Good Houston Places ~ Asian Decor ~ Relaxing Ambiance inside The Path of Tea
By Peggy W
The Path of Tea
Peaceful atmosphere
Have you ever felt the need to step back and take a breather from the day to day normal hustle and bustle of everyday life? If this sounds like something that would interest you, there is a Houston escape from the ordinary in which Asian decor and a relaxing ambiance will help soothe away the cares of the day. Oh...and lest I forget...the most aromatic, fragrant and tantalizing brewed teas of your individual choosing all await your discovery at The Path of Tea.
A dear friend recently treated me to a special day in celebration of my birthday.
The day started with getting to view a special Titian exhibit at our Houston Museum of Fine Arts. We both love art and the show (while quite small in terms of number of pieces on display) was enthralling. Timed entrance allowed only limited numbers of people in the two rooms of the museum holding the special show.
Next, we had lunch together.
Our day together was capped off by our visit to The Path of Tea. And just like frosting on a cake, this was the final touch to a perfect day!
The Path of Tea
The Path of Tea
The Path of Tea
My friend who introduced me for the first time to The Path of Tea had been there previously with a friend of hers who had occasion to visit the Orient on business trips. Thus, he had acquired admiration for the ceremony of well brewed teas as well as the various flavors.
They were able to visit with the owner of The Path of Tea (Thia McKann) who told them that she had developed her love of teas when traveling back and forth to Japan years earlier.
Those of us living in Houston, or even those visiting Houston, Texas from distances near or far, can now all benefit from Thia McKann's airline flights of the past and her developed senses of the love of varieties of organic teas and ceremonial aspects of serving it to her growing list of friends and patrons.
- The Path of Tea ~ Organic Tea House in Houston & Online Tea Store
The Path of Tea is the only totally organic tea house in Houston. They have several organic teas online to buy. Voted Houston's best tea shop in 2009.
Location of The Path of Tea in Houston, TX
The Path of Tea - The Path of Tea
Oriental decor
The address as shown above is on West Alabama Street just inside Kirby. That is an upscale area in Houston with businesses and restaurants aplenty.
Located in the middle of a typical one story strip shopping center, the exterior of The Path of Tea is nothing spectacular as the photos above indicate. But that all changes once one opens and enters through the front door!
Open bookshelves adorned with a variety of exquisite teapots and cups are arrayed before one.
Looking past that...everywhere one glances Oriental decor is on display in tasteful vignettes splashed with eye-catching colors and textures.
The Path of Tea
Sounds of the Orient
The sound of running water from a small water fountain adds to the ambient sounds of soft Oriental background music which is pleasing to the ear.
Soft banter of chatting friends seated inside at the tables savoring their specially chosen brewed tea with the attentive and friendly staff ever at the ready to assist one in making one's visit there a special and memorable one just adds to the overall effect.
Since it was my first visit, I was trying to take in and absorb each and every nuance of what makes The Path of Tea a special place to visit and spend some time. Even with the extra excitement of seeing and experiencing a place for the first time, I felt myself relaxing as I sat with my friend in that peaceful atmosphere. I felt as though I was transported far away from life in the middle of the 4th largest city in the nation. This is a Houston oasis of sorts!
The Path of Tea
The Path of Tea
- http://www.sustainweb.org/pdf/myth_real.pdf
Good article about the benefits of organic vs. non-organic foods.
Organic vs. NonOrganic teas
Organic tea
 | Amazon Price: $13.64 List Price: $15.00 |
Organic verses non-organic
The Path of Tea offers solely organic teas which are reputed to be much better for a person's health rather than those commercially grown and treated with chemicals and pesticides.
The same argument could be applied to all of the foods that we eat...organic being the better and much more sustainable (in the long run) choice.
Cost effectiveness of ridding plants from insect damage is a prime reason that poisonous chemicals are utilized although the long term effects of danger to individuals consuming these foods as well as danger to the environment is not factored in to these decisions.
Another reason that most growers of tea for commercial distribution spray chemicals in and around the tea plants is that incidents of other predators (like poisonous spiders and even snakes) that can inflict harm upon the people harvesting the tea are lessened.
What price are we willing to pay for safety? More people especially as they learn about the dangers of chemical residues building up within our bodies are demanding organic farming practices. This may be particularly important when drinking tea as the video above explains.
The Path of Tea
Kimonos
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Choosing tea to drink inside The Path of Tea...
This is another sensual delight!
From well over 100 little canisters filled with samples of the named and numbered teas in various categories (white tea, green tea, Oolong tea, yellow tea, Chai tea and others...many of which I was unfamiliar) one gets to open and smell the offerings prior to deciding upon which tea to have brewed and served hot in clear glass teapots or even cold.
One tea smells better than the next! Decisions! Decisions!
