Red Blossom Tea Company

I visited this tea shop after many years and was very disappointed by the service and attitude of the shop keeper. I wanted to buy some aged white tea and was told that they don’t sell that to retail customers, but only supply to restaurants. I asked if I could do a tea tasting to find out what I would like to get and was told they don’t do tea tasting and kept bragging about their business supplying tea to Michelin star restaurants. The shop keeper then pointed me to the screen that shows all their tea selection and directed me to browse on my own. I know very little about white teas and was hoping to learn more about it so that I can figure out what to get, but the shop keeper showed very little interest in explaining to me about their tea selection and I had no idea what to get. The conversation did not feel welcoming nor was it helpful. I used to love this tea shop because the owner I met from over ten years ago was very friendly and willing to share their knowledge of tea. But I had a diametric opposite experience now and will not patronize this tea shop again.

The store is super nice and the tea is packaged well, but the tea leaves are not for the tea connoisseurs. We bought about 10 different single serving teas and they were all very disappointing compared to our teas sourced from elsewhere considering the price. They lose their “cha chi” very quickly and the flavors are of the less expensive varietals even though they are asking for medium/high prices.

Excellent selection of teas and I appreciated being able to sample some before purchasing. Friendly customer service.

What an incredible tea showroom! I first discovered this brand during a tasting at Opus One winery. They’ve partnered with renowned Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area, including Benu, Atelier Crenn, and The French Laundry.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff with a good selection of Chinese teas. The tasting is a little expensive but they give you so much tea and tell you so much about brewing methods, tasting notes, and how & where they select their teas that it's well worth it. A must visit for tea lovers.

Also there's absolutely no language barrier which is very comforting for someone whose Chinese is as bad as mine.

What makes RED BLOSSOM special? Not only do they “ensure food safety, sustainability, and the cleanest possible infusions”, they” batch test our teas through SGS for over 400 pesticides, heavy metals, and chemical residues”

Also love the instructions on the packaging .. follow the water temperature & brewing time instructions for the perfect cup of ?

The collection box gives 4 variety of the same tea . Great as a sampler to try a variety of the same type of tea.

I came across this tea somewhere else, so I ordered it and drank it. As expected, the packaging was neat and the taste quality of the tea was really good.

Red Blossom Tea in San Francisco's Chinatown is a must-visit for any tea lover. This charming little shop isn't just a place to buy loose leaf tea and teaware; it's a gateway to a world of flavors and aromas. Red Tea Blossom ships their teas to restaurants as well as corporate offices, and after speaking with the owner, I can also confidently say that this place is all about sharing their passion for this ancient beverage.

We walked in on a Saturday afternoon and were surprised by the tranquility. Unlike the usual Chinatown bustle, the shop offered a calm, inviting atmosphere. The display shelves were lined with an impressive selection of teas, each with a label highlighting its origin, flavor profile, and price. A color-coded system made navigating easy: the red labels indicated their premium collection, while white labels marked the more budget-friendly options.

Our exploration began even before we reached the shelves. We were welcomed with a complimentary cup of refreshing cold-brewed osmanthus tea, a delightful introduction to what awaited us.

The in-store tea tasting is a fantastic feature, and while reservations aren't accepted, there was no wait on our visit. We learned that tastings are done standing-room only and conclude by 4:30 pm, accommodating up to four guests at a time. Though advertised as 5-10 minutes, our session turned into a delightful hour and twenty minutes, thanks to our incredible host.

Their tasting fee is very reasonable, with Red Label teas priced at $18 and others at $12 per sample. Our tasting began with three our three selections: a Dragonwell green tea, an Ao Fu Hou phoenix oolong, and a wild leaf Menghai Sheng Pu-erh from 2003.

The Dragonwell, crafted in Pan'an County, China, was a revelation. As described, it was smooth, buttery, and lingered pleasantly on the palate with a subtle corn aftertaste, likely due to the pan-frying process.

The Ao Fu Hou, on the other hand, was a symphony of apricot, honey, and warm spices. This oolong was a true showcase of quality, with a long, layered finish.

The wild leaf Menghai Sheng Pu-erh, hailing from Menghai County, Yunnan, offered a distinct contrast. Its earthy and camphor notes developed richness with longer steeping, culminating in a smooth, almost stone-fruity character.

But the journey didn't end there. After trying 3, we decided to try one more - Fu Shou Shan oolong from Taiwan. This delightful tea unfolded with each steep, revealing an initial sweetness of sugarcane and cream, followed by complex floral and tropical notes. The finish was rich and lingered pleasantly.

