What a wonderful discovery in the hype of Yaletown. This little tea bar (and don't be misled - great coffee too) is a much better option for quality and price than some of the others around. I haven't tried the treats - because granted those are hard to compete with against local bakeries - but for my coffee or tea to go with them, this place is my first pick. The owner / barista is friendly and provides top notch service. It is also what makes me keep coming back. read more

O-Cha Tea Bar - Sign / menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Alex (aka The Homie) was given the choice between two tea shops while in Yaletown (2/22/18). He decided on O-Cha Tea Bar, located at the corner of Homer and Helmcken. This turned out to be a fantastic choice, since we had the opportunity to have a warm, spontaneous conversation with Wilson Lee, O-Cha owner and active Yaletown business/community member. I had read previous Yelp posts about the Cold Blaster, but instead decided on the Mocha Chai and Alex ordered the Candied Rooibos. Both beverages were outstanding. This is what I call a pocket cafe. Bright counter seating facing Homer, perfect for watching passersby. Of which, Wilson definitely had his regulars while we warmed up in his cafe. Their usual crafted beverage made promptly, a quick exchange, and then that person's back on their way. My question about how long has this shop been in business ended up as a memorable conversation with Wilson. He shared the details about his business, the Yaletown community, social media, travel, urban growth, his hilarious anecdote about his favorite izakaya place on Denman, and a future trip to Asia for a wedding. There was such a rapport, that we were given an open invitation to a community event Friday evening. Sadly, we weren't able to do so since we departed VanBC a day earlier due to snow. We commented on him on our drive home earlier today (2/23/18) that coincidentally we'd pass signage along I-5 South, that would say Wilson. Too cool. Small cafe, but full of warmth and genuine community pride. Yes, I was able to warm up with tasty tea, get free updated maps and travel brochures while there. But left with a lasting impression and the desire to return to Vancouver, BC much sooner than later. Thanks, Wilson! O-Cha Tea Bar in Yaletown - Highly recommended! read more

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This is a very overdue review for a wonderful business that I visited a few times in April, and I'm really looking forward to going back as soon as I get the chance. O-cha has a really interesting selection of teas and flavoured tea lattes, I've never seen a place quite like it in Vancouver. There's also some light sandwiches and baked goods. Everything is very reasonably priced. Before I even walked in, the phone call that I made to place my order left me with a very positive feeling since the owner was so cheerful and friendly! And then my food and drink were also delicious! On my first visit I went for lunch and got a tuna melt, Neapolitan lattea, and a chocolate chip cookie. Bread for tuna melt was nicely grilled and the melty texture was lovely, and it was surprisingly filling. I was really interested in the lattea, and chocolate-strawberry flavour combo actually worked really well, and although the drink had a rich taste it wasn't too sweet or heavy. The cookie I actually didn't order on the phone but couldn't resist grabbing one once I arrived and saw them in the jar on the counter. Just a standard chocolate chunk cookie, but done well. On a later visit I tried the Cold Blaster since I've seen so many rave reviews. I really liked the kick of the cayenne, and although if I went back I'd probably try another lattea as citrus isn't really my thing, I did enjoy it a lot and I'm glad I gave it a go, as it's a really unique drink. read more

O-Cha Tea Bar - Tuna Melt - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Visit Wilson to learn, laugh, and have a great time. The smoothies are extra refreshing in the summer.

I was really hungry and tried to find something healthy for breakfast. I popped into this place and bought a burrito. I took one bite back in the office and immediately spat it out. It tasted rotten or a really really bad mix of flavours, most likely the former. I eat my own leftovers all the time and I'm not too sensitive to food taste. I also don't ever waste food, but in this case I threw out the rest of the burrito. read more

Taste: 8/10 Value: 9/10 Ambiance: 8/10 Service: 10/10 Came here on a hot summer day, and inside was nicely air conditioned. Tried their ham and Brie sandwich, it was okay. They had apple (maybe pear?) slices in it which made it more refreshing. But what stood out the most was the cold blaster drink. Whatever was inside it was delicious! And the pepper they had gave it a nice kick to the drink. I would come back again for the cold blaster if I am feeling under the weather. read more

O-Cha Tea Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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After a hot morning of biking around the seawall, we wanted to find a quick place so we can eat and go home. This place was highly reviewed so we gave it a try. The cold blaster tea is one of their signature teas. At $5, it might seem a little steep for price (compared to other drinks on the menu), but you believe me when I say it was truly a unique drink. It is orange juice, tea, and finished with cayenne pepper bits and the taste just works well. If you are about to get a cold or just want something to boost your immune system, you have to get this tea. We wanted to get a soup combo, but there was no soup (probably because it was Saturday). The ham and brie sandwich was alright. As the name suggests, there is ham and brie inside, but also a few slices of pear to give it a refreshing, sweeter flavour. It's unique, and the man (the owner, I'm presuming) was kind enough to cut it in half for us without us even asking for it. Would return again for the cold blaster tea. That was something different. read more

