Russia has a long-standing tradition of tea-drinking, and Moscow is the perfect place to explore the best Russian black teas and herbal infusions. Whether you’re looking for premium loose-leaf tea, local herbal blends, or beautifully packaged tea to bring home as a souvenir, Moscow offers a variety of stores and specialty shops dedicated to the art of tea. Here’s a list of some of the best places in Moscow to buy traditional Russian black tea and herbal infusions.
1. The Tea Institute
The Tea Institute is one of the top places in Moscow to find a wide range of traditional Russian teas and herbal infusions. This specialty store is known for offering premium loose-leaf teas, focusing on Russian and Eastern tea traditions.
What to Expect:
- Russian Black Tea: The shop offers high-quality Russian black teas, including Krasnodar and Altai blends, known for their rich flavors.
- Herbal Infusions: Explore a variety of herbal infusions made with chamomile, rose hips, and mint, among others.
- Expert Staff: The knowledgeable staff can help you select the best tea based on your preferences and guide you through the brewing process.
Why It’s Great:
- The Tea Institute offers an excellent selection of Russian black teas and herbal blends, making it an ideal destination for tea lovers in Moscow.
2. Chaihona №1
A favorite among Moscow locals, Chaihona №1 is a unique café that doubles as a tea shop, offering a vast range of teas, including Russian blends and herbal infusions. The shop’s cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy your tea while also shopping for high-quality leaves.
What to Expect:
- Russian and Eastern Teas: Enjoy a selection of Russian black teas, such as Ceylon, and Chinese teas, which are known for their smooth and robust flavors.
- Herbal Teas: You’ll also find a wide array of herbal infusions, including chamomile, mint, and saffron blends.
- Tea Accessories: Purchase everything you need to prepare your tea, from traditional tea pots to ceramic cups.
Why It’s Great:
- Chaihona №1 combines the experience of enjoying tea in a charming café with the convenience of shopping for premium Russian teas and accessories.
3. Teastory
Teastory is a well-known tea boutique offering a variety of traditional Russian teas and a wide selection of herbal infusions. The shop has earned a reputation for its curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas and its focus on high-quality ingredients.
What to Expect:
- Russian Black Teas: Find Russian black tea blends from Krasnodar and the Altai region, as well as other regional specialties.
- Herbal and Floral Teas: Teastory is also famous for its herbal infusions, including unique blends with ingredients like lemon balm, rose petals, and lavender.
- Gourmet Tea Gifts: The store offers beautifully packaged teas, making it a great destination for souvenirs or gifts.
Why It’s Great:
- Teastory provides a wide variety of Russian tea blends and herbal infusions in a cozy, welcoming environment, perfect for finding high-quality tea and gifts.
4. Uchastok
For a more traditional Russian experience, Uchastok is a specialty tea shop that focuses on regional Russian tea blends and herbal infusions made from natural, local ingredients. This shop offers both loose-leaf teas and beautifully packaged teas, perfect for gifting or personal enjoyment.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Russian Teas: Uchastok offers Russian black teas sourced from various parts of Russia, including Krasnodar and Sochi, renowned for their rich, smooth flavors.
- Herbal Tea Blends: Explore a variety of herbal infusions made with Russian herbs such as wild mint, chamomile, and rose hips.
- Handmade Tea Blends: The store creates custom tea blends, allowing you to create your own unique mix based on your preferences.
Why It’s Great:
- Uchastok offers an authentic experience for those seeking traditional Russian tea blends and handcrafted infusions made from local herbs, perfect for anyone interested in regional Russian tea culture.
5. Tearoom at the Tsaritsyno Estate
The Tearoom at Tsaritsyno Estate is a charming spot located in one of Moscow’s most historic parks. Here, visitors can enjoy a traditional Russian tea ceremony and purchase a selection of Russian teas and herbal infusions.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Russian Teas: The tearoom offers Russian black teas, such as Krasnodar tea, along with herbal infusions made from herbs like mint, sage, and chamomile.
- Tea Ceremony: Experience a traditional Russian tea ceremony, where you can learn about the rich history and significance of tea in Russian culture.
- Elegant Souvenirs: You can also purchase tea-related items, including tea sets and ceramic teapots.
