Eugene's J-Tea Leaf House Looks and Tastes Heavenly

By: Marilee Reyes | November 14 2010
Posted in Eugene - Find It - Eugene

Photo: Sally Schoolmaster

When Americans think of brewing a cup of tea, the majority probably visualize a little tissue bag with tea leaves dunked in boiling water. They might add sugar, a squeeze of lemon, or go British by adding milk.

Josh Chamberlain, the founder of J-Tea International in Eugene, doesn’t exactly shudder at that thought, but he does have a different vision. Simply put, he likes his tea “straight.” No doctoring, just the unique flavor of the tea.

On a recent, overcast fall day -- a day perfect for sipping a cup of aromatic tea -- he stands behind J-Tea’s traditionally designed tea bar brewing, although “brewing” is too mundane a word for what amounts to a cultural experience. What Chamberlain does is infuse perfectly heated water with some of the most ancient and traditional flavors of Asia such as Oolong, Puer, Yunnan Golden Tip Black Tea, Jasmine Pearls.

Photo: Marilee Reyes

While he infuses he explains the special procedures for the different varieties of tea as well as the unique kinds of tea ware that are used. Clay and glass pots, porcelain cups, bamboo tea leaf scoops; all are tools of the trade that surround him. Ultimately, the experience is as much "treat for the senses", as it is education.

Photo: Marilee Reyes

“I believe in augmenting a customer’s tea knowledge, not just focus on a certain tea or tell them what they should drink,” he says. “My interest is just good tea.” Chamberlain learned to appreciate tea from tea masters in Taiwan and still returns several times a year to visit the plantations to buy tea and learn more to share with his customers. Since the Taiwanese have been growing and drinking tea for centuries, he doesn’t expect that he will ever learn everything, but each time he goes, he comes home with new teas and more knowledge.

He started importing tea in 2004 while living in Taiwan earning an MBA degree at the National Cheng Kung University. After completing his education, he decided to move home to Eugene permanently. Assisted by his mother, Patti, he began selling wholesale at tea shows and in 2007 he opened the retail portion of the business in a small house on Friendly Street. This year he remodeled and enlarged the tea bar, transforming the small bungalow into an elegant upscale storefront designed by his brother, Portland-based architect Ben Waechter.

J-Tea house is modeled after Taiwan style tea leaf vendors where men will gather around a tea table on an afternoon and spend hours sipping and talking. He offers hot and cold teas, and in warmer weather also teas infused with fresh fruits of the season. Patrons may participate in tea tastings as well as purchase loose leaf tea to take home.

For more information about J-Tea and the history and benefits of tea, click on www.jteainternational.com

2778 Friendly St.

(541) 285-8997

Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, or by appointment.

J-Tea is also available in Eugene at Capella Market, Kiva, Sundance Foods, Marche Provisions, Down to Earth, Market of Choice, Friendly Street Market; and in Portland at Food Front Co-op.