Xiu Xian Tea

Xiu Xian Tea at the Crossroads Mall\r (Between the two italian restaurants)\r \r This review is for the Crossroads Mall location for Xiu Xian Tea in Bellevue, WA, I just discovered this Tea Shop only a couple of weeks ago and I am hooked! Their teas are simply delicious, and they can trace almost all of their teas back to the growers in china.\r \r Mako and Jenny are so dear. They will let you try every tea you are interested in before you buy it, and that's a good thing since they have almost 200. They will also, show you how to wash and properly brew each type of tea you select..\r \r My personal favorite is their [b]Oolong Ginseng Tea[/b]. It tastes great! The nutty flavor of their oolong tea dances dances on my tongue as I am drinking, and then the ginseng seems to excite my sweet oriented taste buds leaving wonderful sweat aftertaste in my mouth after drinking. \r \r Now not only does the tea taste good, but it also keeps my focus and alertness sharp throughout the day. I work as a Radiologic Technologist, so when my job requires me to handle ionizing radiation, it's important to stay alert all day. Now I am one of those people that where if I drink an energy drink I get the initial burst, but then I crash and burn later This oolong ginseng doesn't seem to have that effect on me and it lasts all day. It's awesome!\r \r Another thing that is a definate have is their [b]Black Tea Lattes[/b] and their [b]Chai Tea Lattes[/b]. They are simply amazing. The black Tea latte with a hint of cinnamon, gives you that great filling latte taste but without the bitterness of the coffee. \r \r Their Chai Latte is to die for! A wonderful fresh tasting mix of cardamon, cinnamon and other flavors, excites all of my taste buds with its rich full flavor and leaves a nice spicy kick in the back of my throat which feels good.\r \r After trying the wonderful assortment of loose leaf teas at Xiu Xian Tea, I will [i]never [/i] go back to tea bags! [b]Ever![/b] Pros: Wonderful tea! Good prices! Friendly service! Nice fresh looking interior! Cons: So many teas, so little time. more

I come in to Xiu Xian Tea- Kent store each month and just love the store and the employees. They are always willing to help and share their veiws of the teas we try. Thank You for your great customer service. I enjoy the fine quality of your products.I drive clear from Graham to your store and will contiune to. My now have my daughter and daughter in law buying you teas as well. Once again thank you!!! more

If you haven't visited Xiu Xian Tea, if you love tea and a truly Chinese atmosphere, a drive from anywhere in the Seattle area prepare to be suprised and it will be worth it. I haven't been to the one in Kent but I did visit the new one in Bellevue run by the same people. Great tea, great service, great fun! \r more

I love this place. My sister and I discovered it about a year ago. Mako (I believe owner) is amazing! I was just in there the other day with my mom and brother and we sat at the beautiful tea table and tried all sorts of teas for an hour! She really took care of us and let us know what I was going to buy (which made me spend more money :) ) I really recommend this place, it's good for your body, mind, and soul! Take care of yourself! Pros: convient location, healthy for you more

Thank you for the wonderful customer service and quick return of the assumed broken lid and travel cup.\r We were very impressed with the manner in which your company took care of\r us. The additional travel cup and tea were way over the top.\r In today's business world customer service is pretty much non-existent.Working with a company that obviously cares deeply about customer service is\r very rare and appreciated. Your have a very knowledgeable and friendly staff\r which was the main reason we keep coming back.\r We have enjoyed doing business with you and will most definitely recommend\r Xiu Xian Tea to all of our friends and associates that are tea enthusiasts. more

I have been routinely impressed by superb service and quality diverse products in this great store. Sure, it's a little off the beaten path but I promise there's no better place for high grade, carefully selected Chinese teas in the Puget Sound (trust me, I've looked). And at teh same time, it's extremely down to earth and accessible - no silly tea rituals (some of which can be quite fun...) While they do have a few choice Pu-erhs and herbal tissanes (a category you can enjoy.. as long as I don't have to), the reason to come to Xiu Xian, in my mind, is for excellent green, white, and oolong teas. No one has a selection like they do around here.\r \r I've been there several times now and each has been a treat. The owners, Mako and Robert, love to talk about tea nearly as much as they love to drink it. They have a beautiful wooden tea table in the back where tasting happens - an integral part of any tea-buying experience, if you ask me. I came in today looking for some specific oolongs and walked out two hours later, having tasted many wonderful oolongs a couple of white teas and with a big smile on my face.\r \r Tea is a growing industry in the US, but Xiu Xian will continue to be a favorite as long as they keep things as good as they are. They have a profound commitment to a quality product at a reasonable price, coupled with a genuine desire for happy, informed customers that makes this a tea merchant worth coming back to, again and again. Pros: Superb selection, excellent service, attention to detail, knowledgeable and current Cons: This isn't really a restaurant. They do a brisk takeout of tea, bubble teas, tea lattes, and some snacks, but for me, it's a tea store, straight and simple more

