Zhi Tea
1023 Springdale Road #7A • Austin, TX 78721
512-220-3839 • zhitea.com
After growing tired of the corporate America lifestyle in Seattle, Washington, and phasing out beverages like coffee, soda, and alcohol, Jeffrey Lorien was in search of something healthier and more sustainable than what had surrounded him previously, and that’s when tea came to the rescue. In 2003, Jeffrey began to explore tea culture by diving into the loose-leaf tea world and learning as much as he could about the wholesome beverage. He decided to sell everything he owned and move to New York City in 2005 along with business partner Candace Oneida. Right down the street from their new abode was Alice’s Teacup, a thriving and well-known tearoom in the city. The popular haunt inspired Jeffrey and Candace to start a high-end tea business only selling certified-organic tea. Focusing on such a specific sect of the industry narrowed down options within the supply chain and led them to be introduced to the “Grandfather of Organic Tea,” Manik Jayakumar of Q-Trade.
Manik took the dynamic duo under his wing and helped them develop bespoke blends for their new tea venture. Fast forward a few years and a move to Austin, Jeffrey and Candace began selling the teas out of their home and “schlepping them to restaurants where no one knew tea besides sweet tea in 2007,” Jeffrey mentions. After three years of 100-hour weeks and intense community building, Zhi Tea was firmly established, and a loyal following had formed. “We were tea geeks,” Jeffrey chuckles. “It was all grassroots, and we’ve been like that ever since. We like to keep a family-size business of four to 10 employees for moderate risk and to maintain quality.”
In 2008, Zhi Tea acquired a physical location in East Austin, and the rest is history. The teahouse is a modern, open space full of warmth and beautiful natural light that invites people to come in, sip delicious teas at the tasting bar, and stay awhile. The exterior has the aesthetic of a trendy Austin hot spot without trying too hard to fit in and be like the rest. “It’s not a place for people on laptops,” Jeffrey says. “It’s a great place for quiet, reflection, and connection. You can meet new tea geeks, and there’s a tea library so people can read books there.” When visiting, refreshing herbal blends, like Turkish Spice Mint, and numerous spice-filled chais might be of interest as well as oolongs, green and black teas, and their signature matcha—one of the most well-loved choices on the menu that tends to sell out quickly. A small selection of tea treats prepared by 2Tarts Bakery in New Braunfels, Texas, is also available for purchase with your favorite infusion.
Beyond the casually cool demeanor of the space and enticing inventory, lies a palpable adoration for tea that is evident in even just a short conversation with Jeffrey, or “Dr. Oolong,” as some like to call him. “I love to pass on my wisdom and love for tea,” Jeffrey explains. “I enjoy helping people on their tea journey. It’s super water, and it’s the closest you can get to mother earth without being a gardener.” Whether you have the chance to savor a cup of tea in the teahouse and experience the incredible friendliness of the staff or encounter the brand by purchasing a subscription online, Zhi Tea will undoubtedly alter your perception of the vastness of the tea world with just one sip or tea-related joke from Jeffrey.
Zhi Tea is open Tuesday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
