Imen Shan is the sweetest teacher and tea-ist ever, and she carries the tastiest Chinese teas — especially the dan congs.

Imen Shan is the sweetest teacher and tea-ist ever, and she carries the tastiest Chinese teas — especially the dan congs.

Unfortunately, this shop is closed. I visited twice, took a tasting class, bought some Dan Congs and loved them, and enjoyed talking to Imen. She gave me a tip that led me to another site that eventually led here.

Her selection of Dan Cong (both ‘commercial’ and ‘single bush’) is superb, and the one or two non-dan cong teas I bought from there have also been excellent, but the Dan Congs are the point.

Per her blog,she is working to reopen in a new location, and the online store is open and functioning.

Here’s hoping the new location is closer to me, say, in Hollywood!

Tea Habitat is a delightful escape for an afternoon break. It’s offerings are refreshing, without being overwhelming. And the tea to be had here is simply amazing. I came here without knowing what a Dan Cong Phoenix Oolong is, and have gotten a great introduction. Imen, who owns the store, is passionate, personable, and a vast resource on Dan Cong Oolongs.

I have personally met people in the store from Santa Barbara, and San Diego. If you are anywhere in Southern California, and interested in expanding your tea experiences, this is not to be missed.