Tea House Supplies List

1. Loose Leaf Tea

A teahouse should prioritize serving high-quality loose leaf teas, leaving tea bags behind. You may focus exclusively on loose leaf offerings or opt for a more diverse menu that includes tea lattes and coffee to cater to a broader range of tastes. Think about how you'd like to present and categorize your loose leaf teas. Two effective options are organizing them by tea type or caffeine content, allowing your guests to easily explore and enjoy your selections. Here's a list of common tea types that are great for featuring on every menu:

• Black Tea: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Assam, Darjeeling
• Green Tea: Sencha, Jasmine, Matcha, Gyokuro
• Oolong Tea: Tie Guan Yin, Formosa, Milk Oolong
• White Tea: Silver Needle, White Peony
• Herbal Tea: Chamomile, Mint, Rooibos, Hibiscus, Lemongrass
• Specialty Tea: Chai, Butterfly Pea Tea, Yerba Mate, Wellness Blends

2. Additional Beverage Ingredients

Stock up on a selection of complementary ingredients, such as milk, sweeteners, and fresh lemons, to enhance the tea experience. While loose leaf tea will naturally form the foundation of your menu, consider incorporating a variety of additional drink options that can attract a wider range of customers. Offering more than just tea is especially beneficial for tea rooms that are less focused on strict etiquette and more dedicated to serving quality, flavorful beverages. By diversifying your drink offerings, you can cater to different preferences and create a welcoming space for everyone, from tea enthusiasts to casual drinkers.

• Milk: To accommodate different preferences, provide a selection of milk and creamer options for your teahouse beverages. Stock up on dairy and non-dairy alternatives such as whole, almond, and oat milk.
• Sweetener: Enhance the flavor of your teahouse drinks by offering a variety of sweeteners for customers to choose from. Include classic options like sugar and honey, as well as alternative sweeteners such as stevia and agave syrup. Cater to different dietary needs by providing sugar-free and natural sweetener choices on your menu.
• Flavoring Syrups: If you're serving tea lattes and espresso-based drinks, be sure to stock a variety of high-quality flavoring syrups to elevate your offerings and allow customers to create personalized specialty drinks.
• Boba Tea: Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a trendy and refreshing beverage that typically includes chewy tapioca pearls. Its growing popularity and easy preparation make it a profitable addition to any tea menu. Offer a range of boba flavors such as classic milk tea and fruit teas to satisfy boba tea lovers.
• Coffee and Espresso: Incorporating coffee and espresso options into your teahouse menu can cater to a wider customer base, especially if your business is located in a high-traffic area. Select premium coffee beans to complement your quality teas. Invest in a reliable espresso maker to prepare delicious beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

3. Tea Brewing Equipment

Brewing loose leaf tea doesn't require extensive equipment, but you'll need the right supplies for both single cups and multiple servings. Additionally, having a variety of infuser sizes will accommodate different leaf types and ensure optimal steeping.

• Hot Water Dispenser: Streamline your tea service with a hot water dispenser, ensuring quick and efficient access to hot water for brewing. Since tea requires specific steeping times, having hot water readily available will speed up orders. Look for dispensers with adjustable temperature settings, as some teas require precise temperatures for optimal brewing.
• Teapot: Teapots are an essential tool for brewing and serving tea in any setting. Available in various sizes and materials such as ceramic, glass, and stainless steel, teapots are perfect for steeping loose leaf tea. Teapots with built-in infusers are particularly ideal for multi-cup orders, allowing you to brew and serve tea in a single vessel with ease.
• Tea Infuser: Perfect for single-cup orders, tea infusers are practical tools for brewing loose leaf tea without the need for a traditional teapot. These small, perforated devices come in various shapes and sizes, such as balls, baskets, or spoons, and are designed to hold loose tea leaves while steeping in hot water. Choose a tea infuser that fits the size of your teacups or mugs for a perfect brew every time. Make sure they are large enough to give the tea leaves room to expand and for the water to fully circulate them, which will maximize flavor.
• Strainer: Strainers are a useful tool for filtering out tea leaves or particles from brewed tea, providing a smooth and clean pour. They serve as a great substitute for infusers, especially when brewing large leaf teas like certain green and white teas. They come in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel or mesh, and should fit securely over teapots or cups to prevent unwanted particles from entering the brewed tea.
• Commercial Iced Tea Brewer: If guests are frequently ordering iced tea, then you will benefit from having a commercial iced tea brewer on hand. These brewers can be used with loose leaves and are designed to brew large batches of iced tea, ensuring you can keep up with demand during busy hours.
• Water Filtration System: Impurities or chemicals in tap water, such as chlorine or minerals, can negatively impact a tea's flavor, making it taste off or flat. Using a water filtration system for your hot beverage equipment helps remove impurities and contaminants, resulting in a cleaner and better-tasting brew.
• Measuring Spoon: Typically you'll need 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz. of water, so you'll need a measuring spoon to accurately measure out the tea leaves. It provides a standard measurement that helps maintain consistency in the flavor of your brewed tea. Consider supplying each tea with a designated teaspoon to avoid cross-contamination and streamline orders.
• Gram Scale: For a more precise way to measure out tea leaves, use a portion scale that can measure in grams. This tool allows you to accurately measure the exact amount of tea needed for each brew, ensuring consistency and quality in every cup.
• Kitchen Timer: Different tea types have varying steeping durations, so having an abundance of timers available will guarantee that each cup is brewed to perfection.

