Tea time
Shaktea, located on Vancouver’s funky Main Street at 21st Avenue, is the perfect place to down a spot – especially on those dark and damp West Coast days. This beautiful space is decorated in a soft, warm, soothing palette, draped with jewel-toned saris and furnished with hanging twig art and treasure-chest tables, making it feel as cozy and charming as the delicious teas that are served up inside.

Your cup of tea
With teas mainly from China and Japan, the kind and courteous counter staff – who know their product and take tea very seriously – is more than happy to educate you on the finer points of tea, and let you take a whiff, if necessary. Some flavours to steam about are Coconut Chai, Magnolia and Pomegranate White Tea and Chocolate Rooibos. Shaktea also offers a sampling of simple cakes and pastries and light meals, like carefully made sandwiches, to complement your perfect cup.

All the tea in China
Each order is served up in a small teapot that results in about three cups and comes with a little candle warmer to keep your tea toasty. You can actually buy various tea-making implements, including glass pots and tealeaf envelopes. Purchase the loose-leaf tea of your choice at Shaktea if you fancy brewing your own pot at home. The owners sometimes offer tea workshops in the space, and many other events and activities take place at Shaktea, as well.