Update - I did go back and I still love Blue Turtle! They have relocated to the Main Street in old town Westerville, which is a great location. I think the shop is a little smaller than their old location, but more open. The wall of testers is by the door, and the tea is labeled by flavor and variety. You can sniff and peruse to your heart's content. The decor is very cute, the staff are friendly, and it's a charming place to browse and enjoy. read more

This is a great place to find all things tea. The owner explained how to find the teas and how to brew each type. Hint: don't microwave your water. It's a major no, no. The shop is off the beaten path, in other words, you have to walk a bit to get to it, but once you find it, it's a pleasure. There's also a little garden with tables to sit and "drink" in the peaceful atmosphere. read more

See all

I've had this place bookmarked for a couple of years and just have not had the chance or reason to stop in. I'm glad that I needed a gift because the store is delightful if you are seeking teas. I needed a holiday gift for my aunt who absolutely loved the chocolate cherry tea that Asterisk serves. In stopping by Askerisk to purchase some, as I had done pre-pandemic, they referred me to the shop which was just around the corner. A quick walk from Asterisk itself. When entering the store we were warmly greeted. The owner showed us the wall of tea, marked by type, and explained how the wall of tea always laid out. Not only does this shop have tea it also carries some spice blends, tea brewing implements, and some candies. A great place to stop if you're looking for a thoughtful gift. Or if you're just looking to find yourself a new tea! Bonus, the tea was packaged in this cute bag with directions on how to get the best cup of tea based on what type of tea is in the bag. In speaking with the owner at checkout I also learned that you can purchase via their website and they will ship! (My aunt, who lives in Savannah, is going to love that she doesn't have to rely on me when she needs a refill on her favorite tea!) read more

Blue Turtle Tea & Spice - Great packaging of the tea at Uptown on Main: The Blue Turtle. - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

See all

This is exactly the experience I had hoped for. I'm a newb so they basically took me by the hand and helped me get started with some awesome options. Staff is super knowledgeable and very patient. The smell from those sample containers does them no justice compared to the smell when you crack a bag open. With an enormous selection I could have a new one everyday for a year it seemed like I will definitely be back. read more

This is a cute little tea shop. If you're a tea lover, then this is the store for you. They have tons of varieties of teas to choose from as well as spices. What I loved most about this tea shop is the owner, Elaine, is the sweetest and knows her tea. She was extremely helpful with questions and was just super pleasant to be around. She works at the shop and even has an office located to the left of the shop itself. You can tell this tea shop is very local community oriented. The teas I tried were Cold Care, Chai Sensation, and Berry Burst. Hence the name Cold Care, it is good when you are starting to get sick or already have a slight bug. It really helped my husband and I and soothed out throats. This is for sure a good blend. It also taste pretty good. However, I always put a little raw organic honey in my teas. The Chai Sensation of course had a nice chai flavor but it wasn't overpowering. It was a good tea as well. I tried the Berry Burst hot but should have probably drank it cold. Ms. Elaine told me it was a good tea cold but I decided to drank it hot. I should have listened. I could tell it was probably better iced. Hot, the taste reminded me a little of cold syrup. I cant stand any drink that taste like or reminds me of cold/cough syrup. I'm sure cold it is like the other teas and taste delicious. Overall, I would highly recommend Blue Turtle Tea Shop! The tea is legit and the owner is super sweet and helpful. read more

See all

I cannot tell you how much I love this place! It is a place of warmth and comfort beyond buying tea. The owner is delightful, she is very friendly and knowledgeable. I always buy too much, because it all sounds delicious. Her prices are very reasonable. Some of my favorite flavors are It's nut tea, Caramel cream, southern peach, and Irish cream. They also have spices, I just bought the stir fry. It has helped me kick my coffee habit! read more

Great shop just off the main strip in uptown Westerville. They have an array of tea and spices, with samples of certain teas. Friendly staff and very local/community oriented. During the Midnight Madness in October they do a haunted walkway. In December they do a take a selfie as a deer and get a treat for kids. Teas and spices are priced great and the staff is very knowledgeable. You can't go wrong stopping in here and grabbing some as a gift. read more

I love this tea and spice shop, and the owner. She has her teas so we'll organized and the prices are very reasonable. Try the Everything Bagel, you'll never want to purchase it from a grocery store spice isle again. read more

the owner was friendly and knowledgeable- the variety of tea was fantastic plus a few other goodies!!!

