Photos: Chris Emeott
Uncover the best places in our city that serve aromatic and refreshing brews.
Tea is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual deeply tied to family and a reminder to slow down and savor life’s moments. For many, it’s the centerpiece of meaningful conversations, whether during a quiet morning or a shared afternoon break.
While coffee often takes center stage in many households, there are those who turn to tea for comfort and connection. Transitioning from coffee to tea isn’t always easy, especially for those accustomed to a daily coffee fix. However, for those seeking an excellent cup of tea, there are now some fantastic spots in Edina and Linden Hills worth exploring.
Rustica Bakery
Rustica’s chai is like a warm hug in a cup. Known for its artisanal breads and pastries, Rustica also serves up a chai that perfectly balances rich spices with a smooth, creamy base of steamed milk. Each sip offers a comforting blend of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. It’s bold but not overpowering. Rustica Bakery, 200 Southdale Center; 952.417.6199; rusticabakery.com
The Lynhall
The Lynhall’s Lavender London Fog is elegance in a cup. Made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, a touch of vanilla and lavender, this drink is a perfect blend of floral notes from the bergamot and the subtle sweetness of the vanilla. The result is a velvety, fragrant cup that feels both luxurious and comforting. The Lynhall, 3945 Market St.; 612.870.2640; thelynhall.com
Lavender London Fog from The Lynhall is a treat in itself.
The Lynhall also has Afternoon Tea on the weekends.
Cooks|Bellecour
For those who like their chai with a bold, spicy punch, Cooks|Bellecour delivers a spicier version that sets it apart. This chai leans into bold flavors with extra warmth from the ginger, black pepper and cinnamon, creating a perfectly balanced yet assertive blend. It’s a chai that is invigorating without being overwhelming. Cooks|Bellecour, 3934 Market St.; 952.285.1903; cooksbellecour.com
Prefer to make your own cup? The Chai Box – All Chai’d Up loose leaf chai from Cooks|Bellecour is a fragrant and delicious brew.
Edina Coffee Roasters
If you’re in search of a chai latte with authentic spices, Edina Coffee Roasters serves Tipu’s Chai. With an intense blend of spices and organic cane sugar it delivers a subtle kick that lingers on the palate in the best way possible. Edina Coffee Roasters, 7031 Cahill Road; 320.293.4302; edinacoffeeroasters.com
Muddy Tiger
Muddy Tiger’s winter menu blesses us with Gulabi Chai, which is also known as Kashmiri Chai or Pink Chai. (It is also available in the fall.) The traditional drink from the northern Indian state of Kashmir is rich, slightly floral, milky and with a distinctive pink tinge. It also has the earthiness of nuts and warmth from whole spices. When asked why the chai is pink, Jyotiee Kistner, head chef says, “This is the perfect example of use of science in daily life. During the first cook, the tea leaves react with baking soda to create a maroon base for the tea. Then you shock the tea with ice cold water that preserves the color and then aerate it to enhance it.” The brewed chai is then topped with sweetened whole milk and chopped pistachios. Muddy Tiger’s twist on the drink is adding whipped cream on top. “The tea is a labor of love and takes anywhere from two to three hours to perfectly brew,” Kistner says. Muddy Tiger, 7015 Amundson Ave.; 952.600.7009; muddytiger.com
Gulabi Chai from Muddy Tiger is a sweet delight.
Steep Smarts
Tea infusers are essential tools for loose leaf tea, allowing you to steep the perfect cup while keeping the leaves contained. Unlike tea bags, which are convenient but often lack flavor, loose leaf tea offers a fresher, richer taste—provided it’s steeped properly. For chai lovers, strainers are particularly useful. Since tea leaves are added directly to the pot while it’s on the stove, a strainer is placed over the mug to ensure no leaves get into the drink when pouring. Strainers and infusers can be anywhere from traditional to quirky. Tea infusers come in four main types. Mesh ball infusers are small, spherical devices with fine mesh to hold tea leaves. They’re simple to use and ideal for single servings. Basket infusers are typically larger and designed to sit inside a teacup or teapot. They also allow the leaves to unfurl fully for a more flavorful brew. Silicone infusers are shaped like fun objects—such as the sloth in the photo to the right—and add a playful touch to teatime. And finally, tea sticks and wands are sleek and modern. They’re great for those who want a mess-free brewing experience.
Tea infusers range from the ordinary to the quirky. Cooks|Bellecour has basket, silicone and tea wand infusers. For details on each type, see the Steep Smarts guide below.
