Four years ago, new Manhattanite Shunan Teng was struck that there was no place in this city to drink authentic Chinese tea.
She fixed that problem last fall when she opened Tea Drunk in the East Village.
“I wanted a place for tea geeks to drink exceptional ‘true origin’ Chinese teas that come from the regions that historically grow them best,” said Teng, 30, who was born and raised in China. “I also wanted to create a real tea experience for customers.”
Teng took two six-week backpacking treks to some of southern China’s remotest areas. There she sourced all of the nearly 70 teas she now stocks.
Self-financed and sole owner, she found her East Seventh Street location last summer and launched Tea Drunk soon after.
Tea Drunk’s tea menu — no food permitted or served — offers high-end brews.
Prices per pot vary according to the variety of tea; one tea goes for $800 a pound.
Tea Drunk also offers a program of tea classes, hosts private events and sells its blends to customers.