Why It’s Great:
- The Tearoom at Tsaritsyno Estate is not only a great place to enjoy a relaxing tea break but also a perfect spot to buy premium Russian tea in a historic setting.
6. Sami Tea
Sami Tea is a specialty shop offering a variety of Russian herbal teas sourced from the Siberian region. Known for its high-quality herbal blends, this store is the perfect place to discover unique flavors from the Russian countryside.
What to Expect:
- Siberian Herbal Teas: Sami Tea offers herbal blends made from wild Siberian plants, including sea buckthorn, cedar nuts, and honeybush.
- Traditional Russian Blends: The shop also features classic Russian black teas and herbal mixes known for their healing properties and soothing qualities.
- Natural Ingredients: The emphasis is on natural, organic ingredients sourced from Russia’s wild landscapes.
Why It’s Great:
- Sami Tea offers an exceptional selection of Siberian herbs and wild plants, making it the ideal place to buy unique, locally sourced herbal teas.
7. Teavana Moscow
For a more international tea shopping experience, Teavana Moscow offers a broad selection of loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions. While the store carries a range of teas from around the world, it also offers several high-quality Russian blends.
What to Expect:
- Russian Black Teas: Teavana offers a selection of Russian teas, including Russian Caravan and Krasnodar blends, known for their smooth, robust flavors.
- Herbal Teas: The shop offers a variety of herbal infusions, including chamomile, peppermint, and linden flower.
- Gourmet Packaging: Teavana’s premium packaging makes it a great place for purchasing gift-worthy teas.
Why It’s Great:
- Teavana Moscow provides a wide variety of premium loose-leaf teas, including Russian black teas and herbal blends, making it a convenient stop for high-quality tea shopping.
8. Moscow’s Central Market (Tsentralny Rynok)
The Central Market in Moscow is a great place to explore if you’re looking for local, organic teas and herbal infusions. The market offers an extensive selection of tea vendors that specialize in Russian teas and regional blends.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Russian Teas: Many vendors at the market offer Russian black teas from regions like Krasnodar and the Caucasus.
- Herbal Teas: Find a range of Russian herbal blends, including infusions made with rose hips, wild mint, and chamomile.
- Fresh, Local Teas: The market is known for offering fresh, locally sourced teas, perfect for those looking to bring home authentic Russian flavors.
Why It’s Great:
- The Central Market offers a unique opportunity to explore locally produced teas and purchase Russian herbal infusions directly from farmers and local producers.
9. Leto (Summer) Tea Shop
Located in the heart of Moscow, Leto Tea Shop specializes in herbal infusions and Russian teas. The store is known for its calming atmosphere and extensive selection of high-quality tea blends.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Russian Teas: Leto offers a selection of Russian black teas and herbal infusions, many of which are locally sourced.
- Herbal Blends: Try unique blends made from wild herbs, including st. john’s wort, dandelion, and cedar bark.
- Relaxing Environment: Leto’s calming atmosphere makes it a great place to sit and enjoy a tea or shop for a variety of tea leaves.
Why It’s Great:
- Leto Tea Shop offers a great selection of locally sourced herbal teas and traditional Russian blends, perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing tea experience.
10. TeeMart
TeeMart is a tea lover’s paradise, offering a wide selection of premium loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions. Known for its commitment to quality, TeeMart offers both traditional Russian black tea and unique herbal blends.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Russian Teas: TeeMart carries Russian Caravan, Altai teas, and other popular Russian varieties, known for their rich, bold flavors.
- Herbal Infusions: The store offers a variety of herbal teas, including blends of linden and rose hips, perfect for relaxation and wellness.
- Tea Accessories: TeeMart also offers a variety of tea accessories, including teapots, infusers, and cups, making it a one-stop shop for all things tea-related.
Why It’s Great:
- TeeMart offers a wide range of premium Russian teas and herbal infusions, along with high-quality tea accessories, making it an ideal destination for tea enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Moscow is home to numerous specialty tea shops and boutiques where you can find a wide selection of Russian black teas and herbal infusions. Whether you’re looking for traditional Russian blends at The Tea Institute, herbal infusions at Sami Tea, or a more relaxed shopping experience at Uchastok, Moscow offers plenty of options to discover and enjoy authentic Russian tea culture.
