It's a Great Time to Be a Tea Fanatic

The world’s most popular drink has new champions in the U.S.

Growing up in a Turkish household, having a cup of tea was a natural punctuation to my day, whether concluding a hastily enjoyed breakfast before school or a never-ending family dinner.

As first-generation Americans whose families hail from the tea-loving countries of India, Japan, China, Vietnam, and beyond turn their most treasured cultural rituals into full-fledged businesses, I can hardly contain my excitement each night when I go to brew a pot. Here are a few of my favorite brands that are breathing new life into one of the world's oldest drinks.

Related: If It Doesn't Make Me Smell Like a Teapot, I Don't Want It

Alaya Tea

Esha Chhabra and Smita Satiani started their company, Alaya, in September 2019. "Back in 2016, I had the opportunity to visit tea estates in Darjeeling," says Chhabra, whose family is originally from Kolkata. "These growers are going through a lot with the shifting monsoon and changing rain patterns." The cofounders source Alaya's offerings from women in Darjeeling, who hand pluck and roll the leaves. alayatea.co

Us Two Tea

From stress-relieving jasmine to a beautifully woodsy yet creamy baozhong (Taiwan's most popular tea varietal), Us Two Tea founder Maggie Xue sources each of her offerings directly from farms across Taiwan. The biodegradable corn fiber sachets are full of immune system- and mood-boosting leaves. Steep the black tea and watch the breathtaking ruby-red hue erupt seemingly out of nowhere—you'll thank me later. ustwotea.com

Tekuno

Catherine Jue is the proprietor of the San Francisco tea shop Tekuno, which specializes in high-end Japanese teas and "doesn't treat customers like babies," but instead trusts their palates will welcome a delicate sencha with notes of roasted tomato, warm milk, and pea shoots. In a new showroom near Golden Gate Park, Jue offers monthly tastings and also carries ceramics from both local and Japanese artists. teawithtekuno.com

The Qi

With The Qi, Lisa Li, who emigrated from Beijing at age 14, shares restorative teas made using edible flowers like blue lotus, chrysanthemum, and sakura blossoms, all of which are directly sourced from sustainable farmers in China. "We're the counterpoint to coffee culture, with its hustle and convenience," she says. "This is very much about taking a few minutes in your day to enjoy something beautiful and joyful." the-qi.com

"If you ask Lisa Li, dunking a supermarket tea bag into a mug and assuming that's all the category has to offer is like eating a hotdog and thinking, "Oh, this is what Wagyu is.""

The Tea Lover's Tool Kit

Bloom Glass Teapot

Lisa Li collaborated with homeware designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen to create this handmade teapot with delicate ball feet and a funky squiggle handle. Drop in a flower and watch it brew and bloom. $75 at the-qi.com

Small Glass Cups

With hand-painted gold rims, these miniature heat-resistant tasting cups are equal parts luxurious and practical. $30 for 2 at the-qi.com

Kotodo Hand-Laquered Tea Canister

Delicate tea leaves need shielding from light, humidity, and moisture. These canisters look sleek while preserving precious cargo and can also be used for coffee beans or spices. $22 at teawithtekuno.com

Asahiyaki Hourglass Timer

Time is of the essence when brewing a proper pot. This hourglass timer elapses 90 seconds, perfect for sencha, or you can turn it over to make a pot gyokuro. $48 at teawithtekuno.com

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