals and tourists alike! read more

Fun tea tasting experience. The person giving was service was very knowledgeable and funny. I ended up taking some tea home and excited to drink tea. Would definitely come back again. read more

Tried the free tea tasting and wow! I wanted to buy them all! We ended up buying their ginseng tea and blue tea, for energy and anxiety, respectively. The staff is so welcoming, nice, knowledgeable, and funny! We had such a great time learning about tea and traditional steep methods. We will definitely be back the next time we're in SF :) read more

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE & TEA! I've never had a tea tasting before. What an amazing experience. The owner was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the different teas and the health benefits of each one. He was very funny too. There was quite a few of us. My inlaws, my husband, my 2 kids and he just kept pouring the teas. I can see this as a tea lovers heaven. This was a very cool experience and I will definitely be visiting his other establishments. read more

A true experience! Let my start by saying, I do not drink tea. I was not looking forward to this stop on our tour, but it was by far the BEST part. Uncle and family were amazing hosts. Very knowledgeable on all of their tea selections. There is a natural remedy by way of tea for all of us. From energy, to beauty and even menstrual aid. I enjoyed 4/5 that I tried. Even left with a supply for my husband and I. read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I went into Vital Tea Leaf to simply sample a few teas and left after having an afternoon I'll never forget. A charming and intelligent man known by many as as "Father", "Godfather" and "Uncle" entertained us with his wealth of knowledge about teas and he made me laugh until my cheeks hurt. When he said he was 91 years old, I immediately purchased the tea he drinks. His skin is flawless and he has the energy of a 25 year old. The establishment is immaculate and has a wonderful vibe. Vital Tea Leaf is a must-visit if you are in China Town. Make sure to ask for a copy of Uncle's brilliantly written "To all my children to remember to be..." read more

Vital Tea Leaf - "Uncle" displaying my favorite tea! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Who knew what all you can learn about Chinese tea? When you are there, make sure and see "Chrys" there. He is very knowledgeable in all the teas and it's benefits. Tea tasting was a great experience and highly recommend. Thanks Chris read more

Free tea tasting! Came here with some coworkers after work. The tea tasting place easily fit our group of 7 (probably fits 12). We probably tried at least ten different types of tea! Our favorite was the blue people oolong tea. They had a wide range of milk oolong, herbal teas, green, jasmine, red, you name it - they have it! They didn't just let you taste the tea, but kept it fun and entertaining. Also highlighted different benefits of the tea if there were any. Didn't know what to expect, but so glad we came! I left buying some tea and a nice tea steeper. Thank you! read more

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I didn't think I would be the type of person who would have a favorite tea shop, but I do now! The owner is amazing. Stop in for a tasting and you will not be disappointed. We had no idea what to expect and left with a better understanding of the different types of tea... and a bag full of tea we bought read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Found this place by serendipity. We love Uncle G and his daughter! My experience in this place is the best thing that happened in my San Francisco trip. I'm glad Uncle G said "SIT DOWN!!" when we stumbled on this place and it turned out to be 15 mins before the closing time. Hoping to be back in the future and wishing everyone healthy read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Uncle Gee and his teas - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

My daughter and I had a great and very informative visit to this lovely tea store. Kenny made the experience a full on comedic joy! He's very knowledgeable and shared his love of tea with all of us. The Jasmine tea was our purchase and it's flavor and aroma are outstanding! I look forward to visiting again the next time in SFs wonderful Chinatown. Thank you Kenny for making our day! read more

GreT service fresh yummy tea the only place in Chinatown that doesn't lie or put up false advertisement tea tasting if you want fresh healthy tea leaf this is the spot to be at read more

The tea was so tasty. I think the only issue was that it's a more conversational tea tasting experience where you have to be detailed about what tea you want read more

The best!! Chris was amazing at educating us about different types of tea! I recommend everyone to come here if your looking for quality tea! read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Chris was amazing at educating us about different types of tea! I recommend everyone to come here if your looking for quality tea! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Buying tea here is an experience itself, and I had a great time. We tasted several teas before we decided which one to buy. They were all delicious and Royal, the guy who helped me, was happy to teach me about the teas, their history, how to brew them, and more. He was extremely friendly and helpful. I will definitely encourage people to come here, taste teas, and buy some. It was a lot of fun. read more

