I last updated this list in March 2026, taking into account that some tea companies have unfortunately closed.

In the past, I rarely bought tea online. Over the past few years, however, I’ve explored a wide range of teas available online and have been genuinely impressed by the quality. I’ve also sourced teas through friends traveling to China and Taiwan, which gave me access to even more exceptional varieties.

As you may know, some of the world’s most prized teas—like Longjing (Dragon Well)—rarely leave China, making them difficult to find abroad.

I’ll continue updating this list regularly, organizing it by specialty to help you discover the best sources for loose tea.

Best for Pu-erh Enthusiasts →

• White2Tea (No BS Tea seller based in China offering affordable Oolongs & Puerhs)
• Yunnan Sourcing (Specializing in Puerh)
• TanLong Tea (Specializing in ancient wild teas)

Best for Taiwanese Oolong →

• Té (Specializing in Taiwanese oolong teas-Manhattan, NY with a cute store in the Village)
• Eco-Cha (Traditional oolongs from Taiwan)

Best for Matcha →

• Ippodo (A 300-year-old company based in Kyoto) their store in Manhattan is relocating. I order my matcha with them.
• O-Cha
• Breakaway Matcha (Specializing in hyperpremium matcha)
• Aiya (A family owned company specializing in Matcha green tea since 1888)

Best for Beginners →

1. DavidsTea (Canadian Tea house)
2. Harney & Sons
3. Kusmi Tea (Parisian Tea house known for their house blends)
4. Rishi (Specializing in organic teas and botanicals)
5. Vadham formerly Golden Tips (Online)

Best Premium Experience →

• Jing Tea (Specializing in fine teas, based in the UK)
• Mariage Frères (French Tea house)

Previously Featured Tea Companies

The following companies were included in earlier versions of this list. While availability, shipping, or operations may have changed, they are still worth mentioning for their contribution to the world of loose tea.

1. Chawangshop (Specializing in Puerh) Note: since Covid-19 they don’t ship to Russia and India.They have updated their rules.
2. Crimson Lotus (Specializing in Puerh) Note: never ordered from them though.
3. Radiance Tea House (Midtown, Manhattan, NY) Online orders now available Store closed
4. TeaVivre (Online) Received samples from them when they launched, not sure where they are now, as they’re a company from China.
5. Ten Ren Tea House (Specializing in Oolong and ginseng-Chinatown, NY) Note: Left it on the list, it’s unclear if they are operating at the moment. Store closed
6. T-Shop (Manhattan, NY) They’re still operating, I visited their cute shop a long time ago, not sure what they’re up to now.
7. Verdant Tea (Fine tea directly from small farms)