Interestingly, what are arguably Vancouver’s most influential immi¬grant groups — the English, Chinese, and Indians — come from big tea cultures. It stands to reason, then, that tea drinking is big on the coast, although tea comes in some wildly diverse guises.
A perfect English afternoon high tea can be had at the Secret Garden Tea Company (5559 West Boulevard, Kerrisdale Village, Westside, 604-261-3070). Save space for those yummy little crustless sand-wiches and old-fashioned pastries. Or treat yourself to afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace ofthe Four Seasons Hotel (791 West Georgia Street, Downtown, 604-689-9333). Along with a steaming pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, enjoy, perhaps, an almond cake or chocolate mousse.
In a different vein, there’s T, the Tearoom (1568 West Broadway, Central Vancouver, 604-730-8390). This attractive space on a minimalist Asian theme serves 200 teas, many of which are sold through a Vancouver-based parent company to high-end hotels and restaurants around the continent. Here they serve a variety of oolongs, green teas, infusions, and traditional black blends. Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng Co. (550 Main Street, Chinatown, 604-684-1566) and Ten Lee (500 Main Street, Chinatown, 604-689-7598), run by the same people, promote the art of making Chinese tea (correct quantity, temperature, pot, and steeping). The Taiwanese-based importer sells green, red, white, yellow, and black teas grown in the mountains of Taiwan and China.
0-Cha Tea Bar (1116 Homer Street, Yaletown, 604-633-3929), in a converted warehouse, stocks sixty varieties of loose tea. Among them is the South African “rooibos,” said to do all kinds of good things to your body. The lemon rooibos is subtle and soothing.
Family-run Murchie’s Tea & Coffee (970 Robson Street, Downtown, 604-669-0783; and Oakridge Centre, South Vancouver, 604-872-6930) remains a city institution. At Robson, at least, where I occa¬sionally fill an order of my late and beloved Aunt Kay’s own blend (they hold on to personal recipes for an eternity), the tea blenders are friendly and well informed.
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