Ten Ren's Tea Time — Restaurant in New York

This visit I wanted to buy some loose leaf jasmine tea and from what I saw online I knew that the shop had a few different grades in stock besides the jasmine pearl. As soon as I walked in, I got to sample tea brewed with the jasmine pearl leaves (the smell was very fragrant). I only wanted to buy a small quantity to test it out but the saleslady kept on trying to upsell me to buy a whole tin which costs almost $40. She also let me smell the tea leaves before trying to upsell me to buy a whole tin again. After telling her I was only interested in buying a small amount, she went to the front where they keep the giant golden tea tins and scooped out 4oz for me. As soon as I was finished paying, it felt like a transaction and she no longer had any reason to assist me like not even a thank you or anything. A very dismissive attitude simply because I didn't give in buying a whole tin of tea like she suggested. There are plenty of other tea shops in Chinatown so I probably won't be visiting here again.

In the front, I ordered their jasmine green tea with no toppings and 50% sugar which was a mistake. This drink definitely needs 100% sugar because at 50% it tasted like jasmine tea with a bit of milk added to it (save your money and go down the street to Molly Tea instead or any other bubble tea chain since there are so many options in Chinatown). Prices on the menu are before tax and toppings...

This is my second time trying out ten ren. I love bubble tea, and I’m very picky when it comes to bubble tea. I was a bit hesitant with the fact they make their bubble teas out of real tea leaves, because it could make it more bitter. I ordered the jasmine green tea, and once I tried it, it tasted really good. You could taste the green tea right away. I was very satisfied with the drink, and so I went another time and tried the black tea. That was great as well, and I would go with the black tea. The chinatown location is more expensive than the brooklyn location however, which makes more sense, but overall, I would definitely go back if I pass...

The service is prompt, but the drink quality varies. Staffed by late high school or college students.

It's modern and clean. While the seating is limited there is one large share table for a group few two seat-ers in the back and front.

I only go to Ten-Ren for actual REAL tea bubble tea, thankfully they don't offer that powder tea mix like most bubble tea shops. With that said - aside from the teas, all the other flavors are powder (i.e. Taro) or fruit sugar syrups.

They also sell snack items prepackaged and made to order small bites. Tea accessories and teabags are also sold here. (FYI, the full fledge Ten Ren tea store is literally right...