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Oolong Tea House
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 10 am - 11 pm
Thu-Sat 10 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Oolong Tea House
Review Highlights
"...checked out this tea house is in for a pleasant surprise."
(in 3 reviews)
"I bought a few tins to take home for gifts."
(in 3 reviews)
"It's a nice place to go whether you need a quick tea, or..."
(in 3 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Zain K.
4/28/2011
If you've spent any time at all stopped at the traffic light at the east end of Kensington Ave (at 10th St), you've probably peered directly into this place and been curious about it, if for no other reason than that it always appears to be crowded. I'm not a fan of crowds, and I typically prefer coffee to tea, so it took me awhile to get around to trying this place out, but I'm glad I finally did.
The first thing I noted here was a curious contradiction of sorts: on one hand, this place appears to be the domain of Calgary's beatniks, bohemians, Rastafarians, and hippies (and FWIW, I don't intend to slight any of the above). On the other, however, the ambiance and layout of the tea house are ultra-refined, carefully though out, and well tended to, in a way that, from my experience in the Bay Area, would appear to cater more to the Yuppie (is this word still in the vernacular?) set than to the aforementioned groups. (Again, this isn't meant as a knock on anyone; it's just an observation.)
Regardless, possibly the coolest thing about Oolong is the way that all of the teas (of which there are probably close to a hundred varieties, though I may be exaggerating) are classified and shelved in such a way that they can be browsed (i.e. seen and smelled) prior to selection. This is a fun part of the Oolong experience, which for me lasted about 15 minutes.
A friend and I shared a large pot of a chocolate-infused mate (around $7), which was tasty, complex, and simultaneously soothing and subtly stimulating, and which seemed to last forever given the fact that it was still potent after two hot water refills (it was pretty interesting to me how the character of the tea completely changed with each refill).
I still consider myself primarily a coffee drinker, but I suspect I'll be back here often, if for no other reason than that I had a very tough time selecting one from among the teas, and feel compelled to try a few others. -
Review from Angelo T.
11/23/2011
Every time I've been at Oolong, the place has this chinatown dessert house vibe to it, but with hipsters. Is that a good thing? It depends on your taste for crowd. I didn't mind it.
I'm currently writing this review AS IM SITTING IN THE TEA HOUSE. I've taken review writing "meta" to a whole new level.
The service was friendly but I'm not too sure how hardcore they are with their tea knowledge. The girl was nice enough to make a few kind suggestions as to what I can drink while I study...erm write my Yelp review.
I'm currently chomping down on one of their pies which tonight, is a spicy curry pie. Quite, delicious I must say...
They play some great music too, loud enough for you to have secret conversations without someone eavesdropping, in case you came here on a date, or to break up with someone.....like this couple I'm sneakily eavesdropping on
BREAK UP! Oh no poor guy...don't worry man, theres plenty of fish...dot com :D
24/30 -
Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 10/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The prices have gone up again. I'm not paying $6-10 for a cup of tea when I can just go to Hong Kong and get a better cup of tea, also properly served, for $0.40. I weep that my city is turning into vancouver.
If you wanna impress a date, this is a great place, but if you want to just go for a deece cup of tea without spending the same amount of money that can buy you four kis of bananas, go to the Roasterie, where you can also stare and talk with the freaks outside. The freaks have been priced out of oolong:(.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2009
Whadda know? Something unique in this f'n city. A place that serves a wide array of tea and some… Read more »
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Review from Sam P.
Kelowna, BC
2/7/2012
Oolong used to be a really nice tea house. However most of the young uneducated staff there could care less about service and giving you any useful info on the teas. I purchased one of there Class IV Oolongs only to find that the Bodum still had Rooibos in it from the previous brew. Take your business down the street to The Naked Leaf for better quality tea and a empty cup of Attitude.
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Review from Joel S.
Calgary, AB
8/11/2011
For an establishment that named themself "Oolong" I am bewildered as to why they have none of the utensils for sale or for use in store that the Chinese and Taiwanese traditionally brew Oolong tea in, namely the Yixing teapot. It makes me wonder what other corners are cut.
On their website they have Pu-Erh listed as an Oolong tea. Pu-Erh has never been classified as an Oolong tea in the history of Yunnan province, the point of origin. It is a post-fermented tea and is the only true black Chinese tea that they carry.
I use Long Jing tea (Dragonwell) as my yardstick for boutique tea houses. Very few teas reveal as quickly as a Long Jing whether it has been stored properly and the quality of the leaf picked. Here I found slightly fermented LJ, an absolute no no because it ceases to be green tea once it ferments. My hunch is it was due to storage. Properly packed LJ comes with anti oxidant packs and my gut feeling is that their supplier by passed this. The taste was chlorophylly and bitter. I brew exclusively Gongfu in Yixing pots which assassinates an inferior tea. On the good side, they are not pretentiously selling this for $150 plus per pound unlike some other boutiques. They sell for $54 per pound.