Their ghost chili is one of the best chilis I have ever eaten. The jerk quesadilla is delicious, too. As for the tea, they recommended the monk's blend and I loved it. They really know their tea collection. Just tell them what you like and they will find teas that you'll love. read more

I live in Westerville and was looking for a birthday gift for my dad and I wanted to get him some thing that he normally wouldn't get himself and wanted to find some spices that were free of salt. This wonderful place had quite a few options and even some off the wall seasonings like pizza seasoning. I got him quite a few different spices and seasonings and of course threw in the pizza seasoning. They've put it on potatoes and garlic bread before and liked it a lot. He was very shocked with such a nice gift and loved that it supported a local business. I've told quite a few people about this shop since and really need to stop back in to get myself some things! Their tea walls are beautiful and impressive. Tons of different flavors and varieties to choose from. They have tea pots and accessories. It's a very neat place with quality things. There is an outdoor fenced in area for sitting and the owner decorated for Halloween as well. Will be back soon. I need to take pictures next time! read more

This store is a wonderful cozy place that has the best Teas and Spices. When you enter, it is a charming store that fits in Westerville, Ohio you are greeted by the owner and she is truly a delight and makes you feel welcomed. The teas are my favorite! You are encouraged to smell everything and are rushed to decide which ones you love! It is a store that you use to compare other tea and spice stores. I have done this in 3 states now! Stop in for a minute or a half hour you will appreciate the fact that you did. read more

The staff is very welcoming and encourages browsing. Every time I've wondered about how to use a unique spice (ie habanero sugar) they've had excellent and practical ideas (use it in cornbread!) the snack/dessert items are unique and delicious. read more

A really lovely shop in Uptown Westerville featuring some really tasty custom made granola, spices, loose teas, and food. Haven't actually tried the sit down service, but we got some tea and spices to take home and their selection was fantastic! read more

Went in to investigate the tea and found out they served food. THe food is fresh, I had the turkey and ham sandwich with garlic mayo a side salad.. The bread is just normal sandwich loaf, but plenty pleanty of turkey and ham also the salad mix was good. The garlic mayo was just that. some mayo with garlic, could have used a little spice, maybe chipotle or even better herbed garlic aoli. The side salad was mixed greens with a few slices of cucumber, the balsmic vinegarette was excellent. I did end up putting that on the sandwich and was great. The vegitarian menu looks great. I had the Pheonix Jasmine Pearls tea which was very weak, however I make this tea at home and like it stronger. The Black Current was excellent especially with the wounderful carrot cake. THe piece was just enough for one and not too big. Could probably share if having lunch, However if just there for the tea and cake keep it all to yourself. It is just right. Amanda the owner is very knowledgable and friendly. She will definately work with you if there is anything you would like to try or order. This is a very enjoyable place to sit ,eat and chat. No soft furnature just regular table and chairs due to the walls being lined with spices and teas. I did buy the vanilla beans and some Tandori spice blend. Both are excellent. I made some rice pudding with the vanilla beans and Chicken Tikka Masala with the spices. Both excellent. You can smell all the teas and spices, even sample taste of the flavored sugars. They also sell local honey for the tea which is excellent. I would definately return for the vegitarian menu, the tea and desserts. I am excited to try the other items on the menu. read more

Variety of teas at Blue Turtle Tea Company.Valerie and I went to this place last Friday at 10 am since both of our kids were in preschool. When we stepped in, we were overwhelmed by the various smells of tea along with the smell of chili! We were greeted by the chef (who makes the food fresh daily!) and he educated us about the various types of tea (their website says they over 100 loose teas from around the world). After smelling the various teas,Valerie decided to go with a Cranberry Apple tea since she likes fruity smelling teas. I went with a chai tea and chose a Chocolate Chai tea. They delivered the teas in a tall tea mug with the loose leaves of tea in a tea strainer ball. (see picture below) The chef told us to let it steep for a few minutes and then we could add half and half (this is the only milk product you can add to your tea at this place) and any other sugars/sweeteners/honey. I thought my Chocolate Chai tea was just "okay" because I didn't care for the slighlty bitter aftertaste. Valerie on the other hand, loved her Cranberry Apple tea! After an hour of yapping with one another, it was time to order lunch! Valerie and I both ordered the "mixed plates" which is a 1/2 soup/salad ,1/2 quesadilla/soup or 1/2 sandwich/quesadilla. Both were $9.75. I ordered the 1/2 quesadilla called "The Islander" which is a Jamacian Jerk Pork ,hot and sweet bbq and sour cream on the side. This was absoultley FANTASTIC. When you bite into the quesadilla, it tastes sweet and then the heat/spice "kicks" in at the end! (Do I sound like a judge on "Top Chef" or what??) The other 1/2 of my order was the Ghost Chili Chili Soup and it was the right amount it was spice as well--okay I love food that is SPICY! (thank you Ghost Chili!) Val ordered the 1/2 salad Roasted Curry Apricot Chicken and Tomato Bisque Soup. Val thought the tomato bisque was delicious and she said "It tastes like homemade soup." Now, I do think that her chicken salad was the real star! The Roasted Curry Apricot Chicken--it started off with a slightly sweet taste (from the apricot) and then ended with a curry flavor! Even though our bill with tea and tip came up to $26, I do think the food/experience was worth every penny! It's been awhile since I have been "wowed" by food flavors and this place really surprised me! Blue Turtle Tea prides itself in offering organic and fair trade products (teas and spices) from around the world. They also offer classes, tea parties and "Murder Mystery" parties as well. The food is there is really a bonus (forgot to mention they have vegetarian and gluen free wraps!)! I never expected to find such original delicious food in this place. I am ready to go back! SMAC Approved! http://www.blueturtleteaandspice.com/Home_Page.html follow this and other reviews: www.smacolumbus.weebly.com read more

