As they say, “tea is a ritual, an art that nourishes the soul.” One of the most popular beverages in the world, taking time for tea is an ancient routine for many cultures that ranges from seriously ceremonial and spiritual to meditative, elegant and fancy, or casual, fun and social.
In our modern world, we have access to tea from around the world and with food trends, we also have had many different versions and styles of preparing tea that have integrated into our food culture. Bubble or Milk Tea has been a newish addition to our food and beverage scene. This cold tea drink originated in Taiwan most commonly consists of tea accompanied by chewy tapioca balls ("boba" or "pearls) and/or milk and additional topping choices.
Afternoon Tea is a practice that originated in England and is one of the most lovely ways to enjoy a social time with tea and a delicious light meal with friends. Traditionally teatime includes delightfully small finger sandwiches and other savoury treats served alongside lovely little pastries and cakes.
Here are a few of our local venues offering a variety of ways to take tea in Kelowna.
1. Hotel Eldorado
For the fancy tea party, check out the beautiful Hotel Eldorado on Okanagan Lake. Here at their beautiful lakeside restaurant, they are serving “Afternoon Tea at the EL” from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on weekends. Enjoy a pot of high-quality tea to enjoy with delectable finger sandwiches, scones, and fine pastries. Or, instead of a cup of tea, opt for the Sparkling Tea which includes a glass of sparkling wine or choose the Champagne Tea for two.
2. O-Lake Café & Bistro
Downtown Kelowna’s O-Lake Café & Bistro is offering Afternoon Tea as well. By reservation only to ensure freshly baked treats, here in-house baker Suqi makes everything from scratch. This tea party comes with special Oolong or Green tea and a variety of savoury treats, scones and seasonal sweets including cheesecake. O-Lake also offers bubble tea all day.
3. Chai Baba
Chaibaba was one of our first exclusively tea venues and a hub for tea lovers downtown. Offering a wide range of high-quality loose-leaf teas and custom blends, this is the place to discover your tea match. Enjoy a cuppa here and sink into their relaxing vibe or purchase to make at home.
4. Catelowna
For something totally new, book a date to enjoy your tea with a cat or two. Catelowna Cat Cafe is a cat adoption centre with so much more. With events happening like yoga with cats, craft classes or tarot card reading events, all to be enjoyed with the resident kitties. The café portion has a range of high-quality organic teas to choose from and if you fancy a sweet treat, there are lots to choose from that are mostly gluten-free.
5. Formosa Tea Café
Formosa Tea Café has two locations in Kelowna and has bubble tea, milk tea, iced tea, and other beverages like smoothies or loose-leaf lattes. Specials here are the Red Bean Milk Shake, Orange Green Tea, Hong-Kong Lemon Black Tea or try out their Signature Iced Green Tea.
6. Milk and Sugar Bubble Tea Café
Another destination for this favourite tea trend is at Milk and Sugar Bubble Tea Café on KLO Road. Here they offer their own bubble tea creations, with all the extras available from coconut jelly, Oreo cookies, pearls, passion fruit toppings, or even with fresh Durian.
7. Teaberry's in Tutt Street Square
Teaberry's in Tutt Street Square was Kelowna's very first loose tea store opening 20 years ago. They offer 150 varieties of loose teas and infusions as well as all the accessories necessary for all of your tea party needs.