Their DongDing Oolong was passable, but grown at too low an elevation to exite me. They claim 1000 to 2000 feet. The best teas are grown above 3600 feet. No indication as to spring or winter flush is given. My guess in winter because it lacks the finesse of spring flush. At about $75 per pound it is a tad overpriced. One can do better at Ten Rens, but not much better. This is good everyday table tea but not exciting.
The Pu-Erh is abominable. It is loose Pu-Erh which is generally inferior to Toa Cha and Beeng Cha pressed tea. This is shu Pu-Erh which means it is roasted before storage. It tastes between 3 and 5 years of age, Oolong claims 5. Even loose Pu-Erh absolutely must be aged, 10 years minimum. This Shu Pu was bitter and undeveloped. It lacked body as does all loose Pu-Erh. If you want to find good Pu-Erh that will age quickly, find a store that sells Shu (Black) Pu-Erh Beeng Chas (pressed cakes). Buy a young one and sit on it for 10 years, much more if you have the patience. Loose Pu-Erh does not age with grace.
I cannot give this establishment more than two stars because the tradition of China or Taiwan they missed and the quality is utility grade. -
Review from Steven E.
Calgary, AB
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place rocks!
Very interesting and friendly clientele, intelligent and helpful (and beautiful) staff, and every kind of tea you could ever drink.
The art that's for sale on the wall is a nice touch too, there's a few pieces I wouldn't mind picking up. :)
I'll be back. -
Review from Rosalind D.
Calgary, AB
1/18/2011
I've been to Oolong Tea House a few times now, and all my experiences were very pleasurable! mmm the tea tastes oh so very good and the whole atmosphere of the place is very zen.
i'll be making a stop again some time very soon! -
Review from Melissa L.
Calgary, AB
6/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm a tea fanatic, so I adore Oolong Tea House. The atmosphere is all contemporary coffee shop, but the selection of beverages is absolutely top-notch.
When you enter you pass a small section of tables. There are also a handful of tables on a patio in the back for sunny-day sipping. Near the counter there is a wall of teas, with glass jars for you to see and smell the tea, and metal containers that you take over to the counter when you're ready to order. You can have your drinks in the cafe, or buy loose teas to take home. They also sell a variety of tea accessories, like travel mugs and teapots.
My favorite is definitely the Kyoto Cherry Rose, which is a green tea with strong notes of cherry and rose. It's great warm or iced. My dad constantly makes me send him tins of their best-seller, which is Cream Earl Grey (with soft vanilla notes over the classic bergamot flavour). I've tried lots of their other flavours as well, like Yoga Blend (kind of like chai tea without the actual tea... great hot with milk) and fun rooibos blends like Caramel Cream. With their huge assortment you're bound to find a tea you'll love! -
Review from Denise D.
6/18/2011
Amazing tea selection! A must go for tea lovers. There are lovely outdoor sittings at the back. This place made my trip extremely memorable. Love the chill atmosphere.
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Review from Kelly R.
6/2/2009
Oolong Tea House is probably one of the cutest places I have ever been. We'll start with the environment, it's comfortable, homey, and the music's always clever. The staff is all adorable and friendly. Of course, the tea selection is amazing. Anyone who hasn't checked out this tea house is in for a pleasant surprise.
P.S. That girl Charmaine is a total sweetie. She deserves a promotion. ;) haha -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
9/29/2009 1 photo
A tea lover's paradise. Seriously, I love coming in here, it's always an experience. Sometimes Oolong is just a quiet tea shop in Kensington, a good place to drink some tea with friends or read a book. But they often have poetry readings and sometimes even live music, which can be a pleasant surprise or a hassle depending on your mood.
The atmosphere is decidedly cheery, the staff are always pleasant, and they've managed to make ordering tea even more of a hassle than getting a drink from Starbucks! There is a definite "type" that frequents Oolong, but everyone's in such a good mood from the tea that it hardly matters. -
Review from Mia Y.
Calgary, AB
4/5/2011
Poor Service (lack thereof)
I recently visited the Kensington location on a Sat (first time) and was utterly disappointed in how I was treated or in my case ignored. After walking in I was not even acknowledged, not even so much as a hello. I looked around for 5+ mins and was not even asked if I wanted help. Girl behind the counter (red headed girl) was too busy gabbing with her 2 boyfriends to bother with me. Place was not busy either, just 2 other paying customers who were already enjoying their teas in the corner. Of course she was more than willing to say hello to a staff member that had just walked in for her shift but a paying customer like myself would be too much to make an effort for I guess. Needless to say I walked out without spending any $$. Girl just looked at me like I was bothering her somehow as i walked out. Unfortunately they will NOT be getting any of my business in the future. Obviously some staff have not been trained on "customer service". I have been to other tea shops/stores in Calgary and have always had wonderful service (The Naked Leaf, David's Tea), but Oolong Tea House is now the exception I'm sorry to say. Too bad as I would have loved to have spent some $$ on the lovely teas but will not be now or in the future. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
1/31/2010
This is an always packed tea destination in Kensington. And although I haven't had the opportunity to experience the patio in the back because of the snow, the interior is something that is worth visiting in itself.