I nearly cried when some friends brought me here...luckily they were tears of joy. This place reminds me so much of the traditional tea shops I used to browse around while staying in China. Mako is always welcoming and warm when you walk into her shop. Even after a busy day's work, she is always ready to sit down and share with you the different variety of teas her shop offers. This is definitely one of those rare finds that is worth checking out. :) more

It doesnt get any betterRating: Truly genuine service with a smile. Love of the product offered is evident from the moment you enter the store.\r \r The tea she makes is extraordinary, and the tea leaves and accessories she sells are well worth your time and money.\r \r I cant say enough good about this place, go see for yourself. \r more

Fabulous selection, amazingly well educated staff, great atmosphere, and the best tea I have found in the greater Seattle area. Try a tea latte. You won't be sorry. more

Xiu Xian Tea shop is great. The customer service is awsome. You can walk in on any given day and request a tea tasting and they'll do it. That way you can discover new and exciting tea flavors before making your purchase. The atmosphere is warm, and the music is relaxing. Pros: Thumbs up on service and ambience Cons: I wish the place was bigger more

I walked in with questions, and walked out not only with answers, but with one of the best retail experiences I have ever had. The owner spent time with me and explained numerous things, including letting me sample several teas and explaining each teas properties and when to drink and how to steep it properly. The travel cups are awesome and everyone in my family now owns one. I have half my co-workers interested in stopping in and would very highly recommend this store to everyone!\r \r - Sabrina \r more

Xiu Xian Tea is the BEST. The atmosphere is extremely inviting. I love the way I can sample the different teas before buying them. I think the fact that every time I walk in the store, I am greeted warmly and friendly. They remember me, and make me feel like I am a very special customer, no matter how much money I spend in their store. \r I highly recommend this store to everyone who asks, ""What are you drinking?"" \r Every experience I have had in this store or with Mako has been an enriching experience for me. I am very happy with their product, and the customer service is the best I have received on every trip I have made to this store. The stuff will make sure you feel welcome and wanted.\r \r more

Not knowing about tea, I had for years been using tea bags you buy in stores. One day while grocery shopping, I stepped out of the store and noticed a new tea shop. Being interested in tea, I figured I would check it out. What I stepped into was a beautiful store, with a very courteous employee. Not knowing what I wanted, I was led to the loose leaf tea and spent a few moments just smelling the wonderful aromas of fresh tea. I was still concerned about which to buy when I was informed we were having a tea party. At this moment I had flash backs to being in my early 20's and having my 5 year old sister inviting her me to a tea party. As we walked to the back of the store, I saw a very ornate tea serving table and all my worries vanished. We sat down and sampled every tea that I had picked out just a few moments earlier. While brewing the tea for me, I was told what tea we were trying, how to brew the tea and the health benefits of that tea. What an experience. From the moment I walked through the door, the greeting I received made it seem like I had been a customer of theirs forever or a good friend. I was comfortable and in absolutely no way rushed in my decisions.\r \r Well that was all a year and a half ago and I am still treated the same way today. I frequent the store now about once a week and I think I have tried almost every tea in the place. Though just about the time I think this, they have me try a new tea. With over 250 teas it may be impossible to try and remember them all, though the owner of the store does. The employee I met the first time I walked in the store is still there, though I found out later, she's the owner. Mako works the store with 1 other employee, Yulia, and I still to this day am greeted with a smile. I walk out of the store every time satisfied with my purchase with a smile on my face.\r \r Customer service is important, so if you want the best experience possible from any tea shop, you must visit Xiu Xian Tea in Kent. Pros: Friendly, Quality Customer Service, Clean, Great Products more

Service began before I even left work. Not entirely familiar with the Kent area, I called them for directions and they easily and clearly provided directions that were so easy to follow, I felt completely comfortable the whole way in. Walking in, the shop immediately impressed me with it's cozy and clean atmosphere - the lighting was very peaceful. The decor was calming and classy but in no way intimidating. The staff greeted me with a smile and a laugh knowing (somehow) that I must be the guy who called for directions. I arrived at the store at about 6:30. Seeing their hours posted as 7:00, I was concerned that I may be imposing or running short on time to make my decision from the myriad of tea they offer. I soon discovered this was not to be the case! I mentioned two varieties of green tea that I was particularly interested in and perused their excellent selection of Art Tea (if you have not experienced this you absolutely MUST! ask for one when you visit them) - while business was being finished with a few other customers. Then, I was warmly invited to take a seat at a table in the back of the shop. On this table were no fewer than 20 different varieties of tea! For the next almost hour and a half (yes) I was treated as an honored guest as I was offered each in turn with an small explanation about the tea - where it came from, when it was best harvested, composition and bouquet and ideal preparation...etc. Through this time I conversed with the kind lady (who turned out to be one of the owners) about their approach to their product and service. Once a year, she told me, she and her husband travel to China and hand select their product, have it harvested and shipped (""without blinking"") directly - quality controlled from the source to the customer. Their knowledge amazed me! Having been in customer service for many years I can say Xia Xiun Tea takes their trade to the level of Craft...it is, to them, as much an Art as their service. {[;]}-|--< Pros: Can be a quick duck in for bubble tea - or sit and enjoy the hospitality and the artistry of their service! Cons: The only thing that would make the environment more welcoming and calming would be if they had a few cats roaming about...but that's just not possible. more