One would have to frequent this establishment often to work through the wide array of special and fragrant organic teas offered there. A few of the canisters were empty (probably awaiting a fresh shipment) but with so many choices from which to choose, the selection process can be a daunting one.
Personally I only opened and smelled a couple of the teas deciding that each would be worthy of a special visit at another time. The one I chose to drink was number 48...an organic chocolate chai tea. The scent was sensational!
Asian decor
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Red Dragon Art lamp for home decor Table lamp bed side lamp Size 5X11 inch
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The Path of Tea
The Path of Tea
Choosing a teacup
The next step in this ritual of experiencing The Path of Tea to its fullest was that we got to choose the teacup in which we wished to drink our tea once brewed and delivered to our table.
My friend and I were directed to shelving with a great assortment of various shaped and sized vessels, and we each chose one that would be ours for this occasion of sipping tea in this tranquil environment.
The Path of Tea
Glass Teapots
These glass bottomed teapots were brought to our table with our choices of tea and our taste adventure was about to begin. My friend Lisa decided to have one of their homemade cookies along with her tea and she reported it as being delicious.
What amazed me was the aroma and flavor of the tea!
It aptly replicated the fragrant dried tea that I had smelled and the taste was so clean and flavorful. Special water is utilized in brewing the tea and without a doubt, I have personally never tasted a tea quite so flavorful.
Each small teapot filled our cups many times over with this wholesome goodness and at $4.00 per person, this is a delectable journey that I hope to replicate many times!
The Path of Tea
Origami
Looking up from where we were seated were strings of colorful folded origami objects hanging down from the ceiling.
If one wishes to learn how to make origami objects, this can be learned at The Path of Tea. Check their website above for times and prices.
Gazing around the room, artwork appropriate to Oriental design graced the walls. Discrete price stickers were affixed to the artwork which could be purchased if desired.
The bamboo palm next to the little waterfall all added to the relaxing ambiance.
Much thought and effort has been put into creating this oasis type of atmosphere within The Path of Tea.
Origami
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20 Color 1000 Sheet Paper Crane Korean Origami CHEAPEST
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40 ORIGAMI CRANES- 3âSHINY METALLIC PAPERS /PASTEL 5 COLORS
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Origami
 | Amazon Price: $0.76 List Price: $3.95 |
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The Path of Tea
Oriental teapot sets
 | Amazon Price: $29.30 List Price: $70.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $46.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $38.49 List Price: $70.00 |
Oriental teapot sets
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Small Oriental Ceramic Teapot Brown w/Etched Designs
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Beautiful Blue Teapot and Sugar Bowl - Oriental Dragonflies
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ORIENTAL TEA POT
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- American Tea Masters Association
American Tea Masters Association founded to provide Mastery Level training, education, and professional certification to individuals desiring to become tea masters and tea sommeliers.
Certified tea master
Thia McKann is one of very few certified tea masters in the United States. According to her website, there are 13 others and she is the only one in Texas. I'm not certain how one becomes credentialed in that particular area, but assuredly one has to have a keen sense of taste and smell as well as knowledge of the subject.
Blessing the Tea at The Path of Tea
The Path of Tea
Summary
For a Houston escape from the ordinary check out the relaxing ambiance and Asian decor and music inside the delightful oasis called The Path of Tea. They are open 7 days a week with hours from 10AM to 9PM, Mon. to Thurs; 10AM to 11PM, Fri. & Sat; and hours from 1PM to 6PM on Sundays. The Path of Tea will take you on a sensual journey of scents, tastes and flavors all the while set in a most tranquil of settings. I can't wait for my next visit! Thanks, Lisa, for introducing The Path of Tea to me. Now others may enjoy this celebration of the senses also.
Have you or would you enjoy visiting a serene setting like The Path of Tea?
See results without votingOrganic Jasmine Dragon Pearl
Some places to dine or enjoy beverages in Houston...
- Houston Italian Restaurant Photos ~ Homemade Italian Food to Make Your Grandmother Smile
Learn more about this charming and unique Italian restaurant serving delicious food that captures the red checkered tablecloth family friendly atmosphere in style. - Brio Tuscan Grille ~ City Centre Houston ~ Restaurant Photos
An upscale Tuscan styled chain restaurant worth visiting! Beautiful decor and tasty food. We love the ambiance of Houston's Brio Tuscan Grille. - Adventures in Dining ~ Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant in Houston, Texas
- Pictures of Goode Co. Texas Barbeque, Katy Freeway, Houston ~ A Feast for Kings or Cowboys
- Pictures and Impressions of Trattoria IL Mulino in Houston, Texas
- Pictures of Tucked Away Houston, Texas Escape ~ Tiny Boxwoods ~ Cafe and Nursery
- Delightful Fine Dining Experience ~ Sorrento Ristorante Italiano in Houston, Texas
Strawberry Sench, Tea of the Week...
