Testimonials - Xiu Xian Tea

phlargo
I have been routinely impressed by superb service and quality diverse products in this great store. Sure, it's a little off the beaten path but I promise there's no better place for high grade, carefully selected Chinese teas in the Puget Sound (trust me, I've looked). And at the same time, it's extremely down to earth and accessible - no silly tea rituals (some of which can be quite fun...) While they do have a few choice Pu-erhs and herbal tissanes (a category you can enjoy.. as long as I don't have to), the reason to come to Xiu Xian, in my mind, is for excellent green, white, and oolong teas. No one has a selection like they do around here. I've been there several times now and each has been a treat. The owners, Mako and Robert, love to talk about tea nearly as much as they love to drink it. They have a beautiful wooden tea table in the back where tasting happens - an integral part of any tea-buying experience, if you ask me. I came in today looking for some specific oolongs and walked out two hours later, having tasted many wonderful oolongs a couple of white teas and with a big smile on my face. Tea is a growing industry in the US, but Xiu Xian will continue to be a favorite as long as they keep things as good as they are. They have a profound commitment to a quality product at a reasonable price, coupled with a genuine desire for happy, informed customers that makes this a tea merchant worth coming back to, again and again.
August 2008

Talameo
I nearly cried when some friends brought me here...luckily they were tears of joy. This place reminds me so much of the traditional tea shops I used to browse around while staying in China. Mako is always welcoming and warm when you walk into her shop. Even after a busy day's work, she is always ready to sit down and share with you the different variety of teas her shop offers. This is definitely one of those rare finds that is worth checking out. :)
June 2008

Sabrina
I walked in with questions, and walked out not only with answers, but with one of the best retail experiences I have ever had. The owner spent time with me and explained numerous things, including letting me sample several teas and explaining each teas properties and when to drink and how to steep it properly. The travel cups are awesome and everyone in my family now owns one. I have half my co-workers interested in stopping in and would very highly recommend this store to everyone!
April 2008

Merlin D.
The word is TEA, the benefit is well supported and the previous message was correct. The Xui Xian Tea shop in Kent is both quaint and like another world, one from the lands where the tea leaves grew, In fact the owner travels to each province in China where tea plants are grown and brings back only the best of each variety of tea, the best teas in the world. Along with a wide variety of products available from fresh teas to Chinese tea ware and many other items from China, the owner will delight you with the best ways to prepare the teas and ways different teas aid the body. You may even get an insight into Chinese customs and the environment the tea plants are grown in.
As a customer of the shop, I cannot express how highly I recommend that you visit it, especially before Christmas. If you like tea and a truly Chinese atmosphere, a drive from anywhere in the Seattle area will be worth it. I found it because I live in Kent; however it is a shop that is centrally located and close to the 167 freeway, at the Kent Des Moines exit and available to the whole city. Please consider inquiring about the freshly brewed samples of a wide variety of teas to add to your visit. You may visit their website at XuiXianTea.com
December 2007

Adell C.
First off, Thank you Mako and your team for all you do.
I was introduced to the tea shop soon after they opened when they were in a little corner unknown in this community. From then on, I have introduced it to many friends, family and coworkers -- many who have now become regulars.
Want to have a "real" tea party? Need a quiet place to escape to in the middle of a hectic day? What about a creative date? If you answered yes to any of these, then Xiu Xian Tea is the place to go. The staff not only know what they are talking about, but they are friendly and caring as well. Mako is a wealth of knowledge and a gem. If none of these is a reason to visit, then using one of her special tea cups with a variety of her teas is a definite conversation starter. "What is that?" someone asks -- looking at your cup with a flower in it, or something that looks a lot like seaweed. What a great chance to talk to that someone who you've been wanting to meet.
Check it out, if you haven't already! You won't be disappointed!
December 2007

James L.
Such friendly service and great selection! I can't believe I'm so into tea now... curse you Xiu Xian. :-) Mako and Yulia are wonderful.
I'd recommend this place to anyone (and have).
November 2007

jonny a.
Xiu Xian is a true wealth of knowledge. They are very helpful with questions. They also have great prices and super fast service. I would not buy from anywhere else.
November 2007

ursula b.
I've been a staunch coffee maven, but no more, loose tea is my new love
Mako and Yulia are great.
I have turned on at least 5 people to this shop and really get excited when i have an extra hour and am in the neighborhood an can go in and sample the wide variety of teas. I quit smoking 2 months ago and went into the shop a nervous wreck and after conferring with mako and purchasing an assortment of teas can now happily report i am 2 months without cigarettes and now happily addicted to loose green and oolong teas. what a way to go. I feel look and smell so much better. thank you Mako for taking the time to teach me about the vast variety and holistic benefits of the various teas. I now spend my extra money on tea instead of cigs. God works in mysterious ways. life is good, feel blessed and pass it on.
November 2007

XXX
I love your store so much, though my trips in are very few and far between, because I live down south, but whenever I'm in the area this is my favorite place to visit and stock up on my teas. I just recently purchased a whole bunch of travel containers for my family, and they were overjoyed with them, and wanted me to let you know what a wonderful job your doing and to keep it up. And of course, when are you branching out to Oregon. ;) Thank you so much for your wonderful service and exquisite teas..
June 2007