The place feels so homey when you come in, there is lots of activity going on here always and it seems to attract a tea cosy crowd, they have nice artwork in the back and the tea leaves are displayed by colour and by category in these delightful glass- like urns on shelves in the wall.
You have dozens you can choose from white tea, oolong tea, green tea, black tea, herbal tea and fruit infusions; in fact 150 to be exact and there is even printed placards for you to take home to peruse the benefits of each tea.
Staff here is as gentle and soft spoken as their teas, unfortunately I am not really a tea drinker but I have heard tons of great stuff about this place and this yelper didn't want to be left out in the cold with her coffee.
So all in all a nice place, to commune, to read or just sit and surf the free Wi-Fi that is available. -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
10/31/2010 ROTD 11/7/2010
I do not necessarily visit Oolong Tea House just for the tea. The quality of the tea is definitely surpassed by other shops in the area, and their loose leaf offerings, while a large selection, can be found in other teashops as well. However, Oolong has a good little thing goin' down as far as atmosphere. I love sitting out on the patio, the little white Christmas lights wrapping around the patio roof, surrounded by silhouettes of trees. Inside is a little crowded, but it's a cozy place for a game of scrabble, or to watch a little acoustic show.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
10/10/2009 1 photo
Oolong really is a place to go if you love tea. They have so many different options I'm surprised anyone can make a decision... ever.
I've only been to Oolong a handful of times, and that's probably because I'm too overwhelmed and nervous every time I order. I always think that the people are judging the things or the way I order. I want to get it right and I'm never sure that I do.
I do really enjoy the atmosphere though. Knowing that everyone is there because they have a passion for tea really brings a smile to my face. I must say that if I ever do have a problem ordering, someone is always nice enough to help me out.
I also really enjoy it's location. Right in the middle of Kensington makes it a great place to grab a beverage and walk around the trendy area. It's a nice place to go whether you need a quick tea, or you're just looking to relax and sit around. -
Review from Danelle W.
Calgary, AB
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Oolong twice - it's a great little shop. They have a great selection of teas. Although, they do rotate the stock, so something you had some time before may no longer be on the wall when you go back (if you get attached to certain types like I do!) I like that you can have the tea hot or cold - the latter is a great option for warm, sunny days. Try to get a seat next to the window - people-watching complements your tea-drinking quite nicely.
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Review from Shea G.
8/31/2008
Finding Oolong Tea House was a pleasant surprise on my trip from California.
All of the teas as labeled, and graded according to quality and type. In most places, the teas are in containers behind the counter making it very difficult to choose, but at Oolong they have made it easy. All of the tins are in shelves, and accessible for you to smell each of their unique aromas and select the tea of your choice. All of the teas are labeled and sorted by type and quality. The ladies behind the counter were also very helpful in our selecting teas, and explaining the varieties.
The Bamboo shoots, though only grade II, had a very intense aroma (my friends compared to jolly ranchers.) Another of my favorites there were the jasmine pearls.
I bought a few tins to take home for gifts! This place will become a regular stop for me on my trips to Calgary.
Easy five stars! -
Review from Colin S.
Calgary, AB
11/8/2010
Awesome staff, great tea selection and probably my favourite london fogs in Calgary. As others have mentioned the patio in the summer is the bee's knees.
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Review from Jaime F.
Calgary, AB
10/2/2010
Great tea, great products! love this spot..relaxing atmosphere!
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Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
12/5/2009 4 photos
"Oh how delightful!" exclaimed Alice, for sitting in front of her was a canister of Rose Tea which was her personal DRINK ME and so she was pleasantly delighted. So it's like sitting at a mad lil teaparty like a proper poppit drinking in the smells of petals all around you. And so Alice was in Wonderland having found her rose tea which, she'll have you know, is very hard to find indeed. "Thank you Oolong Tea House and Happy Unbirthday to me!"
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Review from Wilbert C.
Calgary, AB
9/2/2008
It's drinking tea with Dignity. I loooove this place.
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Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
7/6/2009
Great atmosphere and an overwhelming selection of tea...what more do you want?
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Review from Gordon L.
Calgary, AB
3/26/2010
An impressive array of exotic blends that will make any tea lover crave for more. Multi-Cultural and Special in every way.
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Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
11/11/2009
If you love tea, you will LOVE Oolong Tea House. What's there not to love? The biggest tea selection you'll ever find, wonderful service and a hip and happenin' location.
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Review from Matthew A.
Toronto, ON
3/11/2011
On a cold winter's night, it's such a nice place to sit back, play some scrabble and have some tea
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Review from Kris E.
Calgary, AB
8/1/2009
A tea-lover's paradise.