Such a fun tea tasting! I learned more than I ever thought I would about yea. You need a sense of humor, but you'll have the best time. In business 18 years and the owner has the knowledge to prove it. He also owns a restaurant two blocks away and that was the best Chinese food I've ever had. Begoni (I think). read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Tea tasting - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

My husband and I came here as a stop on the Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour guided by Brian. I have never had so much tea in my life. I never realize how wonderful tea could taste and all of useful properties. I highly recommend. read more

Discovered this tea shop while strolling in Chinatown in San Francisco. And so glad we did! It was the highlight of our day/trip! Uncle Gee provides an amazing educational, entertaining and refreshing view on the relationship of tea on health. Best yet....this is FREE! The tea was delightful and the advice may be life changing...time will tell. Don't miss this opportunity to make a connection with one of the most interesting persons I have met and become part of his tea family:-) We did buy tea, and are home now sipping a cup of Blue People Ginseng Ooolong tea, but there is no pressure or obligation to do so. read more

A true hidden gem. Went with about 6 other teenagers as we were exploring China town and had no idea where we were going. Before walking in we had the expectation of getting a couple free cups of tea as advertised, then leaving. We ended up staying almost 2 hours absolutely mesmerized by Uncle Gee's stories, he is blunt, honest, and one of the wisest people you will ever encounter. This isn't only a place you come for Tea, but also Lessons from a 92 year olds life experience after traveling across the World. As we left, he reminded us that we were now Family and always welcome there, one of those Movie-like experiences. read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Us with Uncle Gee and his "sexy glasses". - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have a friend in Alaska who has a hard time selecting tea, he likes to do it in person, and that makes it somewhat difficult logistically. Walking around Chinatown, checked out the store because it looked clean and well presented from the street. The shelves were completely devoid of dust, it was well lit and Herman was very helpful, even offering to brew a specific cup just so I could taste it. Called my friend and he requested a 1/4 lb of Monkey Picked Oolong ($40.00). Sent it up to him and he was EXTREMELY pleased. If in a need for tea, and back in San Francisco, I would not hesitate to buy from this shop. read more

An excellent way to sample a variety of teas. You can sit at the counter and taste many different tea varieties. As you sip the teas you learn about the benefits of the different varieties and some tea history. It is a communal experience, you may find yourself sitting with a tour group or others interested in tea. Most likely you will walk out of the store with some tea. read more

Had a blast learning different type of teas. Majority of the teas are good for your health and has very light flavor. Best tea spot in town read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I took my mom and dad to Vital Tea Leaf today. It was a wonderful experience for all of us! The owner is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. We had a lovely time tasting a variety of teas and settling on a couple to take home. It's helpful if you come to the shop and share what kinds of flavors you enjoy (floral, nutty, smoky, etc.) or what kind of benefits you're looking for (antioxidants, energy, relaxation, etc.). We highly recommend this excellent artisan tea shop! read more

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walking out of Golden Gate Fortune Cookies we wandered by this place. Poking our heads in we saw a wall lined with jars of tea leafs. On the other side was a bar set up. A couple sat at the bar with two tiny tea cups. The woman who was about to serve them invited us to sit down for a quick tea tasting. She proceeded to show us how to properly brew a cup of tea (good tea needs to be rinsed and only brewed for as little as 30 seconds). She would pour out a small amount, describe the tea, its origins, what its health benefits were, then move onto the next tea. We tried 8 or so different teas before we left. My favorite one, though it was too expensive for me to bother buying, was a freeze dried green tea. when its brewed, the tea rehydrated, and looks like freshly picked tea leafs (the women brewed it in a glass so we could see). It tasted light, and frankly amazing. After the tea tasting we poked around a bit. An older man ended up talking to us. He was the father of the owner of the "Bar". He was having a blast hanging out, jokingly harassing customers, telling them 'this isn't a tea shop, its a bar'. We walked out with some leche infused black tea and some pureh (aged tea, 8 years). They also showed us the pureh they had sitting behind the bar that was originally packaged in 1940s. Its only for special occasions, and would sell for as much as 30k if it was a full brick. I guess people get obsessive over just about anything. In the end, we left knowing a bit more about tea and its varieties, and with some great tea. read more

