Camellia Sinensis Tea House
Tucked away in Montreal’s Latin Quarter, this cozy little Tea House is totally worth a visit. Although not snobby about tea, the team at Camellia Sinensis changes their menu each year to include new favourites from their most recent travels. These visits to tea gardens give them direct access to “white teas, high-mountain oolongs from Taiwan, hand-made Chinese classics, Himalayan black teas, and many, many more.” Servers will gladly explain the flavour profiles of any of the 200+ varieties as well as the pouring rituals of the tea. The shop also offers a wide range of tea workshops and professional tea tastings. The atmosphere inside is inviting, yet serene; no cell-phones or laptops are allowed, and if the noise-level gets too high, a gong is sounded. To accompany your tea, a mouth-watering range of cakes, biscuits, and other treats all made by local bakers, and all very affordable.
Camellia Sinensis Tea House
351 Emery
Latin Quarter
(514) 286-4002
www.camellia-sinensis.com
Cha Noir Tea House
Although admittedly a bit of a trek for tea, a trip to Cha Noir Tea House in Verdun is one you won’t forget. This shop is unique: decorated by local artists, there are handmade and hand-painted tables that compliment the overall “Bombay-meets-Bohemia” vibe that infuses the pillow-filled room. Verdun is also an interesting city to see; just a little south of downtown Montreal, it has a growing artistic community that is worth checking out. Inside Cha Noir Tea House, you will be invited to turn off your cell phone. There are nearly eighty teas to choose from in addition to “numerous chocolate, fruity, salty, exotic, or local treats,” such as cheese plates from the fromagerie next door. Ones to definitely try include the hot chocolate tea (with 70% cocoa) and the big cuppa Chai Noir. There is also a Tea Boutique with “infusers of all kinds, books, insulating tumblers, fine chocolates, and gift packages.”
Cha Noir Tea House
4646 Wellington
Verdun
(514) 769-1242
www.cha-noir.com