i'd been really looking forward to checking out jaga silk, and finally got the chance on a friday…read morebetween noon and 4:00 pm, their only open hours each week. tucked away in nootka court at 633 courtney street, just steps from the victoria bug zoo, this café has a reputation for its maccha milled right here in victoria. they also supply their teas to other cafés, host tastings and workshops, so there's clearly a strong focus on the craft and quality.
i got there around 12:05 pm, and there was already a couple seated at the bar with two more people ahead of me. not surprisingly, a steady stream followed soon after, the kind of quiet rush you'd expect from a place that opens just four hours a week.
the space feels warm and rustic, shelves lined with teacups, maccha bowls and brewing gear. it has that quiet charm that makes you observe and appreciate their maccha making technique and process. one side of the café displays neatly arranged maccha tins, ceramic bowls, and starter kits, each item speaking to the care that goes into their craft.
three baristas were behind the counter, focused, but clearly stretched thin. the café was busy, someone was in training, and a bit of confusion at the register made things feel a little chaotic.
i ordered the oku shimo maccha latte ($12) with oat milk and a black sesame daifuku ($5), my second maccha latte of the day, because apparently moderation doesn't apply when it comes to tea. the latte took a while and came out lukewarm, having sat while they sorted an overcharge. the foam art had already blurred by the time it reached me. my daifuku was forgotten until i asked about it about nine minutes later, when it finally arrived, with an apology, it was filled with red bean instead of black sesame. it tasted fine, just not what i was expecting.
for $17, the quality and service didn't feel worth it. i left wishing it had matched the story i'd built up in my head, of a serene, intentional tea experience, steeped in care and ritual. everything about the space suggests harmony and mindfulness, but the execution didn't quite land. it's the kind of place you want to fall in love with, the kind that promises quiet beauty and reflection, but sometimes, even the most beautiful rituals can lose their rhythm.
