Their teas taste so much like artificial flavouring, even when they are just plain leaves, I guess from being in the same room as all the other strong ones. Even the pressed tuo cha pu er tea tasted like some fake apple that completely overshadowed the actual tea. Probably not a problem for a lot of people, but not for those who care deeply about a pure tea experience
Emily Thompson
As a tea lover, I was surprised to find that Victoria lacked places to buy high-quality looseleaf. For all the fuss about afternoon tea, there was barely anywhere to shop for bulk teas - which is why I was ecstatic to come across a woman rolling a hand truck loaded up with several kilos of freshly imported teas into the door of Special Teas! Stepping inside, I could smell quality tea and was delighted to find a multi-page menu of their options.Everyone working there really knows their stuff, and we were able to pick out several new teas to try for about half the price I’m used to in Seattle’s Pike Place market. What a gem!
NOMAD VAGABOND
Wonderful shop, amazing selection and service.
Joanna Whitter
Amazing staff member who was friendly, informative, and nonjudgemental (and in a cool shirt) as we asked a million different questions about tea. Cute packaging that includes all of the information you need for tea steeping, an easy access binder to read about all the different available teas, and reasonable prices. Recommend the Hojicha:) Steeped it four times and it was just as good as the first time every time.
Brookcooks3
Tea tea tea! I love it here! The salted caramel oolong was simply delectable. Warmed me up from head to toe! Miles, the magnificent tea merchant, was incredibly helpful and dare I say, kind.
PJ Matheson
went in with my partner to get a steeper, my partner simply asked the worker if they carry tea socks to which the worker very rudely replied ‘no we don’t, and we will NEVER carry them’ with no further comment or explanation- also didn’t offer any alternatives so i just grabbed the first one i saw. Wish i walked out and went to murchies instead. Was a completely unnecessary attitude to have towards customers, left surprised, uncomfortable and won’t be returning.
Vasil Kecheliev
Horrible working hours. Can’t make it before work hours nor after. Needs an update.
Peter R.
we've been buying loose teas here for 10+ years. Knowledgeable staff (3- generation-family), efficient services, and what a selection! Not a fancy corporation with cute and overpriced packaging!
Adam Saunders
This place is great! They’re the only place in town where I could find everything I needed for my newfound Yerba mate obsession! Much appreciated
Roz Queen
Amazing tea, so much selection!Miles was amazing and helped me find the perfect tea for me and my wife.
Best tea store ever! Love the grab & go variety packs!
Chris Clark
Excellent selection and very knowledgeable staff.
Morgan V
Amazing selection of high quality loose leaf teas. There is an entire binder of delicious blends to choose from. I was incredibly impressed.To my surprise, this store is so much more than just the cool teapots displayed in their front windows. It is family operated - and they speak Dutch too! :)I have been walking by this store for years and I can't believe I never ventured inside until now.Although the teapots and beautiful mugs are a bit more of a "want" than a "need," I would still recommend going in and looking around.The people are so friendly and sweet! Even though they were busy just the day before christmas, they had no problem answering all of my questions, offer opinions and recommendations, and taking the time to make me smile.As for the tea: it is exceptionally well priced. I left with a few really decent sized pouches which were each about ten dollars. There were other size options as well, starting at $5 for half the size. The 10$ ones will last a while because this is really flavourful stuff. Very unique ingredients and recipes.This place is a must-go and I only wish I had realized this sooner. 10/10!!
Envision Optometry
I have only been to Special Teas once and only for one tea, Jasmine Pearls. It is the worst Jasmine tea I have ever had, without ANY aroma or taste of jasmine whatsoever. In this instance, the tea was more expensive than other Victoria retailers.
Wesley St-Pierre
This store is wonderful. They have all the teas I ever dreamed of.
Their teas taste so much like artificial flavouring, even when they are just plain leaves, I guess from being in the same room as all the other strong ones. Even the pressed tuo cha pu er tea tasted like some fake apple that completely overshadowed the actual tea. Probably not a problem for a lot of people, but not for those who care deeply about a pure tea experience
As a tea lover, I was surprised to find that Victoria lacked places to buy high-quality looseleaf. For all the fuss about afternoon tea, there was barely anywhere to shop for bulk teas - which is why I was ecstatic to come across a woman rolling a hand truck loaded up with several kilos of freshly imported teas into the door of Special Teas! Stepping inside, I could smell quality tea and was delighted to find a multi-page menu of their options.Everyone working there really knows their stuff, and we were able to pick out several new teas to try for about half the price I’m used to in Seattle’s Pike Place market. What a gem!
Wonderful shop, amazing selection and service.
Amazing staff member who was friendly, informative, and nonjudgemental (and in a cool shirt) as we asked a million different questions about tea. Cute packaging that includes all of the information you need for tea steeping, an easy access binder to read about all the different available teas, and reasonable prices. Recommend the Hojicha:) Steeped it four times and it was just as good as the first time every time.
Tea tea tea! I love it here! The salted caramel oolong was simply delectable. Warmed me up from head to toe! Miles, the magnificent tea merchant, was incredibly helpful and dare I say, kind.
went in with my partner to get a steeper, my partner simply asked the worker if they carry tea socks to which the worker very rudely replied ‘no we don’t, and we will NEVER carry them’ with no further comment or explanation- also didn’t offer any alternatives so i just grabbed the first one i saw. Wish i walked out and went to murchies instead. Was a completely unnecessary attitude to have towards customers, left surprised, uncomfortable and won’t be returning.
Horrible working hours. Can’t make it before work hours nor after. Needs an update.
we've been buying loose teas here for 10+ years. Knowledgeable staff (3- generation-family), efficient services, and what a selection! Not a fancy corporation with cute and overpriced packaging!
This place is great! They’re the only place in town where I could find everything I needed for my newfound Yerba mate obsession! Much appreciated
Amazing tea, so much selection!Miles was amazing and helped me find the perfect tea for me and my wife.
Restaurantji Recommends
Best tea store ever! Love the grab & go variety packs!
Excellent selection and very knowledgeable staff.
Amazing selection of high quality loose leaf teas. There is an entire binder of delicious blends to choose from. I was incredibly impressed.To my surprise, this store is so much more than just the cool teapots displayed in their front windows. It is family operated - and they speak Dutch too! :)I have been walking by this store for years and I can't believe I never ventured inside until now.Although the teapots and beautiful mugs are a bit more of a "want" than a "need," I would still recommend going in and looking around.The people are so friendly and sweet! Even though they were busy just the day before christmas, they had no problem answering all of my questions, offer opinions and recommendations, and taking the time to make me smile.As for the tea: it is exceptionally well priced. I left with a few really decent sized pouches which were each about ten dollars. There were other size options as well, starting at $5 for half the size. The 10$ ones will last a while because this is really flavourful stuff. Very unique ingredients and recipes.This place is a must-go and I only wish I had realized this sooner. 10/10!!
I have only been to Special Teas once and only for one tea, Jasmine Pearls. It is the worst Jasmine tea I have ever had, without ANY aroma or taste of jasmine whatsoever. In this instance, the tea was more expensive than other Victoria retailers.
This store is wonderful. They have all the teas I ever dreamed of.