4. Tea Serving Supplies

The presentation and serving of tea are crucial aspects that can significantly impact the overall customer experience. Investing in high-quality tea serving supplies not only enhances the visual appeal of your teas but also plays a key role in creating a memorable experience for your customers. Customizing your supplies allows you to showcase your unique brand identity and create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your teahouse. By choosing serving supplies that reflect the aesthetic and theme of your tea shop, you can leave a lasting impression on your customers and differentiate yourself from competitors.

• Cups, Mugs, and Saucers: When selecting cups, mugs, and saucers for your teahouse, choose pieces that complement the aesthetic and ambiance of your space. Whether you opt for timeless white porcelain or vibrant, eye-catching designs, the presentation of your tea service plays a key role in elevating the overall customer experience. If your menu features traditional Chinese tea ceremonies or specializes in Chinese and Asian teas, serve the tea in genuine Chinese teacups to enhance the cultural experience.
• Disposable Cups and Lids: For patrons who enjoy their tea on the go, having disposable paper cups and lids readily available is a must. If you offer iced tea options, be sure to stock plastic cups and lids as well. To further enhance your brand, customize these cups with your logo to create a memorable experience that helps promote your tea shop wherever your customers go.
• Teaspoon: Offer a teaspoon alongside tea for customers who prefer to add milk or sugar. For those who prefer sweetening their tea with honey, consider providing a honey dipper for an enhanced experience.
• Creamer: Use a creamer pitcher to elegantly serve milk or cream with your tea.

• Tea Serving Tray: Tea serving trays can be used for serving tea alongside pastries, or for presenting a teapot and mug on one surface. Choose functional and visually appealing trays to enhance the presentation of your tea service.
• Tea Flight: Offering tea flights is a unique way to allow guests to sample multiple tea types at once. Tea flights can be a fun and interactive experience for customers looking to explore different flavors and aromas. Consider creating themed or seasonal selections in addition to build-your-own flights to keep your menu fresh and exciting.
• Condiment Organizer: Set up a self-service station with a countertop condiment organizer for to-go orders and guests who need extra sweeteners, napkins, or utensils. Based on the level of service you offer, consider providing sugar caddies at each table.
• Tiered Cake Stand: If you plan to host tea parties and private events, elevate the presentation of your pastries and finger foods by serving them on tiered cake stands.

5. Tea Storage and Merchandising Supplies

Store and display your tea clearly to entice customers and showcase your tea selection effectively. If you sell loose leaf tea by weight or offer pre-packaged options in addition to serving tea in-house, you'll need reliable containers to keep your tea fresh and easy to retail.

• Metal Tea Tins: Perfect for storing and selling tea, metal tea tins provide a sleek, professional look while offering superior protection for your tea leaves. The metal construction safeguards the tea from exposure to light, moisture, heat, and strong odors, all of which can diminish the flavor and freshness of the leaves. This makes metal tins an excellent choice for long-term storage or retail packaging, as they help maintain the quality of your tea. The only trade-off is that they prevent customers from easily viewing the tea, which is a consideration for those wanting to showcase their product's visual appeal.
• Glass Storage Jars: Glass jars are an ideal way to display tea on your shelves while keeping it fresh. The transparent glass allows customers to see the tea inside, showcasing the color and quality of the tea leaves. These jars are perfect for creating an attractive presentation in a teahouse or retail setting.
• Paper Bags with Viewing Window: Tin tie paper bags with a viewing window are perfect for selling loose leaf teas. The tin tie closure ensures a secure seal, while the window allows customers to see the quality of the tea inside. These bags are convenient for customers to use and provide an affordable yet attractive packaging option.
• Zip-Top Stand-Up Pouches: A popular choice for packaging tea for retail sale, zip-top stand-up pouches feature a zip closure for easy opening and resealing, ensuring the tea stays fresh. They are made with durable plastic making them the best option for displaying delicate teas on shelves or counters with patrons still able to view the contents inside. The stand-up design makes it easy to store them on shelves or displays and many come with hanging holes for increased merchandising convenience.
• Labels: Whether you're using them for display jars or need product labels for retail, labels and stickers are crucial for conveying important information about each tea variety, such as flavor profiles, brewing instructions, and pricing.

6. Teahouse Food Menu Ingredients

If you'd like to offer food items, it's important to carefully consider your menu based on your business's goals and the atmosphere you want to create. Will you offer a signature afternoon tea experience? If so, a selection of finger sandwiches and pastries might be all you need to create an authentic spread. Alternatively, if you plan to be open for breakfast and lunch, or want to foster a welcoming space for remote work, consider expanding your menu to include heartier options. Think about adding light, yet satisfying dishes like quiches, acai bowls, salads, wraps, and paninis to cater to a wider range of tastes and occasions.

If your teahouse will host events and traditional tea parties, offering a signature afternoon tea spread can help establish an authentic, inviting ambiance. Below is a list of common food items to include on your menu:

• Pastries: Scones, Tarts, Madeleines
• Finger Sandwiches: Cucumber, Smoked Salmon, Egg Salad and Cress
• Cakes: Victoria Sponge, Lemon Drizzle
• Cookies: Shortbread, Ginger Snap, Biscotti
• Macarons: Raspberry, Almond, Lemon
• Jams: Strawberry, Raspberry, Apricot