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Walked in and the old man there was rude asf!!!! Not welcoming at all. I was with my dad and disabled mother and when I asked him why he was rude he told me to get out and called us a derogatory word in Spanish. POS!!! read more

This was one of the most pleasant experiences that I have ever had. The "Chinese Uncle", you would know if you have heard the owner's stories is a brilliant brilliant man and I would highly recommend him to have his own comedy special but jokes aside, what energy and what storytelling. The family specializes in multi-variety of teas that they let you sit, sample and eventually buy if you like any. We picked up the Serbian Rose and Blue People Oolong Tea both of which we loved tremendously. The way it works is that you can ask the owners about what problem you want the tea to solve and then they make able recommendations. We picked one that we can sip in the daytime and one before we sleep. I would hands-down visit the shop again to meet the owner and hear his beautiful stories. Absolute full stars from them! read more

This was one of the highlights of my trip to SF! We stopped in so I could pick up some matcha green tea powder and ended up staying for a tea tasting! My group of 7 including an 11 year old loved it! We tasted about 8 different teas and we all found a favorite. There is no pressure to buy although a couple of us picked up some tea! They have quite the selection and I'm sure you will find something you like. They can advise tea for any ailment you have! Definitely stop in and take a tea break!! read more

Did this place on a food tour. Bough several hundred dollars of tea. the lady was very informative. Enjoyed the whole experience. We did buy one product that broke as soon as we tried to use it and they never responded to my emails, so i would stick to just buying the teas. Everyone of them was every tasty read more

We visited Vital Tea Leaf on a food tour, and I'm so glad they took us here! We sampled so many - and with the exception of one (which they warned us about but had us sample anyway because of the health benefits), they were so delicious. The husband and wife team were knowledgeable about tea and so patient with our questions. I'd definitely go back! read more

I feel in love with this place the moment I first stepped in back in 2012. No matter what Vital Tea location you go, you should always expect excellence customer service. Royal Puer and blue people tea are my go to tea ! read more

We made a trip out just to do this tea tasting. The man was incredibly rude. We asked to do the tasting and he curtly told us it's try before you buy and asked "are you here to buy tea or not". Do not waste your time coming here. read more

The service was great, the tea was as well! Chris is a fountain for knowledge and made the experience. :)

Kris was so informative and helpful! We sampled lots of different teas and left with some delicious leaves and lots of important knowledge

Loved my experience at this tea shop! The owner was knowledgeable, attentive and helpful. Loved that he knew what health properties of the tea. Generous helpings on the tea tasting. read more

Vital Tea Leaf - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was just walking by on my way somewhere else, and saw a sign out in front saying "free tea tasting", so I popped in to see what that meant, and what it meant was actually super cool. The person running the place at the time (who I think may have been the owner? I didn't ask, but she talked about the place sort of like she was) informed us that the way it works is, you sit down at what looks a lot like a bar, you explain to her what sort of tea you like drinking, then she find something she thinks you'll like from her quite impressive collection of fancy expensive teas, brews some, then anyone sitting at the "bar" can try a little cup of it if they want. Then, rather than tipping, you should just buy some tea if you like anything enough. Plus, if you're a tea noob like I am, you also get to learn a lot of useful information about tea and how to prepare it properly. I tried a couple teas other people in my group asked for (a rice tea that was a lot of fun, a green tea I personally thought was too light, but the coworker who asked for it liked a lot), a mango green tea someone in another group asked for (also a lot of fun), and one I asked for personally (a lapsang souchong - I'm a sucker for anything smoky; theirs was absolutely delicious, if you like things that are super smoky, like I do.) Despite being completely spur of the moment, everyone in our group ended up buying some of the tea they asked to try, including me. The one other thing I feel I should mention - supposedly it's a minimum 1/4 pound purchase on most of their tea, and that is a *lot* of tea. I wasn't going to spend $20 on tea (I loved it, but that's a lot of tea!), so when I went to leave without buying anything, she said I could buy $10 worth if I paid cash, that the minimum was mostly for reasons of credit card fees, which is completely reasonable ($10 of tea is still a good-sized bag of tea, since it's by weight, and tea is pretty light!). Should probably just say that up-front, but other than that, zero complaints about anything, had a really fun time, and drank (and bought) some really great tea! read more