Le Palais des Thés

Le Palais des Thés, “the palace of tea” in French, provides an oasis amidst the busy streets of New York City.  The tea shop was founded by François-Xavier Delmas, a passionate world traveler and tea extraordinaire who creates relationships with farmers while visiting their tea plantations to do some personal tea-tasting.  After over 20 years of touring and tasting in places like China, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Nepal and parts of Africa, Delmas shares his experiences with the rest of the world.

Le Palais des Thés sells more than 120 varieties of teas from all over the globe, comprised of : Les Créations "signature flavored teas", over 70 blends of single-estate "hand-picked plain teas" from individual plantations and grands crus, "rare seasonal teas."  All teas are 100% natural, made using natural fertilizers and without extracts, chemicals, and pesticides.

The tea leaves are sold whole and uncrushed, elegantly packaged in Paris, France in re-useable 100g pouches, metal patterned tins, or boxed in sets of 20 individual tea bags, made of 100% handmade muslin.  With each purchase, customers receive a menu of blended tea ingredients and proper brewing instructions.  Especially branded for Le Palais des Thés, are accessories such as cups, porcelain and iron teapots, and even tea inspired scented candles are also available for purchase.

Want to learn more about the world of tea?  Delmas’ niece holds tea-tasting classes at Le Palais’ SoHo branch for: Intro to Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea, and Green Tea.  Each session lasts for 1 hour on Saturdays and Sundays.