SiTea - Calabash Tea & Tonic

I enjoyed my Saturday afternoon here at SiTea, It reminds me of back in the day when people called their living rooms "parlors", very eclectic in taste with Buddhist decorum infused with pictures of the owner's life experiences. I felt right at home! The customer service was very nice, the young lady working on that Saturday was bright, bubbly, and welcoming, she knew a great deal about the teas, she also offered us samples. Only thing-- it was just one of her and a few of us with questions.

My girlfriend and I ordered tea service, which was very inexpensive around $6 each for a 12 oz. kettle. The pleasant lady working solo apologized for the wait, we had no problem seeming as though she was holding it down by herself.
SiTea also sells various soups and baked goods I will try another time.

I wanted to take some tea with me, but I became overwhelmed with all the various choices. It would be nice if SiTea organized the teas by health and wellness, flavor, etc. It's a lot of stuff on the shelves when you come the first time and don't know what's what, knick- knacks, photos all mixed in on the shelves with product. Descriptions by the tea would be useful. We ended up going on the website from our phones to see fully what SiTea had available. The healing teas are $7.50 each, which I found to be a good deal. Very useful products here:

MSM Crystalline Powder- Helps shrink fibroids, softens old stretch marks and scars. Increases flexibility and helps relieve arthritis and athletic injuries.

Goddess Kali's Hibiscus Healer - a light decaf detox herbal tea

Jamaican Ginger Jewel Sorrel- blood cleanser, blood pressure regulator, diuretic and good for contributing treatment for cardiac/nerve diseases & cancers

Rescue Me! - Cold/Flu Support & Immune Boosting Tea

I was amazed at all of these herbal potions and what they do, made me realize that I don't want to waste my thirst on a soda when I can get all of this good stuff in my body (with plenty of water and 2 teaspoons of agave). This place is special and quite unique. Now that I know the teas I want after looking over the website I'll definitely go back to relax and make an additional purchase. You can order on-line, but I'm looking for an excuse to come back!

I'm not a herbologist or tea spazz by far, but as a health conscious fanatic I know a good product when I see it.

SiTea is a small business, that is not new, but has staked an unique claim into the tea/coffee market scene in DC/MD/VA. To be such a small box (retail jargon), this place provides the right space for relaxing to the perfect cup of Joe, tea spazisms, and/or even a quick bite of mostly vegetarian fare.

I first discovered this place by way of a Groupon and have been made a fan and definitely, a returning customer. Their tea products are solid and the customer service is outstanding! The vibe in SiTea is sort like "Shangri-La Bliss" meets "The Witch Doctor!" And, I mean to say this in a good way. LOL! P.S. You have to visit this place to get the point!

From the moment you step up to SiTea, you feel like you are entering into another dimension. It is enchanting, alluring, and captivates your senses visually. Upon entering, you feel very relaxed but at the same time can't help to be intrigued by the array of tea concoctions and spice products boasted against the entire wall of the place. They have tea and chai blended products to amuse any of your problems or pyscho-somatic ailments from the rooter to the tooter! From mood swings, dandruff....to the libido there is an elixir waiting for you to purchase! They also serve an array of standard-common teas and spices; including green teas, black teas, rooibos, paprika's, sugar blends, and cinnamon assortments to name a few. All items are displayed nicely in descriptive, labeled glass jar containers that resemble that of an apothecary (old pharmacy) and sold by the ounce. It definitely peaks your interest. Unfortunately for the twisted minded patrons, like myself....I sorta wanted to see some chicken feet, eyeballs, or cow brains floating in the jars...but there were none. Darnit! LOL! Oops, sorry. I digress.

Just stop on by for a cup of their magic potions and tea temptations to see for yourself!...And, celebrate the mind, body and soul while your there. Places like this are rare. You are simply allowed to come in and relax to some lite eats; or have a good sip of tea....spiked if you like (byob)! Leave the laptops and tablets at home. There are plenty of books stacked and piled around....to put your mind on pause for a moment from the already "wired" technology-driven world around us and stressful day. Namaste.....

This place is PERFECTION.

Let that sink in for a second.

I was staying near Chinatown, and I made it a point to get myself uptown to visit. SO very worth it.

Ladies & Gents.... Starfuxs or Dunkin' Disaster, SiTea is not.

With blend names like "Kiss me Guido", and "Frida-licious", this place is the Bob's Burgers of Tea Shops.

SiTea is very much low-key, slow-lane, and cozy. If you bring your laptop, business cards, and plenty of time for conversation, prepare to meet the coolest, most interesting people in DC. Every inch has love in the design. The silky smooth Billie Holiday piped into the atmosphere, to the well-traveled decor, every one of your senses is made to feel like how the brew your drinking tastes.

I had the Chocolate Chai w/almond milk, sprinkled with cayenne. It was brought to me in a cast-iron tea pot & warmer, with cayenne in a stone container and silver spoon. It tasted like a hug from the inside. I'm a sweet addict, so I had to add some vanilla flavored raw sugar. Best choice for a chilly late winter day.

I got several items to go, including some Nag Champa soap & incense, and a SUPER-moist spicy chipotle chocolate muffin... to which on the flight home, found myself wanting to eat the paper it was baked in.

Easy to get to from the Red Line, walking seconds away from the Takoma stop.

"I love it when white women order the Mandingo" - Overheard at SiTea.

*nerds welcome.*

Take my money SiTea, please.