Just moved to Yaletown and made my first tea stop here and Wilson was super friendly and helpful and educational! His passion and knowledge for tea showed as he showed me the different teas and examined the differences and talked about the standards of his suppliers and how he would steep and resteep his tea. If you're a tea sommelier or a tea newbie there is something for all! Definitely worth a visit! read more

We were craving a loose leaf tea place and this place hit the spot! The man working was sweet and knowledgeable and helped us choose our teas. I got an oolong with early grey and he made a London fog for my friend. It's a small shop but it feels like home! read more

Two words: Coldblaster Tea This wonderful, tiny, little place serves a great selection of teas, pastries, sandwiches, etc. I've had a butter chicken wrap there that turned out to be great, but my main reason for frequenting this shop is the coldblaster tea. It's not just in my head... this stuff really works. I believe there's OJ, tea, cayenne pepper, ginger, and who knows what other good-for-you ingredients that somehow come together and really taste so good that I actually sometimes order this tea even when not fighting off the sniffles. Good stuff. The dude who makes it is super cool and sweet, also. read more

It's true, the Coldblaster Tea is amazing. Tried it for the first time when my coworker noticed I didn't get my flu shot once again and was coming down with a little something. Maybe she was being generous, maybe she just didn't want me to get her sick. Either way, she brought me back my first experience of Coldblaster and I'm sold! A warm spicy OJ might sound nasty but you just gotta try it for yourself. I've also ordered some catering from here for lunch meetings and both the butter chicken and Thai chicken wraps are delicious. Freshly grilled, cut in halves, individually wrapped in paper, it's an easy, no mess, hot lunch. read more

Cold Blaster Tea: Delicious. One sip gives you a kick of ginger with the sweetness of orange and honey. Enough citrus to kick your cold in the as$ while delicious enough to want to double fist it (bye bye Buckleys). Whatever magic ingredients they put in this thing, I want another one and now! Surely it can't be as simple as citrus and ginger. There must be something illegal in that smile-inducing drink. Great little tea shop in Yaletown. Too small for a tea date, really but perfect for grab n' go while you browse the many boutiques in the area. read more

Nice little cafe with awesome prices for their sandwich and soups. Highly recommend for a healthy lunch if you're working or living nearby. The owner was really friendly and I love how their facebook is updated daily with the soup and tea of the day. I loved the grilled veggie sandwich. read more

O-Cha Tea Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Try the legendary cold blaster tea! They also have the best loose leaf tea selection, so make sure to treat yourself to a bag. Wilson, the owner, is an incredible fellow. This will be your secret tea place in town. read more

Like everyone else is saying- THE COLD Blaster! Steaming hot OJ, Chamomile tea, honey, and that sizzling Cayenne pepper leaving a sweet twinge of spice on your tongue as an aftertaste. I ordered other teas here before as they have a large selection but the only one I find memorable is the cold blaster. It is perfect on a cool day and/ or you are getting a cold. The owner is very friendly, chatty, enthused. Great! read more

This place was mentioned in a Yelp newsletter back in July, there for kept it book marked for future reference. I am fighting a cold and the buzz around town was their Coldblaster Tea....enough said. A unique cocktail is like non other to kick that cold in the ass. It is just what my throat needed. The guy brewing my tea was super friendly, helpful and even double sleeved my hot drink for me without asking. I could tell that he loves his job very much which is a huge plus for me as a customer. Prices were very reasonable. It is a small shop, therefore, it is more like and go sort of place. Even when I am not sick I am going to come back for a Coldblaster Tea. read more

What a great little lunch spot if you're a tea-lover! Tucked away on Homer Street next to Yopo and the newly-opened Scotia Bank, the O-Cha Tea Bar is where I retreat to when I want to eat a quick lunch away from the office. While they serve pre-made paninis, wraps, and pastries, their claim to fame is their unique selection of loose-leaf teas. My favourite blends are the cardamom black tea and the Kyoto rose green tea. Although you can certainly order your food and tea to go, if you eat your food there, you'll get to experience their exceptional customer service and practically full table service. Plus, the wraps are grilled to perfection and are quite tasty! And on a miserably rainy day as Vancouver so often gets in the late autumn/winter months, the O-Cha Tea Bar is the perfect little retreat. read more

