If you like quality tea, you will love this place. Roberta knows her stuff and is always willing to sharing her knowledge and suggestions about different teas and tea accessories. My favorites are the green teas. Many choices! Always a pleasant and positive shopping experience. Actually its more than just shopping, it's more about sharing the love of tea! read more

We have purchased multiple bags of tea over the last few years. The quality is always amazing. We also appreciate the information about each one plus the expertise provided based on what kind you want us so appreciated. I love you can open up their sample jars to smell the aroma before you buy it. It's so nice having a dedicated tea shop with so many choices so close by. If you're looking for a chill vibe and great place with tons of tea this is your spot!! read more

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Visited the shop for a Matcha tea class. Roberta was very well versed in the different teas and we were able to try quite a few. Lovely shop and owner. Definitely worth a visit if you are a tea lover. read more

A few friends and I attended one of Roberta's tea classes, and the time flew by! We learned a lot about the history of British tea. The shop itself is lovely, and the owner is friendly and helpful. There's a fantastic selection of teas to purchase as well. I'd definitely sign up for another class here! read more

I attended the British Tea class as well as purchased teas from this lovely shop. The class was informative and presented by Roberta who is very knowledgeable. I loved learning more about tea from someone who has travelled to tea producers and saw for herself what makes high quality teas. I look forward to enjoying more classes and more tea from this wonderful shop! What s GEM in Issaquah. Thank you! read more

The feel of the store, at first impression, was a bit sterile. However, the staff was very friendly servers that seemed knowledgeable about tea. This included notes, aroma and feel. They had some pastries left over from an earlier British tea experience and offered some to us. The concept was a neat one focused on expounding tea knowledge and sharing about visits to tea growing locations. They had a great selection of many different tea types (white, green, oolong, puer, black herbals, infusions, etc.). However, it seems like it was relying on the concept of tea classes rather than serving exceptional tea. Now for the factors that negatively influenced my review. While the concept of a tea training was neat, we were denied a quick tasting of a selection of tea. They said it would take 1.5 hours, but we were only looking for a 10 minute taste of a variety of teas to decide if we liked them and see if we wanted to buy in bulk (if we liked them). We tried a few and shared among ourselves, but the preparation was not properly done so as to get a good taste. The water used (simple hot water spout) was not the correct temperature (not hot enough) so the extraction of the tea was lacking and had very weak tea. It was also not ideal since there were no proper tea pots to steep and share tea in small cups. Second, I found the ambiance a bit sterile that could be made more amenable to hanging out tasting tea as many tea tasting places make. However, I understand that their model is made to not allow lingering. Lastly, I think they are missing a very important factor of tea and that is of the ceremony of tea preparation and serving. Proper tea cupping (which they did have a setting) for Chinese teas or tea pots for British black teas with milk. Instead we got single paper cups without lids steeped in lukewarm water. The entire experience of tea preparation, tasting and enjoying was lacking despite the name of the store. Consequently, I found the concept of the store a good one, but it was lacking in execution for those that walk-in. Perhaps if I was able to get a course booking to experience tea that would have been different. However, if that is the intent, then you should be a primarily appointment only place without walk-in service along with online orders. I am leaving this review mainly to help the store improve the experience rather than just a critical review. I would love to see them succeed and improve. read more

My first time here I got a sample of the hibiscus punch and fully fell in love. I came back to buy more and it was 3:51pm and they close at 4:00. The lady didn't let me in and told me I'm closing dear. So yeah .. very disappointing as I was going to purchase the hibiscus punch again but oh well .... I guess I will order online from another place. Next time ... stay open till your closing time and maybe you would've gotten a big sale. read more

I've been a customer here for years... loving both the tea selection, the information Roberta shares when I'm in the store, and the selection of classes to further my tea knowledge. This review is promoted by a recent virtual class I attended on the Legends and Scandals of Tea. The details and materials (tea) sent prior to the class made it very easy to feel comfortable being my tea the same way that Roberta was, and her teaching style and pace worked great for giving us all a chance to prepare our tea while she prepared hers and continued to teach. It was well done and I recommend checking out any of her classes! read more

Cute little shop, with a unique storefront right on Front Street, although a little easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. It's right next door to Levitate. It is a well-organized store with a large selection of teas, organized into green, oolong, black, rooibos, etc. I was greeted by the a friendly and beaming young lady. She answered my questions, made useful suggestions based on what I was looking for, shared her passion for tea, and was helpful all the until I was out the door. The teas were so fresh and fragrant that I'm going to have to go back and try everything that stood out. The GenMaicha tastes as you'd expect and the Caramel Cake Rooibos was an unexpected treat! There is something charming about tea shops, and this quaint shop might have more magic than the rest. In addition, I found the prices on par, if not more affordable than some other places in Seattle. I highly recommend browsing the teas here and check out the classes and activities that they offer. read more