We love the Blue Turtle!! The owner is so helpful and welcoming! A great, local shop with a fantastic selection! :-)

This is an awesome store if you're a foodie and if you are a tea lover. The staff are really friendly and they know tea quite well. They have dozens and dozens of varieties of loose leaf tea, but the store makes experience very low-key and user-friendly. They explain the differences between varieties of teas and how to actually make tea properly... I really had a good time learning more. Having the fresher loose leaf tea makes a huge difference and so does preparing it correctly! The prices are so much better than Teavana, I love the variations... They have four kinds of chai. I'm hooks on the fresh herbs and spices they have here too. The roasted garlic granules really add a new dimension to my cooking, and I got pink sea salt as well as smoked black pepper and a bunch of other really interesting things to try. I'm also hooked on the incredible handmade candies they have there--WOW. I really like that they support other local businesses and sell local honey and other things as well! I think I'm going to plan a garden tea party here for my birthday. read more

See all

Woohoo is damn right. A friend from Pittsburgh and I, from Beckley WV, happened into this delightful shop while visiting Otterbein to hear Dominic Crossan. There was nothing either of us mentioned with one exception* that the Blue Turtle did not have in stock. My ideas of the esoteric have come from years of shopping groceries and co-ops and other purveyors of off-beat and bulk spices. I pride myself of having a complete stock of spices and herbs to cook most any kind of food--all arranged in four large cabinets alphabetically. The only place I've seen likes the of the Blue Turtle is Penzys in Squirrel Hill/Pittsburgh. This place outdid Penzys, however. The aesthetics of the displays are a treat to the eyes--works of art in themselves. Though prices are somewhat high, all the stock is organic--a claim I've not seen elsewhere. I had so much sensory overload from this store and the knowledge of its proprietress that it was only at the end we saw the place also sells food. This proved more than we could take in one afternoon. We ate elsewhere several hours later--food that was, I'm certain--much more pedestrian. I hope this store expands into other locations. Visit this place. You'll not be disappointed. George Exoo * Kalinji seeds fro India read more

Awesome selection of teas! Are you looking for an exotic or hard to find tea....chances are it's here!! The staff is extremely friendly and helpful in helping you to find the perfect tea for you. It's a little expensive for a glass of iced tea, $2.50, but OH so worth it! They make it fresh for you and the taste is incredible! The store is inviting and comfortable, a great place to bring kids for a fun snack while you enjoy some tea. The dessert selection is small but divine! The chocolate cake is to DIE FOR. Westerville is lucky to have this gem!! read more

Have yet to purchase spices but this place smells amazing as soon as you walk in the door. The woman who owns this little gem works front of house and was extremely sweet and happy to explain the foundings of her business and about new additions to the menu. We ordered hot cocoa (delicious), fresh iced teas (black tea and georgia peach) Yum! We had the tomato bisque which was nothing like any tomato bisque I have ever tested and it was delicious. The mushroom soup which was rich with flavor and also not anything like I expected. I was told the chicken salad sandwich was delicious by my mother in law but can not speak for it myself because I don't eat meat. I will say however that she is a very picky eater and had expected it to have a mayo base and it was mustard! She tried it though and immediately remarked.The portabella sandwich was the perfect balance of flavor and both were on a thick sliced hearty bread that was amazing. The house salad should be renamed. House salad makes me think of something basic. This salad was so unbasic I sopped up the dressing with the potato roll that came with my soup. All in all an excellent experience. We plan to visit again soon to try the new veggie burger theyre adding to the menu. Did I mention this place is all organic, free trade, and has vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options? Seriously. So good. OH OH OH and the end of my meal was topped off with a chocolate chocolate cake topped with expresso sugar. my mother in law got a peppermint patty. It was home made of course, shaped like a turtle :) and wrapped in blue foil. read more

And these people really don't care whether you like their food or not. I ordered a combo of chili and Mediterranean half sandwich. Big mistake! Chili was so HOT is was nonpalatable and the sandwich wet and soggy bread. Could not eat it. No offer to give me something else. It was like what did you expect? " It's called CHILI. " No apology. Then they presented the bill: $11.47! The guy (owner, I suppose) even asked if I knew any one who like to have it and he would pack it up. Are you kidding me? I won't go back. read more

Our host, a recent arrival from Florida, had the ceiling fan spinning a bit too fast to actually squelch the Ohio chill, so thank goodness the hot tea did the trick! They have an entire wall of loose teas and are very willing to let you try one if you aren't sure what you want. My sandwich was really tasty---I love curry. Though I didn't try the soup, they had two flavors today. I will go back--probably again and again---and hope the ceiling fan is spinning slower next time. To read my full review: www.411forfoodandfun.wordpress.com. read more