Few things have such a strong association as tea and Asia, and Thailand is no exception—the brewing and consumption of tea dates back more than 4,000 years in China. Especially during the past thousand years, tea has become a wildly popular cultural beverage. During the 17th century, tea found its way to Europe through Dutch and Portuguese traders, with the British falling head over heels for it. Nowadays, most tea consumed in Thailand is sweetened with sugar and/or condensed milk beyond recognition. 

Tea holds strong cultural significance globally, such as the customary British afternoon tea and its role in meditative ceremonies and daily rituals across China and Japan. And this is a good thing, seeing as tea has several health benefits. Green, black, white, and oolong varieties of tea contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve brain function. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger offer calming or aid in digestion. While the majority of tea stands found in Phuket offer sweetened tea or bubble tea, there are a handful of specialty shops that keep discerning traditions alive.

Umai Teahouse

Umai Teahouse Phuket is a serene, Japanese-inspired matcha café with two locations in Talat Yai and Chalong in the new My Front Yard retail complex. Since opening, this mini oasis has become one of the island’s go-to destinations for green tea lovers.

If you're a matcha lover or appreciate a peaceful, photogenic cafe, Umai Teahouse will not disappoint. Guests can choose ceremonial-grade matcha blends such as Ajisai, Nikita, Yuri, Yuuhana, and Sayuri, as well as more traditional-style Japanese teas like gyokuro, sencha, genmaicha, and hojicha. The minimalist Japanese decor, mini waterfall, and rich desserts further add to the experience. 

Ryn Tearoom

Ryn Tearoom – Authentic Tea & Slow Drop Coffee is a serene, Japanese-style cafe tucked into Phuket Old Town on Krabi Road that certainly looks the part. With tasteful decor, a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and a distinguished selection, Ryn has earned a place in the heart of Phuket’s tea lovers.

One thing everyone can appreciate is the user-friendliness at Ryn. The various teas are outlined in detail, explaining their distinct qualities, making it easy to find your preference. They showcase an extensive matcha menu including single-cultivar and blended matchas imported directly from Japan. In fact, they offer eight different types of matcha with various intensities and characteristics, as well as sencha, hojicha, as well as a selection of Chinese teas. Also of note is the matcha gelato, single-origin slow-drip coffees, and tatami-style (Japanese mats) seating.

Teahouse MoyChay Phuket

Moychay is a specialty teahouse and shop located at Boat Avenue in Cherng Talay. They are focused on offering a refined tea‑tasting experience in the Gong Fu Cha (“making tea with skill”) tradition. With dozens of premium loose‑leaf teas from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand on offer, there’s a flavor for even the most discerning tea lovers.

MoyChay stocks classic and rare teas such as aged white teas, green teas, oolong, black (red), herbal blends, and Thai teas, which are personally sourced from reputable tea regions. Join an atmospheric Gong Fu Cha session hosted in their tea lounge,e which novices and connoisseurs can both appreciate. Customers can also browse their selection of beautifully crafted teaware, be educated about tea culture, and join tastings and workshops.