If I could spoon with this place, I'd have to be the big spoon. That's how much I love it. (And I love being the little spoon, so that's saying something!)

It may be small, but it's eclectic, stylish, comfortable and welcoming. Just about every nook and cranny of SiTea is adorned with eastern inspired art and sassy accents, yet somehow manages to avoid dancing the tacky tango.

The chai (like everyone has mentioned) is spicy, smooth and kept warm by burners for whatever the period of time may be that you choose to linger.

I also was completely enamored by Dane, the fabulous man that was working the day that my coworker and I chose to perch for a few hours. Dane is the kind of guy that you want to be your new BFF. He's hilarious, has a conversational range, impeccable fashion sense, is incredibly helpful and attentive, but still leaves you alone long enough to never seem imposing.

If you go, ask if Dane is working and give him a hug - for me!!

I'd imagine this place can probably become tight for seating on the weekends, but if you head over mid-day on a weekday, you've got a good shot at having space to spread out and breathe a little.

Truly one of the most special places in Takoma Park!

The place is so soothing and has such a beautiful and relaxing energy. I had the love potion and the heartache healer Chai with almond milk and it's amazing!
I would definitely recommend this place, The owner is very welcoming and has a wealth of knowledge about tea, spices and what to recommend, not just for a good tasting tea, but for various medicinal and healing purposes.
I would highly recommend it. Bring your laptop, book or simply browse through the books available at the shop and have a conversation, or just sit still and enjoy your tea. There are also other yummy treats such as Veggie samosas and cupcakes..

Really like the quiet zen atmosphere, the staff is friendly and accommodating, the tea selection is wide, and we loved everything we tried!

We shared the Mandingo tea with almond milk, samosas, and vegan black bean brownie (I was skeptical but it was good!). I will definitely return.

Could this place be any more perfect?

Every single detail in this establishment is perfectly coordinated. Every single one. The Moroccan lamps hanging in the window nook are chic and eclectic. The ornate furniture is surrounded by beautifully decorated walls. When I say beautiful, I mean it on a higher scale than most. The ceilings are purple (yes, an alluring shade of bright eggplant), and the walls are decorated with quirky gems the owner (Dr. Sunyatta) picked up from her trips around the world. Walking into this shop is like entering heaven. Quirky, Eastern-inspired, spiritual heaven that your kooky friend decorated. Let me point out that there's NOTHING tacky about this shop. Most people associate quirkiness with tackiness, and that's simply not the case here. Its perfect to camp out in all day with your book and/or laptop, a few friends, or even a casual date.

Let's talk about the date. This place offers tea service! Yes, you read that correctly. It costs $7, and someone brings out a tray with cups and a beautiful pot of whichever tea you would like. It's the ideal spot for an intimate conversation...and there's nothing more romantic than delicious vegan desserts (that you can't even tell are vegan), tea service where spices are ground directly into your cup (so classy), and the ambiance of subtle sexiness that surrounds you. If that doesn't convince you, check out their tea selection. Everything from hand-blended chai to oolong to ginseng to green...basically, whatever you desire. Some form of it exists in that shop. I promise you.

The coffee chai is outstanding, and their earl grey/chai blend is even better! They roast their own beans early in the morning, so you're guaranteed a fresh cup. If that isn't top quality customer service, I don't know what is. The teas are also reasonably priced, and right now they're having a sale: 2 bags for $12, regular teas. The chai is $10 per bag, but that's due to the high amount of blending.

Between the excellent customer service and delicious food&beverages, nothing is keeping me away from this place. You can count on a weekly visit from me :)

...and I can't wait to try my Arabian Nights tea! Black tea blended with rose...sigh.

You don't have to be a lady who lunches, or a tea leaf aficionado to appreciate a good blend of fragrant herbs in your favorite steamy mug.

You don't even really have to be a cultured sophisticate who relishes continental decor to enjoy the brightly-colored, intimate space that Dr. Amen created.

If you're not totally committed to a holistic lifestyle, don't meditate when the sun rises or know any Yoruba chants.... don't worry, you'll still love SiTea! I can pretty much guarantee that anyone would.

She has quite a few blends of tea available (speaking modestly), and everything is neatly arranged and categorized. I think I'd spend about 10 minutes just browsing, before making my final selection(s). You don't have to even be like me, though. You can walk right in and get advice from the very helpful staff on the wide selection of teas and appetizers. The location is just a block away from the Takoma Park Metro station, and I still think street parking would work, although you might have to park further away.

In summation:

Vegan? Foodie? Yogi? None of the Above?

Great, it sounds like SiTea is just the spot for you... and me!

Delightful! I bought a groupon for SiTea and after reading the reviews, I was excited to find this hidden gem. Upon entering, I was promptly and warmly greeted. I was offered a sample of their house chai with almond milk which was delicious. I stayed for the tea service and samosa - mmm!!! Both were fantastic. The tea service wasn't very long, but I ordered the house chai with almond milk (already brewed) so I would recommend getting whatever is already brewed to reduce wait time.
I highly recommend this tea shop if you are looking for a good cup of tea and relaxing atmosphere where you can spend a few hours. I would like to advise that the shop is rather small, so not a great location for large groups.

The Jamaican Jerk Chili & Samosa combo is awesome here! Goes real nice w/ the Chai tea of the day! They always have smooth chill music playing in the background, plus they have free WiFi.
Very nice chill spot.