Indian Tea Shop a Must-See in New Jersey

I was visiting family in New Jersey last week and stopped by to see my friend, Sue, who lives in Jersey City - just a short hop from the Big Apple.

I had interviewed Sue this summer for my book, Wanderlust and Lipstick, and she then introduced me to a tea shop owner, Amy, who has a shop in the neighborhood. I also interviewed Amy but had never met her so this was a great opportunity to visit with old and new friends.

It was an easy walk from Sue’s place to this amazing little shop in a fast-developing part of Jersey City. According to Amy, this is the only Indian tea shop in the country. The shop is decorated in bright cheery colors, a silver tinned ceiling and has an array of unique teas, accessories and gifts (including handmade clay teapots from Sue!).

Amy opened up the Janam Tea Shop two years ago after spending six months in India researching tea and meeting plantation owners and tea experts. It’s no surprise that this intense, sweet woman was able to network her way into creating a business as she traveled solo across India. She took what she learned about tea, life and the business of tea, came home and opened up a successful shop based on what she learned.

Their special-tee is a homemade blend of chai spices which mixes well with black tea, milk and a touch of sugar. I enjoyed one of these in the shop and then had to have a to-go cup in addition to the tins of spices and tea that I purchased for myself and as gifts.

Ordering is easy from the Janam Tea website and the tins make great holiday gifts. Or, if you’re in the area, do stop by and say hi. Their big picture windows look out at the activities of this little corner of the world and there’s free Wifi in the shop as well.

Happy Travels!