I found Tay Tea after a friend recommended it and I stalked their website, and wow... I'm so glad I…read moreactually went in person. It's not just a tea shop - it's a world of tea, clothing, apothecary goodies, all in one space and a true hidden gem in Delhi, NY.
As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by Nini, an absolute ray of sunshine. Talking to her is like getting a warm hug, but don't get it twisted - she is not a pushover. Once she knows you, she'll give you gentle reality checks when you need them. She keeps it real, no fluff, and she's so authentically herself that it's inspirational. This is her tea shop, and you can instantly feel how much hard work, love, and energy she pours into everything.
She has an insane variety of tea - not just a couple basics. There are hand-blended signature teas and straight organic single-note teas: floral Persian Rose, rich black teas like Duchess' First Love, fun names like Better Than Sex, plus soothing herbal, rooibos, and classic teas for purists. My top two picks were Azul (Blue Butterfly Pea Flowers, lemon verbena, lemongrass) and Catskills Harvest (apple, sumac, rosehips, hibiscus, lemon verbena, wild roses). Azul is amazing iced, and with a splash of apple juice it's even more delicious.
There's a huge tea bar counter where you can taste teas while you're there. I sat at the bar, trying different teas while talking with Nini as she explained what was in each one, what it's good for, and the intention or story behind it. She also has coffee, which was delightful, and I completely forgot to buy some... another reason to go back.
She also sells baked goods and food like empanadas (so good), and from our conversation it seems everything is gluten-free and vegan, which is phenomenal if you have dietary stuff going on but still want treats.
After my tea-tasting session, I checked out the tea section and that's where you really see the variety. There are testers everywhere so you can open, smell, and see exactly what's in each blend. Everything is loose-leaf and every package has the ingredients listed on the front so you know exactly what you're getting.
I asked Nini a ton of questions - including personal health things - and asked what she thought would be best for me after I had already picked out my selections. She is clearly not just in this to make sales. Instead of pushing me to buy everything, she paused and gave thoughtful, intentional suggestions. She speaks from a real, genuine place and cares about every customer who walks in. She helped me choose products for my stomach and for sleep, on top of what I'd already picked, and I never felt pushed or pressured - just supported and understood.
Once I finished picking my tea, I wandered through the rest of the store. They have a plethora of other things - clothing, gifts, apothecary and self-care items - and that's when I started talking to Jean, the other person working there.
Jean greets you with open arms and has a strong, courageous, resilient spirit. Just like Nini, she genuinely cares about the people who walk in. I asked about her favorite products, she showed me her go-tos, and of course I bought one of her favorites because I love trying what other people are obsessed with.
By the time I was done shopping, I didn't just have tea - I also had other products, including a magnesium foot cream for relaxation and sleep, plus some balms and other goodies. Then I went back to the tea bar and sat with both Nini and Jean. We shared stories, talked more, and went way past basic small talk. My favorite thing about them - and this shop - is that they do not stay on the surface. They care about genuine conversation, speak from the heart, and they're not just there to sell you something.
The whole store radiates good energy because they are the heart of it, creating that beautiful energy that fills the space. If you're open to deeper conversation, they will match that and give you a real connection and an experience that's much better than the usual "Hi, how are you, okay bye" retail nonsense. None of that mumbo-jumbo here. Nini and Jean have knowledge and truly care about their customers. They have your health and best interests in mind.
By the time I left, it honestly felt like they were family. This business is run by an amazing woman who has done incredible things and is now sharing her passion with the world, and you can feel that in every product she creates. Jean is creating alongside her - Nini built this business, and Jean is a shining star in it as well. They balance and amplify each other in the best way.
I am extremely satisfied with my visit, and their products are phenomenal. You will not find better quality or a more heartfelt, intentional experience anywhere else. Between the tea bar, hand-blended teas, fashion and apothecary items, baked goods, empanadas, and the way they pour into every person who walks in, this place is truly special.
I genuinely cannot recommend this shop more
