Tea Revolution: A guide to Melbourne’s best cuppas
MOVE over coffee because Melburnians have a new favourite fix: tea! Emily Umstad has your guide to Melbourne’s most tea-riffic tea rooms where you can sit down and unwind with a cuppa.
Photo: Jill (Jill’s colorful world_ via Flickr
Melbourne has a rich coffee history, but more and more people are snubbing coffee for a hot cup of leafy deliciousness.
Previously tea was a token addition to any cafe’s menu and if you dare order one, you would probably have had to face the same scorned stare usually reserved for those who order decaffeinated coffee.
With people becoming more health conscious, the move towards tea was a natural one as many brews boast medicinal properties. Invoking a tea revolution, we’ve seen more niche tea houses pop up by the day here in Melbourne – teahouses that offer everything from oolong to fruit tisanes.
With so many options available around town, we have just a few to get you started on your road to a tea epiphany.
Hopetoun Tea House
Shop 1 & 2, 282 Collins St, Melbourne; Monday – Saturday (8.00 – 5.00), Sunday (9.00 – 5.00)
Reflecting the charms of the late 19th century, one of Melbourne’s finest tea rooms offers a real high tea experience in a historic setting.
Founded in 1891, this Melbourne icon features classic teas and stunning cakes in a beautiful old world setting.
Nestled in Melbourne’s Block Arcade on Collins St, this is a must visit when in the city with family and friends.
More on Hopetoun Tea Rooms can be found at its official site.
Porcelain Tea Parlour
149 Elgin St, Carlton; Everyday (2.00pm – late)
Dainty teaware, delicately flavoured orange blossom macarons and lovingly brewed speciality tea is what you will enjoy at the Porcelain Tea Parlour on Elgin St in Carlton.
This quaint and cozy store houses many spots to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea, play a board game or read a book as you enjoy seeing the day go by.
New to Melbourne’s burgeoning tea scene, Porcelain Tea Parlour offers a unique experience; a calmness and a quietness that seems to match perfectly with the soothing properties of their subtly flavoured jasmine tea.
Learn more about Carlton’s Porcelain Tea Parlour at the teahouse’s official website.
Oriental Tea House
Various locations (Chapel St, Little Collins St, Chadstone); Various times
Tea and Yum Cha were made for each other, and if you’re looking for an authentic Chinese fix, Oriental Tea House definitely delivers.
With more than 60 types of tea on offer, Oriental Tea House is a stunning retreat for a hot cup of tea and some delicious dumplings.
Located in various places around Melbourne, Oriental Tea House sells teas, teapots and cups so you can relax at home with gorgeous Chinese tea too!
Oriental Teahouse is located in various spots around Melbourne. You can find your nearest store at their official website.