Icha Tea (Queen West)

What is Icha Tea (Queen West)? Occupying a relaxed strip of Queen Street West just steps from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Icha Tea’s west-end outpost is the calmer, design-forward alternative to its bustling Chinatown flagship. Founded by Xing Su and Sijian Chen to champion single-origin Asian tea culture in Toronto, the space features minimalist pale wood, warm ambient lighting, and serene cafe tables designed for unhurried sipping. It operates as both a modern artisanal tea room and a contemplative tea house rather than a fast-paced takeout counter.

Icha Tea (Queen West) Menu & What to Order Icha approaches tea with uncompromising precision, sourcing leaves directly from Chinese growers and whisking Japanese matcha from revered producer Marukyu Koyamaen. For casual visits, order the whisked-to-order Icha No. 1 Matcha Latte, the aromatic Snow Rose Jasmine Milk Tea, or refreshing seasonal fruit builds like Citron Honey Oolong. If you have time to linger, the traditional Gongfu tea service is essential—served with electric kettles, steeping vessels, and single-origin selections like roasted Da Hong Pao or aged Pu-erh. Pair your drink with house-baked matcha Swiss rolls or light cream cakes.

Know Before You Go Seating is strictly walk-in only, with mid-afternoons and weekend post-park stroll hours seeing steady traffic. The shop is easily reached via the 501 Queen streetcar, while street parking along Queen West can be scarce on weekends. If you plan to order the multi-infusion Gongfu tea set, budget at least 45 minutes to fully enjoy the steepings.