James
While dropping some movies off at Blockbuster, I decided to check out the tea shop next door that had recently opened. Walking in, I was immediately greeted with an excellent atmosphere and excellent service. Seeing what seemed to be loose tea in bags, I enquired as to how I am supposed to brew it. This led to being shown the brewing, an invitation to sample anything I like, and my purchase of a nifty brewing cup along with a variety of tea. I will absolutly be back to this place, as I believe I just had one of the best retail experiences of my life. March. 2007

Lonnette
I have been going to the Tea Shop for almost one year. I love it!! I sent many family and friends to the shop, some shop on line from back east. I believe in the healing powers of the tea. The shop owner is a true gem. She is friendly, professional and knowledgeable about her product. The shop is clean and easy to navigate through to find just the right tea you are looking for. I love the display of teas on the wall. It is truly a delightful experience from the time you first enter through the door and smell the wonderful aroma of her teas. Jan. 2007

Loni
I would never go to Kent in search of a good authentic tea shop but my husband and I were driving down hwy 167 and saw the sign on the back of the building and decided to stop in. The proprietor is awesome, she is very sweet and a lot of fun. Everytime we go in she has us try a multitude of teas and she sells the neatest cups with strainers built-in (my husband and I send everybody there, we've started a fad with the teacups at Highline.) I highly recommend this shop for anyone interested in tea or even someone who's not! Jan. 2007

Susan
Educating the customer. There is so much people don't know about tea, just brewing it the right way is so important. You are always so nice and cheerful when I come in. This I especially love. I will be in soon as i am almost out of my teas. Thanks so much, Susan,,, from Enumclaw. Jan. 2007

Steven P.
Truly genuine service with a smile. Love of the product offered is evident from the moment you enter the store. The tea she makes is extraordinary, and the tea leaves and accessories she sells are well worth your time and money. I cant say enough good about this place, go see for yourself. Dec. 2006

Gloria B.
The atmosphere is extremely inviting. I love the way I can sample the different teas before buying them. I think the fact that every time I walk in the store, I am greeted warmly and friendly. They remember me, and make me feel like I am a very special customer, no matter how much money I spend in their store. I highly recommend this store to everyone who asks, "What are you drinking?" Every experience I have had in this store or with Mako has been an enriching experience for me. I am very happy with their product, and the customer service is the best I have received on every trip I have made to this store. Mako makes sure you feel welcome and wanted. Dec. 2006

Shelley F.
I have been going to Xiu Xian Tea since she opened up for business last year. They have TONS of differnet kinds of teas and flavors of tea. From white tea to Oolong-From lavender scents to red teas with different flavors. When you come in you will be invited to have some tea at her lovely carved wood tables. These tables are made for tea sampling, enough said, try them yourselves. The atmosphere is homey and inviting. You want to stay there all day, drink tea and catch up on the events of the world. They also have an excellent list of their products available to take with you so you can plan your next visit. Dec. 2006

Jennifer R.
You can't find a better tea shop that offers not only a plethora of green, oolong, red,and black teas from around China and Japan, But also has the warmest and most helpful curator. Mako and Robert have a beautiful shop where you are invited to sit down for an individual tasting to find the tea that suits you and learn many fascinating tips about tea from the growing regions to flavor description to brewing tips. You can't miss out on this treasure...what a delight! Dec. 2006

Robin K.
This tea shop is fantastic! The owner is a WEALTH of information and can help you find the right tea for your needs! You can taste test any tea on the spot before buying which is awesome! The atmosphere is warm and friendly....just like the owner! I highly recommend this shop and have sent many people her way! Thank you and I hope the shop is there for years to come! Dec. 2006

Christina W.
I love this little tea shop. It is quite the find. The woman that works there is always friendly and willing to help. She knows a lot about the different kinds of teas. The fact that you get to try many of them is wonderful. It really broadens your horizons and adds to the wonderful atmosphere. I have referred many friends and haven't heard any complaints. Dec. 2006

Daniel P.
This is a Tea shop like no other. The woman who runs the shop is friendly and will sit you down to try different teas until you find teas to your liking. All of the teas are imported from China by the shop keeper, over 200 hundred in all! She also has myriad tea sets, dishes and other items that will keep you coming back time and time again. You don't get this kind of personal service at any retail store I have ever been to in the Seattle area, or anywhere else. Dec. 2006

David M.
This place is in a hidden corner of a little strip shopping center, but it was a great discovery. If you've never had real, traditional Chinese tea you should check it out. They have many different kinds of tea, kettles, mugs and other supplies. The owner was really friendly, and she sits customers down for "tea tastings" and demonstrations. You can probably find similar stuff for cheaper if you dig around in Seattle's International District, but if you're new to Chinese tea you will get more personal attention and can ask lots of questions here. It was a real cultural experience. Dec. 2006

I love your store and I am very happy I found you this year! I love tea and my love for tea has been reborn since I have found your store. Thank you for being there. I would love to see a loose leaf tea book about all the benefits and properties of different teas! Thank you again for being! :) jene' (Skin Care Educator at Salon Services) Dec. 2006

Liked most: calm atmosphere and low lighting; tables to relax and Mako never seems to want to rush her customers. Can't think of anything you can do better! Sep. 2006

I like Mako the most! Then the tea- great tea. The atmosphere is very relaxing and I always feel welcomed. Thank You! Dec. 2006

Dear Mako, Were so glad Nina at Thai Chili introduced us to you and your great tea shop! We have enjoyed learning about the benefits of various teas & the samplings. Look forward to tasting some of your new teas soon. Thank you, Steve & Paula Nov. 2005