The world of tea is massive, and anyone can source a bunch of tea, put it in fancy jars and make you feel good about the organic gunpowder green you just bought. Experience Tea does so much more than that. The tea here has been curated by an extremely knowledgeable owner who passion shows clearly the second you ask a question. I went in inquiring about matcha, as I had only had bad grocery store matcha until recently, and before I knew it I was in an impromptu class on how to brew matcha as well as understand the different grades. My husband, our household tea expert, has been blending his own tea for quite some time and we have been able to get good quality ingredients as well as advice and ideas as to what new directions he can take his own blends. From fruity to earthy, this shop has everything. A good tea shop is worth it's weight in gold and this is one fantastic tea shop. read more

The most amazing selection! So happy with the variety and the owner is very happy to assist you personally. It is also in a great area. read more

Roberta is an Issaquah treasure! She blends the best teas! She is generous with her time and kindness. Love love love Santa's Blend! read more

This store has an amazing selection of high quality loose leaf teas. One of the best places to get your tea and Roberta is always willing to help me find the perfect tea! :) read more

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Roberta knows her teas very, very well. Her classes are 110% worth taking, especially if you're new to the universe that is tea and need some guided introduction. I actually found her shop from talking to her during the NW tea festival because my friend and I ended up talking to Roberta in her booth and she's super friendly and nice and knowledgeable. Her shop also has some really nice blends! One of my favorite teas period is her Moonstruck iced. read more

Roberta is a true treasure! Her classes are educational and fun! She mixes her own tea blends! She is delightful and well informed on all aspects of tea. My only wish would be that she had seating for having tea inside her place!!! read more

Over a year ago, I was trying to find more of a tea that had come from Russia that was a mix of black tea, oolong, and various fruits. A friend, Jenny, said - you need to visit Experience Tea and talk to Roberta. Um, Ok, I live in Forks - it's is Issaquah, but sure. So, on a trip, I pulled into Issaquah and walked into one of the most intriguing and educational shops I have ever browsed. Roberta smelled, tasted, and then started pulling various teas out of probably over a hundred - heck maybe more on her shelves - and slowly over the course of the next thirty to forty minutes recreated and improved on the tea I had enjoyed. I have gone back to Roberta a couple of times now for more of that blend. The last time was in her shop and while my visit was short due to my schedule, I again learned more in minutes from her that made the tea being bought an added bonus. Truly, if you like tea, you have to visit this shop. You will not be disappointed. If you love tea, you have to visit this shop and enjoy a true adventure in learning, smell, and taste. This is a true NW original gem. read more

I really wanted to like this place. They did such a cute educational session on tea for kids. But all in all the service was horrible. The staff were rude and the tea was over priced with a mundane selection. read more

My second visit here today. Roberta is so friendly and all the teas are freshly stocked. I am a little obsessed with Vanilla Camilla, but everything I've tried here is great. There are black, white and red teas as well as caffeine-free varietals. It's not huge, but seems an ideal size for a smaller community store to keep all the teas moving and fresh, and there is ample variety. There are also some cute teapots and such if you need accoutrements. So glad it was the first store I found in my new home town. read more

great selection of tea and the girl who helped me was so nice!! she gave me a couple samples and some great tea info. i wish i lived in the area and could come back, i'm sure i'll be ordering some online from michigan :) read more

Roberta is now selling locally made gourmet truffles and caramels which are wonderful. Got a box my last visit, and now I'm going to get more tea and chocolates. Not only does she sell great teas but now you can also get your chocolate fix, what's not to like about that! She finds the best products for her store. I love to visit and try the new hand mixed teas she creates. Her quality is unsurpassed and she is always a delight to talk to, so knowledgeable. Absolutely love the new "Sonnetts" chocolate truffle line! What a great addition! read more

Experience Tea - Chocolates on display at Experience Tea - Cooking Schools Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

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This place gets 5 stars on multiple fronts. To start, the selection is incredible. Roberta meticulously stocks her tea and there is something for everyone with the great variety she has. She has them organized by type and keeps them fresh in air locked canisters. She takes the time to really know the quality of her stock and you can trust you are only getting the best from her. Next, Roberta is passionate and an expert in her field. She has studied tea and taken the time to visit some of the locations she gets her teas from. Not only is she knowledgeable, but she's also actively trying to spread the knowledge with her tea classes. The shop is clean, and organized, you are always welcome to try something or take a sample of something if you aren't sure. This is a prime destination for tea lovers and tea novices alike. Issaquah is lucky to have Roberta and her tea shop. read more

