Traditional Chinese Tea
There are many tea traditions. We study, practice and offer the form that comes from China where tea originates – Gong Fu Cha. This is the mindful art of Chinese tea.
In Gong Fu Cha, the tea can be steeped 5-10 times. Drinking these steeps individually pulls apart the flavors, aromas and constituents of the tea and allows someone to experience tea as a journey. It’s a beautiful journey through the complexity of the tea plant that can’t fully be explained, only felt. Gong Fu Cha seeks to help us feel this, so we offer this experience at Plant Bar.
Photographs below provided by Gus of Rivers & Lakes Tea.
Plant Bar’s Tea Sources
We source only from tea sources who we have great trust and relationship with, and who seek to preserve the ancient traditions of tea. Each provider is carefully selected for their commitment to artisanal quality, sustainability, care for farmers and traditional tea-making practices, ensuring our offerings are both authentic and ethically sourced.
Rivers and Lakes Tea
Rivers and Lakes is our local friend and partner in tea, owned by Augustus Rushing in Asheville, NC. Gus travels to China and Taiwan annually and holds deep relationships with the tea farms that he sources from. He is committed to expansive education around the tea plant, including its varieties, geographical ecosystems and the processing methods for tea. Rivers and Lakes shows an incredible respect for Camellia sinensis, the tea plant. We are incredibly proud to offer the fine artistry of these teas.
- “Rivers & Lakes is a transliteration of the word 江湖 Jiānghú, a concept alluded to in kung fu fiction describing a liminal territory beyond laws, where the honed individual’s skill and integrity may be their only currency” – Gus
West China Tea
West China Tea is our long-time friend, teacher, and inspiration. So-Han at WCT has been studying and practicing tea for over 20 years, and we look to his company for inspiration and education in the world of traditional tea service. He has longstanding relationships with farmers in China, and continues to source the highest quality farm-direct tea. Known for its direct relationships with small, family-owned tea farms in China, West China offers a curated selection of hand-crafted, pesticide-free teas out of Austin, TX. Their focus is on preserving traditional Chinese tea-making techniques while promoting cultural appreciation. With a strong commitment to sustainability and direct-relationship ethical sourcing, West China Tea brings authentic, high-quality teas to those seeking a deeper connection to Chinese tea culture.
Red Sun Tea
Red Sun Tea, founded by Anthony Troia and Amelia Stuetzel, grows handpicked, handcrafted tea on a steep, southwest-facing slope just north of Asheville, NC. What started as a hobby 15 years ago has blossomed into a sustainable, eco-friendly tea garden. They are the only known tea farm in Western North Carolina. Using no chemicals and maintaining traditional methods, they carefully harvest, roll, and dry their tea throughout the spring and summer. Their dedication to quality and sustainable growing practices ensures a fresh, locally produced tea that captures the essence of Western North Carolina.
Photographs below provided by Gus of Rivers & Lakes Tea.
Herbal Tea (Tisanes)
We offer a variety of herbal tea blends that are meant to support the energy centers of the body. They all contain herbs that work to synergize with each other and assist us in shifting back to balance. All herbs are organic, wild-harvested, or locally sourced from Appalachian farms. We offer tisanes in single cups and as tea service.
Plant Bar’s Herbal Tea Source: Medicine From Mother
Medicine From Mother is a local Appalachian company, specializing in crafting herbal tea blends using sustainably sourced, organic and ethically wild-harvested ingredients. Their expertise in herbal medicine is reflected in each blend, which is thoughtfully created to promote health, balance and peace in the body. Nikki, the owner of MFM, believes in the crucial synergism and relationships between plants – they are better together than apart. With a deep respect for traditional healing practices, Medicine From Mother delivers high-quality, intentional herbal teas designed to nourish both body, mind and spirit.
Boba Tea
We offer a diverse selection of boba teas that cater to our love and respect for bubble tea culture.
Our boba is made with natural ingredients, free of additives and chemicals, delivering a delicious and wholesome experience. The coconut sugar boba adds a subtle sweetness and a satisfyingly chewy texture, perfectly complementing the bold and delicate flavors of our teas. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic tea or want to explore something more adventurous, our boba tea selection promises a burst of natural goodness, transforming every sip into a moment of joy.
A Boba Tea for Every Mood
At Plant Bar, our boba tea selection is designed to suit every mood. Craving something energizing? Try our traditional black tea with coconut sugar boba for a rich, earthy flavor. Need a refreshing pick-me-up? Opt for a fruit tea blend, bursting with natural sweetness and tart undertones. Feeling adventurous? Explore our specialty blends, crafted with a combination of herbs, teas, and botanicals for a truly unique experience.
Each cup is more than just a drink—it’s a journey through flavor and texture, lovingly created to offer a mindful moment of connection with nature’s bounty.
We are excited to be able to add boba to any iced drink on the menu, if you desire! Try our Goji Okay Golden Mylk or an iced cacao latte with bubbles for some extra texture and flavor.
