Gong Fu Tea
414 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA
Crema's Take
“Gong Fu Tea is a deeply rooted Des Moines institution where you'll find one of the Midwest's most impressive bulk loose leaf collections alongside expertly curated tea supplies—the kind of place where staff genuinely know their craft and will guide you through lower caffeine options or rare finds with real care. Their quarter-century commitment to quality means you're sipping tea that's been thoughtfully sourced and consistently excellent, whether you're pulling up a table for a leisurely sit or calling ahead with questions that only true tea experts can answer. It's the rare specialty shop that balances serious tea education with genuine warmth, making it feel less like a transaction and more like visiting knowledgeable friends who happen to have impeccable taste.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Very helpful choosing teas, advised as to what are lower caffeine choices & common flavors, good options for tea making supplies, very knowledgeable staff - even over the phone questions are answered quickly & confidently! Unfortunately, I don't go to The East Village very often, so find the actual store location rather inconvenient. But now you can order the teas online for shipping! Great idea whoever came up with that - probably due to the pandemic.
The tea selection here is immense, and of very good quality. I’ve been getting tea from here for well over a decade and can say it’s always been great. Service is always provided with care, and they’re more than happy to answer questions. Having been to other tea shops, even some very well known ones, I can say the tea at this business is selected with care. Recently placed an online order and it was quick, being delivered the next business day. Recommend this tea shop to locals and travelers alike, you will not leave disappointed.
Gong Fu Tea in Des Moines is a unique and treasured small business. The owners started over 25 years ago in an area of the city that was under- developed at that time. They have a deep and varied selection of teas, many unique to their business. They regularly go to Asia to source their teas. There is a lovely tea room in the shop. I lived in Des Moines area until 2013 and continue to purchase regularly all of our teas on line. Their service is fantastic and the teas are shipped promptly. I’ve given away many bags of tea to our friends. Our favorites include Irish Breakfast, English Breakfast ( both black teas),Ancient Happiness( green),Winter Wellness( herbal),Mediterranean Chamomile( herbal), Serenity Now(herbal), and Organic Ginger Puerh and Green Loose Leaf Puerh.
One of the best tea shops in the country, and I've been everywhere. Also must have the biggest selection of bulk tea in the Midwest, even more that the shops I've checked out in Chicago. Over 20 yrs in business according to the staff. Make sure to get their free catalog of available teas and join their tea club! Super helpful with selecting which teas to purchase and always comes with personalized instructions on the bag!
Gong Fu Tea has a really nice selection of bulk loose leaf teas, and also many wonderful tea supplies. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There are a few tables for talking time for a tea break.
Crema Reviews
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