We were on our way to swim lessons and I just happened to see the sign for Experience Tea on the way. "Interesting", I thought and decided to try it one day. It had escaped my thoughts, then I saw the discount offered on Plum District. So, I bought vouchers for a class for myself and my Mother in Law for Christmas. Let me tell you. THIS PLACE IS SO WORTH IT! It's run by one lady who used to be a banker and then decided to do what she loved. So, she opened Experience Tea. It's a tiny shop in downtown Issaquah devoted to loose leaf tea's of all sorts. Green tea, white tea, black tea, herbal tea, fruity tea, fermented tea, smoked tea and everything in between. It's not a "high-tea" kind of place with food served, but more a tea store/ tea education place. The owner holds classes like "Tea Blending" where she teaches you about tea, you taste different kinds and then make your own blend. When the class is over, you bring home a canister of what you made. If you don't like what you made while experimenting, then you start over and try again. My Mother in Law and I both had a fantastic time and ended up leaving with several different kinds along with the one's we made. The owner also offers a Tea Discovery class among others and even said she was thinking about doing a kids class. Gift Certificates and tea paraphernalia are also available, so this place is perfect for gifting. The owner is wonderful, her store is wonderful, the tea is wonderful and I will be a long-term customer for sure! This is a hidden treasure in Issaquah. read more

This is a fantastic tea shop that's much more than just a place to buy tea -- it's a place to discover and learn about tea. The owner is passionate about sharing knowledge about tea because there aren't that many people out there doing this. I highly recommend the classes. I've taken two so far, and both have been great. I've learned new things about tea and tasted teas I hadn't tried before. Even with the typed I had tried, it was a more interesting experience to taste them side by side with other teas to really understand the differences. We tasted around 8 teas in each class, learned where they were from, learned how they were made, and discussed flavors and aromas. Class sizes are limited to a small group, so everyone can talk and ask questions. It does also mean that classes sometimes fill up, so definitely register in advance. I'm looking forward to taking some of the other classes in the future. The teas in the shop are high quality and reasonably priced. This isn't a random selection of tea. The owner carefully selects what ends up in the shop, and there's good representation across the spectrum. She also gives good advice on what to choose based on your preferences. I've sadly watched a number of retail tea shops come and go on the Eastside, and I really hope this one is here to stay. It's worth the trip to Issaquah! Go learn about tea NOW! :) read more

Experience Tea is amazing!!!!! I absolutely LOVE this place. Roberta is so knowledgeable, passionate and kind. Her tea selections are numerous and unique plus her recommendations are spot on! I've attended a few of the classes she offers as well. You will definitely want to partake in a class for you won't be disappointed. They also make an excellent gift for friends and family! She has everything you need to make a perfect cup of tea too. I purchased a great cup that I love. Thank you for all that you do and offer Roberta! I appreciate you:) read more

On my first visit I usually do not give five stars, wish they had 4.9! What a treat to have a quality tea store with an owner, Rebecca, so passionate & knowledgeable. If you would like to "experience" the world of teas stop in, the owner will answer your questions, make suggestions, think of her as the wine master of teas. My loose white tea purchase came with instructions for proper brewing. Travel the world of teas with one of Rebecca's classes. And there is parking behind the store. read more

The owner has an amazing selection of teas, and deep knowledge of how to get the best flavor out of each variety. A terrific visit for both the tea aficionado and people who are just beginning to appreciate tea. read more

Recommendations are spot on and the tea is just fantastic. If you know what you want, great! You can find excellent options here. If you don't know what you want, you'll get great customized feedback... just ask! Sipping on a vanilla blend right now that is just perfect on this rainy morning. Bonus- supporting local business makes this even better... love this place. read more

Met the owner Roberta and had a 11 person birthday party there. A fun experience with friends and I bought tons of great tea we are now sharing/enjoying with friends. $25. was a little pricey for the 1.5 hour experience, but worth it for the knowledge and appreciation of tea learned during the evening. Looking forward to hosting a mother daughter tea event there soon and trying more tea. I will never buy bagged store bought tea again. read more

This is a recent discovery in the search for buying great tea. I only drink black teas, so sometimes I end up having to wade through places with a lot of green teas only to find a small limited selection of black teas. Experience Tea is small enough to give you great service, but big enough to also give you a lot of choices. The independent business owner is very friendly and knowledgeable and I appreciate how she offers samples (and tasted) for some of her teas. The Keemun and Yunnan teas that I have purchased (or sampled) are all very fine quality. I just wish they weren't so pricey. But sadly, good quality black teas are very highly priced anywhere you go in this region. I treat these particular teas not as everyday options, but for nicer occasions. I definitely recommend this shop and already look forward to my next visit. read more

A hidden gem in Issaquah with a wide choice of loose tea and tea accessories. Roberta is knowledge, generous and an amazing professional.

