If I asked someone where tea come from? The first answer that usually come to mind is China. It isn’t an wrong answer, but it also isn’t the only right answer. Tea comes from different countries, mostly those from Asia. 29B Teahouse isn’t your typical teahouse that specializes in one type of tea or tea from a particular region. Instead, they provide tea from India, Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
Andreas Vagelatos is one of the co owner at 29B Teahouse, along with Stephen and Stephen’s wife, Shin. Andreas studied in China and Japan. Stephen also studied in Japan and Shin is Korean. Together, they are able to combine their knowledge of tea to form a teahouse that offer diverse options.
29B Teahouse offer tea tasting set or one can choose from the list of matcha, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, red tea, tisanes, sparkling tea, aged tea, and vintage puerh. If you want to ask Andreas, Stephen, or Karen about tea, they would gladly provide background information on all the different type of tea they offer. If not, looking at the menu provides a lot of information as well.
When I was talking with Andreas, he was able to tell me what each country is known for, health benefits such as good digestion and fat burning. Simple information that was informative. How their business would like to move toward providing more puerh, one of the most expensive type of tea out there.
29B Teahouse doesn’t spend money on advertisement because it is ineffective for their business. Instead, they host events such as tea user manual, have guest speakers come in to help educate and spread the words on tea around. They also hire chefs and host private dinner. By doing something different, they are able to attract different people and let them explore the world of tea.
From curious tea drinker to experienced tea drinker, 29B Teahouse is a place for everyone. This is a place where you can go in and always leave learning something new.
Interviewee: Andreas Vagelatos
Teahouse: 29B Teahouse
Address: 29 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009