After water, tea is the second most-consumed beverage in the world. Aside from its antioxidant health benefits and reduced caffeine levels, a hot cup of tea is just downright comforting during the cold winter. Luckily for us, one of the best tea bars in Boston is located minutes from the HBS campus.
Tealuxe is a diminutive caf‚ in Harvard Square stocked with more than 70 varieties of tea from which you choose your perfect cup. The staff is very knowledgeable about all offerings and will happily navigate you through their impressive selection. Also available are various yummy baked goods and countless tea accessories such as cute teapots to help you enjoy a personal tea party at home.
Seating is limited in this quaint atmosphere but if you can snag one, the window seats are prime people-watching real estate.
To give you an idea of their offerings, I have listed 10 of my personal favorites, along with Tealuxe’s description of the tea. But definitely stop in, have a cuppa and discover your own!
Details:
0 Brattle Street (at Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square)
617-441-0077
Silver Needle (China – white tea):
White tea is the most subtle tea variety, using only the finest tea leaves from each bush with minimal processing. The flavor is sweet and delicate with a clean, airy fragrance. Silver Needle is among the most revered of Chinese teas, gathered only in a few days of early spring to ensure a high-grade product.
Assam Organic (India – black tea):
This full-bodied, robust, malty tea has excellent color in the liquor. The leaf is quite small, adding to the strength of the cup.
Golden Monkey (China – black tea):
Picked from plants dating back to the 18th Century, this superb Keemun has a full, well-rounded body with a velvety character.
Masala Chai (India – black tea):
A classic combination of Nilgiri black tea blended with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove and black pepper. Traditionally served with steamed milk, sugar and/or honey.
China White Peach (China – white tea):
Rare white tea from China infused with the taste of ripe peaches. Smooth and subtle.
Gen-Mai Cha (Japan – green tea):
Bright, delicate Kyoto green tea mixed with toasted and popped rice. A visual treat like snow in the springtime. The roasty aroma is from the toasted rice. The flavor is mellow and unique. Sometimes called popcorn tea.
Vanilla Jasmine (Sri Lanka – black tea):
Start with the tastiness of good Ceylon vanilla tea and add sweet jasmine. The result: two flavors that meant for each other.
Tiger Hill Nilgiri (India – black tea):
The word Nilgiri literally translated means Blue Mountains, one of the most spectacular mountain ranges of South India. It is the land of wild elephants. Tiger Hill Estate is one of Nilgiri’s best gardens. Excellent flavor with a touch of mint.
White Blueberry (China – white tea):
Rare white tea from the Fujian region, flavored with sweet blueberries.
Ginseng Green Chai (India – green tea):
A zesty blend of American ginseng, ginger, cardamom, pepper and green tea. It is a natural tonic, low in caffeine, that invigorates the body and mind while reducing stress.
