Shinka Tea Co.

by Mindy Messenger

The Daily, November 9, 2004

Raised from the street and marked by an elegant maroon and black sign is the U-District's best-kept secret for tea lovers: Shinka Tea Co.

Tucked inbetween the brightly colored signs of HairMaster's and DaVinci's Subs, this chill cafe is located in the less traversed regions of the Ave above NE 47th Street. Nonetheless, Shinka is a definite must-try spot for tea and coffee lovers alike.

Shinka's signature tea blends are an eclectic but solid mix of black, green, rooibos, and basic herbals such as peppermint and jasmine. Owner and founder Benny Tsai purchases all of Shinka's signature teas directly from farmers in Taiwan. Consequently, the teas have a strong, fresh taste you won't find in the weak blends Tazo (the brand owned by Starbucks) offers. Shinka's jasmine tea is the best I've found in Seattle, and the peppermint tea is blended with small amount of spearmint that cuts the sting of pure peppermint leaves.

Tsai opened Shinka in response to the overlooked market niche of tea drinkers in Seattle. However, unlike the cold-shoulder treatment tea fanatics receive from the majority of Seattle's cafes, Tsai hasn't left coffee lovers out in the chilled Autumn air.

The coffee is purchased entirely from Caffé Fioré, a Seattle based company specializing in organic fair-trade roasts. You can order all the standard coffee drinks offered at most cafes, plus more obscure drinks such as Hong Kong coffee (milk tea with an espresso shot).

But the drink selection continues beyond the basic cup of tea or coffee. So much so that the number tea and coffee drinks listed behind the spotless counter is overwhelming the first few visits. Shinka's driving philosophy is "tea diversified", according to Tsai. They offer quality milk tea (also known as bubble tea), Vietnamese coffee, a long list of tea frappes, fruit slushies, and cocoa diablo—what can be best described as a spicy hot chocolate.

Add rotating seasonal selections, the ability to have most drinks either hot or cold, and the ability to mix and match flavors, and the menu becomes a shade below intimidating. But just ask Tsai or the current barista for help and you'll be greeted with friendly suggestions.

With free wireless internet access, a clean and minimalist atmosphere, good ambiance music low-enough for a comfortable conversation, and the most extensive selection of tea based drinks on the Ave, Shinka is one of the better choices for studying or relaxing conversations with friends.