Even coffee drinkers are convinced in the new tea shop: “We also have tea for a good night’s sleep” (Ghent)

Paper & Tea has stores in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark and recently also in our country. A few weeks ago, stores opened in Antwerp and Bruges, and a few days ago also in Ghent.

You can go there for classic teas, such as white, green, black and hibiscus, but also for your own blends such as the Unter den Linden tea with lime blossom, elder blossom and apple. “Our speciallekes? These are the chocolate tea and the Japanese tea with steamed leaves and roasted brown rice,” says store manager Maaike Holvoet. (Read more below the photo)

Three teas can be cold brewed. There are also teas for mornings, for a good night’s sleep and for children. “Without caffeine or theine,” says Holvoet. Such as the ‘tummy kiss’ which is also good for stomach ache.

Tasting corner

What makes the store so different from other tea shops? You can taste on the spot. In the second part there is a bar where the team demonstrates how to prepare each tea. “We tell you how hot the water should be, how much water you need, how much tea, whether you should open the lid of the teapot, etc., so that your tea does not taste bitter,” says employee Dominique De Cooman. “When tasting, it is important that you suck in air, as with wine, so that you get all the aromas. This way we can even convince coffee drinkers.” (Read more below the photo)

De Cooman, like the other employees, was trained by a tea sommelier to help customers as best as possible. “If you are in a hurry, we will still ensure that you can enjoy yourself at home,” she says. “No customer leaves without a tea bag.”

All teas can be purchased loose or in bags, and cost between 12 and 29 euros for 100 grams. Accessories are also sold such as bags, tea pots, thermos flasks, advent calendars and a complete kit for making matcha tea at home.

And the paper, in the name Paper & Tea? This refers to the posters, notepads, matches and pencils that are sold among the tea. “Another passion of our founder,” laughs De Cooman.

INFO: Paper & Tea, Vogelmarkt 2-4. Open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm. On Friday and Saturday until 6:30 PM.