Throughout the tasting, the aroma of the teas was as captivating as their flavors. Each steep, from hot to lukewarm to even cold, offered a unique flavor experience. It was a testament to the quality of the teas and the expertise of our host in guiding us through the process.

Our host's passion and knowledge truly elevated the experience. She wasn't just pouring water; she was sharing a story about each tea's origin, how it's grown, and how geography influences the harvest. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her willingness to share a personal favorite tea with us (free of charge) was a heartwarming touch.

While we admittedly drank quite a bit of tea that afternoon, the Ao Fu Hou oolong emerged as the clear crowd favorite. The wild leaf Menghai Sheng Pu-erh was undeniably strong, best suited for seasoned tea drinkers.

I highly recommend this place and especially their in person tea tasting.

Wonderful family-owned tea shop in historic San Francisco China Town. I’ve been a happy customer for over a decade now! They’ve been one of my local go-to vendors for high-quality tea and artisanal tea ware, though the latter tends to be priced on the higher side. Not a knock by any means, as the wares I purchased are some of the best pieces I own.

I’ve enjoyed their excellent Tieguanyin, Dragon Peral Jasmine, several Formosa Oolongs, and Three Cultivar Red, all teas I like to keep on hand as my tea budget allows.

Their in store environment (and the neighborhood) has changed a lot since 2020, by necessity, of course. I do miss lifting the lids of the tea jars and sampling the scents of the different teas, but I agree with the decision to keep everything pre-packed. Their online shop makes things very convenient, but I do recommend visiting the physical shop if you find yourself in the area. Looking forward to my next tea restock visit!

Very rude staff. No free samples. The sales person was very rude to me until I decided to buy and went to check out to the cash register. Then suddenly she started being nice to me and offered me a sample.

Wish I could have spent longer taking in this wonderful shop. Was thrilled to find a vacuum-sealed, double-walled thermos (the included insulated sleeve is a must as it can get quite hot) - I used it for the first time yesterday and it worked beautifully...plus it is exquisitely designed. Haven't tried the teas I bought yet, but given how informed and kind the staff were, have no doubt they will be delightful.

For over a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of being a loyal customer at Red Blossom Tea Company. Each visit feels like a delightful escape into the world of tea, where fragrant leaves and rich traditions intertwine.

[1] Warm Welcome: Stepping through the door, I’m greeted by an inviting atmosphere—a sanctuary for tea lovers. The knowledgeable staff, led by the gracious owner, Alice, embodies the spirit of hospitality.

[2] Tea Exploration: The vast selection of teas beckons, like a library of aromatic treasures. From delicate jasmine to exotic persimmon blossom, each cup tells a story. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve sampled their offerings, always discovering something new.

[3] Guidance and Expertise: Alice and her team are more than salespeople; they’re tea guides. Their recommendations are spot-on, tailored to my flavor preferences. Whether I’m seeking tranquility or adventure in a teacup, they steer me toward the perfect brew.

[4] Tasting Rituals: Red Blossom invites you to explore. With complimentary tastings, I’ve sipped my way through oolongs, pu-erhs, and delicate white teas. It’s an education in every cup, and I leave with newfound appreciation.

[5] Global Connections: The teas sourced from China and Taiwan carry stories of distant mountains, skilled artisans, and ancient traditions. Red Blossom bridges cultures, allowing us to savor the world in a porcelain vessel.

[6] Ever-Evolving: Like a tea garden in perpetual bloom, Red Blossom introduces new varieties regularly. Their commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that each sip is an adventure.

In summary, Red Blossom Tea Company isn’t just a shop; it’s a journey of flavors and friendship. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, this little haven on Grant Avenue invites you to taste, learn, and linger.

Silver Needle Jasmine teamost expensive tea that my family likei bought 1/4 lb already pack in a sealed plastic bag.after few days we triedfind out it could be mix w/ unauthentic teaor fake tea.

I bought my daughter some tea and a thermos for Christmas. In January, less than a month of using it, the lid to the thermos broke. I wrote to customer service and asked for a replacement lid and they said that because of the 30 day return policy, they couldn’t help me.

Red Blossom... thanyou I love the tea. This batch of Chamomile Flower that i recieved. Is the Freshest most potent batch that I've ever had. The aroma is like... Chocolate ? and Cranberry dancing together. Wow and Beautiful are the words.