Zensation Tea House — Restaurant in Sydney

One of my favourite Sydney treasures. This place transports you. You don't just taste tea, you gain a mindset and an authentic cultural experience.

Why? If the legendary Uncle Iroh from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" was real, this would be the tea shop of his dreams. From customer service to quality of tea leaves to the tea ware itself, Zensation Tea House channels Uncle Iroh's love of good tea with a generous heart and warm welcome. This place would do him proud. I can imagine Zuko and Aang playing a game of checkers in the corner booth while I read/ write/ draw at Zensation Tea House.

If you're unfamiliar with Uncle Iroh, don't worry, I'll explain. (Also, do yourself a favour and watch "Avatar: The Last Airbender"). :)

Raymond and his wife, Ada, have owned Zensation Tea House for 17 years. Originally based in Surry Hills, Zensation moved to Waterloo 2 years ago. Raymond's heritage is Hong Kongese, and he has lived in Australia since the 70's. They both love sharing their knowledge of tea and tea culture. And their knowledge is matched with excellent customer service and a welcome to ALL- whoever they are and wherever they are on their tea journey.

It's rare to find any owner-operated business in Sydney, and Raymond and Ada are there every day (except Monday) to greet customers. Their loyal dog, Goldie, is a wonderful mascot.

This means the quality of service is personalised, with the highest attention to detail. Meticulous standards in presentation, food and products.

Raymond travels extensively every year to source artisinal teas from China, Taiwan and Japan. From Uji-cha to Fukuoka Gyokuro (Japanese teas) to the old Pu'er trees in Yunnan, Longjin sourced from Zhejiang province (Chinese teas) or high-mountain Taiwanese tea, Raymond knows his tea intimately and he shares his knowledge generously.

The tea-ware is exceptional. From Yi Xing pottery to glass tea pots, ceramic gai wans to celadon cups, milky Oolongs, floral hibiscus or red tea, they cater to every tea-lover's need with an affable attitude and a reasonable price that makes you feel at home. The displays are beautiful in the tranquil surroundings.

Highly recommend their "Tea Appreciation" tea tasting night. Regardless of your knowledge of tea, you'll love their delicious authentic dumplings (loved the variety), calligraphy demonstration, tea ceremony and sparkling conversation. It makes for an educational and fun night. You gain a cultural experience. Assistant, Alicia, was also very helpful and thoughtful. My partner who knows very little about tea asked lots of questions and was converted!

But despite the insight and knowledge, there is no snobbery here. I especially loved that ALL questions are welcomed, and their unaffected love for sharing tea make them the best host/hostess. It's like being in a cosy retreat where everyone is made to feel at ease. Just be yourself - relax, explore and enjoy.

The atmosphere of Zensation Tea House is another drawcard. The interior design is also by Raymond. A clean yet cosy treasure trove of tea, there are dark rose-wood tables and chairs, embroidered cushions, elegant stools, cafe chairs and wooden tables - an ecclectic mix with comfortable nooks to sip your tea or read a book. Natural wood, paintings, bamboo screens and crafted ceramics create separate areas for respite. Lanterns and lamps glow in the evening, and incense calms you as you listen to one of Raymond's extensive vinyl collection.

From the mood of the place to the staff to the products, this place is truly transformative.

It's like a secret garden where tea blooms.

Zensation Tea House is a much needed place in Sydney to unwind and reset. I adore tea, and I wish I had discovered this place sooner, but I'm so glad that it exists. I learn so much. I walk out feeling like my mind is clearer and my heart is lighter.

As Uncle Iroh would say "Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life's true delights" and Raymond and Ada are the best people to embody this with...

Zensation – A Perfect Pairing of Tea, Dumplings, and Hospitality

I first visited Zensation over a year ago, grabbing a quick lunch of dumplings and browsing their beautiful selection of teapots and teas. I took home some incredible Japanese tea and made a mental note to return—this time with my better half.

Fast forward to a Friday night date, and I finally had the chance to share this little gem with her. I called ahead to confirm there was space, and from the moment we walked in, everything felt just right.

The atmosphere is warm, vibrant, and welcoming, and to our delight, there was also a tea appreciation evening happening—an added bonus that made the experience feel even more special.

Raymond and his wife Ada run Zensation with clear passion and care. Raymond helped guide us through the menu and offered thoughtful tea pairings. Together with their team, they create an experience that’s equal parts delicious and memorable.

We ordered: • Shallot Pancake (8 pcs) • Shanghai Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) • Guangdong Pork and Prawn Siu Mai • Prawn Dumplings • Roast Duck Dumplings • Spring Rolls (Pork) • Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings (6 pcs) • Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork Buns (4 pcs)

It’s tough to pick a standout because everything was genuinely excellent. That said, the spring rolls were a real hit and the prawn dumplings ticked every box for me. We slightly over-ordered (as you do when everything looks amazing) and took the pork buns home—though they didn’t last more than an hour once we were back.

Tea selections: • Milky Oolong – their most popular tea for good reason. Fragrant and subtly creamy, we loved it so much we took some home. • Jasmine White Rabbit – another beautifully fragrant tea that paired perfectly with the meal.

To top off the evening, we finally purchased a handmade Chinese tea set—something I had resisted on my first visit in the absence of my partner. It’s been well used since, often accompanied by sips of our new favourite tea.

Raymond and Ada are a passionate and generous couple, and their love for what they do shows in every part of the experience—from the menu to the conversation. We can’t wait to return with friends and share what we’ve found in this truly special place.

Thank you for such a...

Incredible! What a fantastic little treasure. Hidden away in plain site, almost something you’d walk right past without noticing or taking a second glance at. But hidden inside is a treasure trove for tea lovers, and a perfect introduction to true tea for those who have always said “I’m not really a tea person”. It has everything you could ask for. Beautiful, warm atmosphere, lovely and fast service, delicious food, very reasonable prices, a store to buy all of your favourite goodies from your dining experience (tea brewing and serving items particularly) and ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL TEA (it’s named well being called Zensation)! Sydney is filled to the brim with cafes and coffee specialists, but there is a deeply sore lacking of tea houses in general but particularly places you can get a cup of quality tea but is even more just brewed correctly! On top of all of that, there are tea appreciation courses, tea set packages, and in general very traditional tea serving experiences (see video) to be had with each visit. This place fills every gap in the tea market in Sydney. I have searched for a tea house for a long time and this one is an absolute must visit that I can’t believe took me so long to find. I will be back, again and again. Thankyou, Zensation. Finally, a tea house worthy...