This place is absolutely great. The tea, the lattes are all amazing. I had the matcha latte and it was the best I've ever had... no fake stuff. I passed by again today and saw the sign that said "feeling under the weather? try the cold blaster tea" so i thought yes! what a good idea. So I went in and ordered it, tried it, and oh man it tasted so great. Not only that, I felt better and felt warm. Thank you o-cha tea bar for your great and comforting drinks. read more

Wilson is Great! There is a variety of tea's to choose from, as well as some tasty treats to eat. The cold blaster is delicious. read more

I used to go to O-Cha when the previous owner Ali ran it. The new guy, Wilson? Winston? Whatever...he's nice and everything...just not getting the same atmosphere, ya know? The Cold Blaster Tea is what really makes this place stand out. They also have an extensive menu of Lat-teas. Great alternative if you're not a coffee drinker. They do have coffee beverages on the menu, though. Also, breakfast food, and light lunch fare as well. read more

Cold Blaster Tea is delicious. It's sweet with a kick to it. Definitely going back to get more. :) read more

Best hidden gem in Yaletown. Excellent soup and sandwiches and of course the signature Cold Blaster Tea (which is also delicious iced for your summer cravings)! read more

I have been a regular at O-Cha for years! I am obsessed with their signature drink "Cold Blaster' tea. You can't find this delicious concoction anywhere else. It's healthy, delicious and leaves you feeling warm and happy. I recommend this special elixir to my patients who are feeling under the weather or who just want something soothing yet enjoyable. Wilson, the owner is the most cheerful and easy going guys I know. Sometimes I just pop in to chat or hang out. He can customize your drinks and remembers what you like. He lets me prepay for 10 drinks at a time. That way I can just grab-and-go on my way to work. O-Cha tea bar is a place I cannot live without. read more

Great tea bar with interesting tea lattes. I really enjoyed my tea latte which featured chocolate, coconut, and almond flavors. Would definitely come back! There's also a happy hour from 2-3. read more

The staff is very knowledgeable about tea. It's certainly nice that they're open until 10pm so you can come here and sip tea after dinner with friends. Very very expensive but unique teas you won't find easily anywhere else. I recommend the Lapsang Souchong read more

I was looking for loose tea leaf for a Christmas gift and wanted other options than the grocery self, David's tea stuff, as I often find them too stale or overly fragrant. Yelp search lead me to O-Cha Tea Bar and I was so very pleasantly surprised by everything about it! The barista/owner is a gem and told stories about the teas he is serving and how the shop came about. Every tea I smelled was amazing and fresh, I couldn't get enough of the sincerity about them. There were nothing artificial or pretentious, just straight up good stuff as best as nature comes and with the right touch of balance. Of course I had to try the famous Cold Blaster tea and it blew my mind, what an amazing concept and execution with brewing tea with hot OJ + Cayenne pepper! I was an instant fan and planning on many future visits whenever I need a little warmth :) Thank you O-Cha read more

The Cold Buster is unlike anything I've ever had, and it totally lives up to its name. Legit felt way better after having one!

Love the selections of tea and warm & heartfelt service by the barista/owner! A yaletown jewel :)

I have not come in for a Cold Blaster tea in over a year. But the universe totally nudged me in this direction as I ran into Wilson a week ago and as I was muffling along my day with my cloggy cold and raspy throat. I made the trek to Y-town for the Cold Blaster tea and MAN! I was reminded of why I so love this hot tea loaded with lemony goodness and a great kick. Thank you Wilson for making the tea as good as I remembered it last and for doing a double-sleeve on my drink cup - how thoughtful (how did you know I'm clumsier when I've got a cold??). I will definitely be back. read more

Thanks Wilson for the great service and tasty matcha. Best way to start my day in Yaletown.

Awesome - the cold blaster tea actually works. Read lots of reviews and figured I'd give it a try- O-Cha seems to be famous for it! Every time I go in, they are playing some EDM music. Friendly service, tea is so good, I'll be back! read more

Absolutely fantastic little tea bar. I recently started working nearby and have only been twice, but already feel myself becoming a regular. The owner, Wilson, is super cheerful and nice, and you can tell that he really cares about what he does. The shop is a little hole in the wall, quick and easy to drop by to pick up a drink (great lattes) or some food (the soup is fantastic, absolutely get that). It's also nice to just sit at the bar and watch the street. I got the much-heralded Coldbuster and it might just actually be magic. read more

Feeling under the weather? Or have a sore throat? Must swing by o-cha and try their cold blaster tea! Oh my goodness.... I was seriously suffering from a sore throat and could barely eat. Picked up a cold blaster tea and it was seriously magical! I feel so much better, this is the best pick me up. The cold blaster consists of camomile tea, oj, honey, lemon, topped with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This concoction is the best sickness remedy! read more

Wilson is amazing and is quickly becoming one of the best parts of my morning! Cold Blaster tea rocks!