about the company

Liu Jian, founder of the Shanghai Tea Shop was born and raised in Shanghai, and is an internationally acclaimed artist.

Along his artistic way, he met a Chinese master painter who had been appointed director of the Chinese Art Institute, a job that included reorganizing the facility. He chose Jian, then only 24 years of age, to be the youngest member of the elite institute. This appointment gave Jian instant fame. Chinese art is always intertwined with references to tea.

All the masters are well educated about tea and Jian learned about tea from the masters at the Art Institute. In his years studying art and learning about tea he travelled to many parts of the world tasting and choosing only the finest teas.

Jian then moved to Nanaimo in 2004 and opened the Shanghai Tea Emporium with his collection of teas from around the world.

New owners have since taken over the store in 2009 and will continue to work closely with Liu Jian to carry his collection of teas from around the world. Our customers tell us time and time again that we have by far the best Teas on Vancouver Island!

At Tea Leaf Specialty Tea and Café we pride ourselves in continuing to provide the highest Quality of loose leaf teas and service to our #1 Valued Customer! In fact we are so confident in the quality of our teas and services, our newly renovated store welcomes you to come and be inspired in a cozy modernized tea café.

Here you can indulge your taste palate sipping over hundreds of loose leaf teas or transcend into a cozy creation of Lattes and Blended Tea Drinks. Peek into the future sipping one of our finest teas while having your tea leaves read by one of our experienced Tea Leaf Readers.

Our Inspiration does not end there. We also carry a wide variety of inspirational gifts, books, tea accessories, tea pots, gift baskets and much more.

Every one loves a tea party! Book your private tea party today contact us to find out more of the details.

TEA YOU SOON!