This was one of the greatest finds of the state. I have lived in many cities in Washington and traveled all over the country and I have yet to find a tea shop that compares. The owner of the shop is allways happy to meet and greet you at the front door with a true interest in helping you find the perfect tea for you. She is ready and willing to offer you as many samples as you can drink and serves her tea in the most beautiful setting. The store itself provides the widest variety of tea you will find in the area and they are fully equipt to help you with all your tea needs. There tea sets and acessories are wonderfly unique. Not to mention there wide selection of travel tea containers. And if you are on the go they are more than happy to whip you up your choice of tea latte or bubble tea for the ride. This place is an experience for everyone and a real diamond in the rough. I sugest a trip for the who family. Pros: All you could need with an atmosphere to go with it Cons: You will be hard pressed to find something you dont want to buy more

My roommate, fiance, and I visit this tea shop about 2 - 3 times a week for tea lattes, loose leaf tea, and tea accessories (tea pots, travel cups, etc.). We've visited multiple tea shops in the area, and Xiu Xian Tea is the friendliest, most abundant, and most reasonably priced of any we've been to. They're tea selection is extensive; from various fruit teas, art teas, to high quality green and everything in between. Tea connoisseurs will love the selection and warm atmosphere and people new to tea can come in and learn anything they need to know to expand their horizons. In addition to more tea than you can ever get tired of, they also offer bubble teas and a selection of rice crackers that go great with your drink.\r Stop by anytime and the friendly people at the store will be more than happy to sit you down and have you sample almost any tea you might be curious about.\r Xiu Xian Tea has made repeat customers of us three. Definately a treasure in Kent valley. Pros: Everything you could need related to tea. Cons: If you come in for a quick stop you might stay much longer than you anticipate. more

This Tea shop is like no other that I have every been to. The people who run the shop are friendly and will sit you down to try different teas until you find the ones you like. You can sample just a few or almost as many as you want. They have about 200 types of tea, so the free samples and free education is paramount! They know a lot about the different kinds of teas. The fact that you get to try many of them is wonderful and will keep you coming back time and time again. You don't get this kind of personal service at any retail store that I have ever been to. Even if your not to interested in tea, I highly recommend that you at least stop in 1 time for the unique experience and learn as much as you can. Pros: Simply wonderful Cons: Parking more

Last year this tea shop was an absolute delight. I always received a warm welcome, entered a bounty of wonderful goods, and could enjoy a lovely tea ceremony. But time seems to have a taken a toll on the proprietor's attitude. A friend and I visit Xiu Xian Tea, a face peeked out asking what we wanted. When I replied we would like to look in the shop, we were asked what specifically we were looking for. At that point, I should have turned and walked away. However, my friend had made a special trip, on my recommendation, to see the store. I wish I hadn't stopped by. I'd have preferred my memories of when the store and its owner seemed genuinely happy to see customers and treated them with respect. more

Knowing nothing about tea, Xiu Xian Tea shop was an amazing find for me.\r \r The moment I walked in, Mako, the shop owner, was there to help me. When she learned that I did not know anything about tea, she immediately invited me to sit at a table, where she proceeded to make me lots of different types of tea. While doing so, she explained to me the different types of teas, what they are known for, and how to properly make tea from tea leaves (never tea bags). When she was done, I had a good idea of what types of tea I wanted to try, and I knew how to properly make tea.\r \r The amount of tea her shop has is amazing. She has many varieties of green tea, black tea, oolong tea, red tea, and other herbal teas. She has so many different flavors, that I am still trying out new types months after finding Xiu Xian Tea shop.\r \r I cannot imagine a better tea shop anywhere. more

The word is TEA, the benefit is well supported and the previous message was correct. The Xui Xian Tea shop in Kent is both quaint and like another world, one from the lands where the tea leaves grew, In fact the owner travels to each province in China where tea plants are grown and brings back only the best of each variety of tea, the best teas in the world. The owner will delight you with the best ways to prepare the teas and ways different teas aid the body. You may even get an insight into Chinese customs and the environment the tea plants are grown in. \r As a customer of the shop, I cannot express how highly I recommend that you visit it. If you like tea and a truly Chinese atmosphere, a drive from anywhere in the Seattle area will be worth it. Please consider inquiring about the freshly brewed samples of a wide variety of teas to add to your visit. Pros: The best customer service Cons: Non more