Organic Schizandra Rosehip Oolong Tea
Japanese Garden in Houston, Texas - Serenity in Hermann Park
Other Houston attractions or information in which you might be interested...
- Premier Shop in CityCentre Houston ~ Olive and Vine
Photos of great boutique in Houston selling top quality extra virgin olive oils & aged balsamic vinegars. Taste before you buy & learn about health benefits for both. - The Beer Can House, a Houston Art Treasure in Texas
- Hermann Park in Houston, Texas ~ Something for Everyone
- Fabulous Landscape Paintings in Houston's MFA ~ Van Gogh and Other Masterpieces
- Ship Channel Tour as a Tourist Attraction in Houston, Texas
- Cockrell Butterfly Center Pictures ~ Butterflies Galore in Houston, Texas
- Discovery Green Park in Houston, Texas - Pictures, Sculpture and Impressions
- Rothko Chapel verses Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum in Houston, Texas
- Japanese Garden in Houston, Texas - Serenity in Hermann Park
- Pictures of Wild and Wacky Art Car Museum in Houston, Texas
- Artist Charles Criner - The Heart, Love and Soul of His Lithography Artwork
- Pictures of lovely Primavera in the Houston, Tx. Galleria Mall
- Colorful Pictures ~ Attractions in Houston ~ Azalea Trail ~ Bayou Bend
- WWII History Museum Exhibits at the West Houston Airport in Texas plus accompanying YouTube Videos
- West Houston Airport ~ Commemorative Air Force ~ WW2 Aircraft ~ Paratroopers and My Dad
- Phenomenal Cullen Sculpture Garden in Houston, Texas
Comments
Peggy, such a treat for you to celebrate your birthday in such a wonderful place.
I love the idea that you could pick your own tea-cup, so cool!
What a huge variety of teas and such a difficult decision, what to choose!!
This is truly a tea paradise for someone like me, just too bad I'm so far away. Oh well, I'll have to settle with my evening brew of chamomile. Organic grown and hand-picked by yours truly!
Awesome hub, voted up and shared with my followers!
Hi Billy,
I have a bunch of mint and have simply brewed it...stems and all. Makes a great tea. I particularly like it served cold.
I have tried growing my own tea camomile and peppermint and spearmint teas - mixed results haven't quite got the trying bit down.
Hi Micky,
I like espresso and good coffee also. Good Teas are also an enjoyable beverage and The Path of Tea certainly has an amazing selection. Thanks for your visit.
I'm an espresso kind of guy - but - I'd have some of this tea with glee! God bless Peggy.
Hi Eiddwen,
Wish we lived closer so that we could share a pot of fragrant tea from The House of Tea. Wouldn't that be fun! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
What a great hub once more Peggy, it's all these wide variety of topics is one of the reasons that Hubpages is the great site that it is.
Take care
Eiddwen.
Hi Billy,
Think that I'll also purchase some to take home the next time I visit The Path of Tea. Will be curious to know which ones you decide are the best. So many choices!
Thanks again I will venture down their in a week or two - I am a big believer in herb teas so am looking forward to it.
Hi Billy,
Be prepared to smell and taste teas of which (I am sure) you have never previously known from The Path of Tea. It will be an educational stop as well as a place to purchase great tasting (and organic) teas. Rice and Central Market do not have the wide variety of teas that The Path of Tea offers. Enjoy! :)))
Hi Hello, hello,
It truly was a fun experience visiting The Path of Tea. Looking forward to many more visits! Thanks for the comment.
I am enjoying a nice cup of English Breakfast right now - I enjoy a good tea - green and black. I wasn't aware of the Path of tea - have been purchasing from Rice and Central Market I will check it out.
It must have been a wonderful experience. Thankyou for sharing this in this hub and great picture to illustrate.
Hi Prasetio,
So happy to hear that you enjoyed this hub about The Path of Tea. Do you also enjoy drinking organic teas? I'll have to admit that most of the teas in our home are not organic. Will have to remedy that! Thanks for the vote up and always enjoy seeing you here in the comments section. :)))
This was so beautiful hub. I love the part of "the path of tea", because I love drinking tea and tea is my favorite. You always do the best job on your hubs. I also enjoy all stunning pictures here. It always represent all descriptions here. Well done, Peggy. You always got my VOTE. Cheers...
Prasetio
Hello Om,
Good way to describe The Path of Tea...a "little paradise for tea lovers." Hopefully you will find some place like it near where you live. Would make a good franchise! Thanks for your comment.
Hello susannah42,
Fortunately tea is pretty easy to find. Enjoy a good cup of organic tea soon. Thanks for your comment.
Wow, this place is AWESOME! It's a little paradise for tea lovers like me. Too bad I don't live in Houston. I'll try to look for a place like this in Sac, though. Hopefully, there is one. Thanks so much for sharing this. :)
Makes me hungry for some.
