TeaAt
A Delightful Rendezvous
By Matthew Endacott
The East is traditionally steeped in a history of tea, and arriving in Korea, I knew I wanted to try its wide assortment. Everywhere I turned though I only saw coffee, kimbap, and chicken shops. Tea is not as prevalent in contemporary Korea as I had imagined. Of course a small selection of tea at coffee shops still exists, but not what I was looking for. Then I found TeaAt.
Atmosphere and Service
Upon entering, I was enthusiastically greeted by the tea barista. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air of the charming shop that had so many teas to choose from. Thankfully, we could communicate, so I asked the clerk her favorite and she proceeded to tell me. I decided on a jasmine and green tea blend, which had an excellent and soothing effect. I enjoyed enjoyable pouring myself cup after cup while munching on the complimentary burdock chips. I was hooked.
As I sat sipping my tea, I took the time to observe my surroundings. Lining the walls were numerous teapots of differing size, shape, and color. My curiosity peaked. The barista then proceeded to tell me the story of her teashop. She and her sister lived in China for eight years. They learned about tea and opened a shop in their early twenties. After a few years of success, they decided to move home and open a shop in Gwangju. Thus, TeaAt was born. The teapots adorning the shop are the visual reminders of their Chinese life.
The Menu
Most of the tea comes from China or Sri Lanka. A few times a year one of the sisters travels to replenish their current tea stock and try new for the menu. The teas from China include: jasmine-green, puer (bo ee cha), dien hong (Chinese black tea), oolong, rose, chrysanthemum, and white teas. The ceylon and Earl Grey teas were hand- picked from Sri Lanka. Others include, Darjeeling from India, matte from Brazil, and a chamomile tea. My favorite is the fermented puer tea, the tea of kings. A teapot is well worth the 7,000 won cost and meant for more than one person. It is refillable and lasts a long time. A large single cup of tea is 4,500 won. Fresh fruit teas are also available – the lemon and grapefruit use honey and fresh fruit. Another delectable tea I discovered was milk tea. It is like a chai tea without cinnamon. It ranges from 4-5,000.
If you fancy a smoothie or frappuccino they are 5,000 won. TeaAt makes tasty yogurt, blueberry, mango, or strawberry smoothies and green tea, vanilla, black tea, java, or cookies-n-cream frappuccinos.
Of course, TeaAt serves all the basic coffee drinks as well: Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, mochas, etc. at affordable prices. An Americano is 2,000 won for take-out and 3,000 won for sit-in. The rest are 4-5,000 won.
All snacks are made fresh daily. I had a difficult time deciding what to pair with a cup of tea: the cinnamon walnut pies (S-1,800 L-3,200 won) or the cheesecake topped with crème and almond chips (S-2,000 L-4,200 won). They bake chocolate chip and sunflower seed cookies (1,000 won) and an assortment of smaller cookies as well as the healthy burdock chips. They also make red bean (6,500 won) or caramel (4,500 won) toast covered with crème and cinnamon.
I am so happy to have found such an establishment in Gwangju. The tea, snacks, service, and overall experience are well worth making your way to try a pot and some snacks for a delightful rendezvous. The original Pungam-dong location has done so well the sisters are opening a second TeaAt near Shinsegae department store the week of Christmas.
Directions
Pungam-dong TeaAt
Address: 광주광역시 서구 풍암동 1086-6번지 1층 티앗
Address: 1086-6 Pungam-dong, Seo-Gu, Gwangju
Phone: 010-6426-8283
Time: 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. Everyday
Take the bus to Pungam Hangook Apt on lines: 01, 45, 47, 59, 75, or 78. Walk up the hill and at the 3-way intersection take a left where the 7-11 stands. After a short distance take the next right and you should see TeaAt on the left as you walk up the street.
Near Shinsegae/Bus Terminal TeaAt (Coming in January)
Address: 광주광역시 서구 농성동 죽봉대로 42-2번지 2층
Address: 42-2 Nong-Seong-Dong, Seo-Gu, Gwangju (2nd floor)
Phone: 010-4740-1695
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Everyday
Take a bus to the bus terminal. Walk towards the large intersection where Shinsegae is located. Turn right and you will be going towards the big E-Mart. As you continue in that direction there is a pedestrian bridge. Use it to cross the street and descend on the right side. There is an Outback Steakhouse on that side of the street. Continue walking in that direction and cross the street. There is an NH Bank and TeaAt is located next to it on the second floor.