The store is very nicely arranged and hours are very convenient. Here, I can experience tea in a new light from Teavana as owner is highly knowledgeable. Great source of all tea. read more

One of the most amazing and interesting experiences I've had! I've recently started getting into loose leaf tea, so I googled tea shops in Issaquah and found Experience Tea. I was intrigued by the idea of the tea classes and compelled by the concept of discovering tea in its purest form, so I signed up for Roberta's Tea Discovery class. I was fortunate enough to be the only person to sign up on that particular day, and although Roberta said she had considered emailing me to ask if I wanted to join another class with more people a few weeks later, she ultimately decided to just let me have a solo class. I'm so glad it worked out that way! I had a wonderful one-on-one learning experience with tea, where Roberta was kind enough to give me personalized conversation and advice as well as adapting the content of the class to my level of prior knowledge (apparently higher than her average visitor). She was so kind and warm, as well as being clearly skilled in the art of tea. The teas themselves were all wonderfully diverse and delicious; she has a knack for choosing teas that really let you see how diverse the beverage is and what wildly different flavors the same plant can produce! And I also loved learning about the history of tea consumption and the mechanisms and science behind tea production and popularity. I really walked away with a new perception of tea and respect for its creation and dimension. And when the class ended, Roberta walked me around the store and had me smell different teas she thought I would like based on my preferences during the tasting! So wonderful! I bought an ounce of my favorite tea from the tasting as well as one she recommended to me that I thought smelled divine. Overall, just a wonderful, personal experience. I will be a regular of Experience Tea! read more

My daughter lived her in Seattle and took me to this shop, I was so excited to see all the different loose leaf teas. I purchased several and I love them.. read more

Experience Tea is a studio and retail shop where you can purchase tea and tea accessories, and also discover teas and tea blending through classes offered by tea specialist and owner Roberta Fuhr. Tucked away in the interior commercial space between Stella Vintage clothes and Art By Fire, this peaceful atelier has loose teas from the full spectrum of white to green to black teas, along with herbal tisanes and botanicals, displayed in smart canisters along the walls. I bought the perfect wedding gift for friends which included a beautiful lettuce green ForLife teapot and two 4 oz. tins of tea. Roberta's enthusiasm and passion for tea and tea discovery greets you with a warmth and glow --I can't wait to take a tea class from her! read more

So many 5 star reviews and I just can't agree. My son and decided to take a long walk down Squawk mountain one day and found ourselves wandering around the shops on front street, and stopped into Experience Tea. Unless you are an "experienced tea aficionado" I'm afraid this is not the place for you. I enjoy a good cup of tea, but am frankly not concerned with pairings. When I asked about blooming teas, the question was met with aghast. "We don't carry THAT because we only carry the highest quality....." My impression was that the air of aristocracy was a bit too thick for my liking. As for making suggestions, I did share that I love Jasmine teas, no suggestions were made. We left as quickly as was socially acceptable. read more

Roberta is a great conosuer of tea! She taught me a lot with her classes and the set up is great.

This is my first time to join the class. I'm excited to be there! I feel Roberta (the owner) is very friendly and professional. We've experienced seven types of tea. Traditional Ti Guan Yin and Wen Shan Baozhong is my favorite, both from China. I'll continue more classes in the future. read more

I've taken 4 different tea classes at Experience Tea and loved them all! The owner, Roberta, is passionate about tea, its history, tea culture in other countries, proper steeping techniques, tea accessories and so much more. In each class we sampled at least 5 different teas and she provides handouts to write down your impressions for future reference at home. In her retail store she has a huge assortment of loose leaf teas and tea accessories (tea pots, infusers, cups, etc.) plus gift certificates for tea and/or classes. She offers classes 2-3 times a week and I highly recommend you try one! It's fun to go with a group of friends or relatives too. read more

I stopped in here recently while waiting for a dental appointment, and it was so lovely to meet Rebecca. She is so knowledgeable. I described a tea I had years ago on a trip to Scotland, and she was able to identify it and I was thrilled to be able to buy some after a couple years of looking. A great find! If you like tea, check out this place. . read more

So knowledgable, friendly, and such high quality. The staff of Experience Tea really have a passion for tea, and it shows. They take the time to discuss the delicacies of each tea and really understand what you're looking for. Cute shop! read more