Hi AliciaC,
The chocolate chai tea was so delicious that I would be tempted to have it again although it would also be fun to try more of their offerings. Apparently the water makes a great difference and I would have to agree after enjoying a pot of tea there. It was amazing! Thanks for the visit and comment.
Hi Stephanie,
Like you, I also drink more coffee...but I could be swayed with more flavorful teas such as I tasted at The Path of Tea! Enjoy your time spent with friends whether over a cup of coffee or tea. Thanks for your comment.
Hello marellen,
Sorry that your special place serving tea closed. Hopefully The Path of Tea will be in business for many more years serving great organic teas in such a lovely and peaceful atmosphere here in Houston. Thanks for your visit and comment.
What a huge variety of teas The Path of Tea has! I drink organic tea, but make it with regular tap water. It would be very interesting to taste tea in an establishment that pays so much attention to all the components involved in making a cup of tea and in creating just the right atmosphere. Your choice of chocolate chai tea sounds delicious!
Your visit to the Path of Tea sounds like a lovely way to spend time with a special friend. Although I'm mostly a coffee drinker, I also love to make tea in a pretty china tea pot and drink it from a porcelain cup. Somehow that makes it all the more special. I enjoyed your hub, and it has inspired me to try some new teas — maybe sharing with a good friend!
Very informative hub and I love tea too. We had a store on a smaller scale here in Sacramento but to my dislike it has closed...Thanks for sharing this great hub...
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the belated birthday greetings. Maybe we can share a pot of tea inside The Path of Tea sometime together. Would be nice! Thanks for your comment.
Hello Truckstop Sally,
Enjoy your first visit to this marvelous Houston Escape called The Path of Tea. Let me know what you think after your visit! Thanks for your comment.
Happy Belated Birthday. Thanks for sharing this wonderful and informative hub on the Asian Decor and Relaxing Ambiance inside the Path of Tea. I look forward to visiting the oasis type atmosphere and sipping a delicious cup of tea soon. Great hub.
Thanks for the info. I drive by there almost every day, but I have never stopped. And I even love tea. Picking your cup sounds like fun too.
Hi Charles,
A visit and comment from a famous artist like you is always welcomed. :))) Thanks!
Hi Genna East,
I have a friend who lives just outside St. Louis who also collects tea sets. When she visits down here, will have to introduce her to The Path of Tea. She will love it! Glad that you liked this and thanks for the comment.
Very nice Peggy. Keep up the great work....Charles.
Hi agusfanani,
I agree with you that the way The Path of Tea offers their selection of teas for the customer to first read about and actually smell the tea leaves before selecting the brewed version is unique and inviting. I'll try many different kinds in the days and years (God willing) ahead. Thanks for your comment.
I just adore this hub. I have collected tea sets for years, and your article is just a delight! Thank you.
This cafe offers an innovative style in enjoying tea. How the customer select the tea they want to drink by reading and scenting one of those various tea canisters is uniquely tempting.
Hi Pamela,
If you like tea I am certain that you will enjoy your visit to The Path of Tea in Houston. It is something special and out of the ordinary for certain. Thanks for your comment.
Hello Richard83,
There are so many types of teas with different flavors and aromas that it would probably take quite some time to taste them all. As to organic teas...I'll just bet that you would find some to your liking at The Path of Tea or elsewhere. I agree with you that the strawberry tea sounds like it would be good to try. Thanks for the comment.
Hi dahoglund,
Like you, I like coffee and I like tea...but I have never tasted tea as fragrant and delicious as this organic tea served at The Path of Tea. It was a new experience for me. The water used apparently also made a difference. Altogether it was a wonderful and hope-to-be repeated experience for me.
I love tea and drink many different kinds. This shop looks like a wonderful place I'll try to find it next time I'm in Houston.
Very greatly written. This is really something to try. I never knew this existed. I have always heard of tee. I do not like green tea but sweet tea is to die for. I really don't like anything organic either. Tea is really a ceremonial beverage so to say. Very interested. Learned some new things. The strawberry looks interesting. Good stuff Peggy.
I have never gotten to really crave tea like I do coffee,except sometimes ice tea in the summer. Maybe if I went to some special tea house and got a taste of quality tea I might at least have a standard to go by.I voted up and useful because it gave me an idea about tea.
Peggy W 5 months ago
Hi SanneL,
No kidding! With over 100 varieties of teas from which to choose at The Path of Tea...and it being my first time there...it was a difficult choice. I have been back since and have even purchased some to bring home and brew here.
Wow...you grow your own tea and harvest it as well. I'm impressed! As I said on one of your tea hubs...you really do know your subject matter! Thanks for your comment and for sharing it with your followers.