Serengeti Teas & Spices

Sorry that I have never written a review for this place. This is the best tea shop in all of N.Y.C. I love tea and coffee. There's something about a good warm cup of tea that touches your soul and they know just how to do that here. The customer service is awesome and they are so informative about all the teas they have here. If you are a serious tea drinker for all the benefits it has to offer you or just because you like to drink it. You need to bookmarked this place. Please take a trip up to Harlem and support this business. If you check out their Instagram page, you will see just how my tea guy is passionate about what he does. Bringing you the best of the best tea from Africa and beyond.
This place is Miss YELP Approved!

From the beautifully decorated back patio to the free samples of ginger turmeric they offer passerbys, Serengeti Tea and Spices has the corner on hospitality.

My favorites are the ginger turmeric and the hibiscus-based drinks. They serve the cold drinks in a glass with an additional glass pot garnished with fruit, all brought to you on a wooden serving board.

I even enjoyed the lavender drink they brought me to try even though I typically do not like lavender. Apparently this drink helps curb anxiety and depression. Well, who wouldn't want that?

Love everything about this spot.

Overall this is a pretty cool spot for loose and bagged teas in Harlem! They have a pumpkin flavored black tea which tastes genuinely good, not like any of that pumpkin spice artificial stuff you would get from Starbucks. We have also been really enjoying their ruby chai, which is a combination of beet root powder and cacao powder that tastes like a healthier hot chocolate, totally awesome! If you are a tea connoisseur or have one in your life you need to get a gift for, Serengeti has unique, delicious teas.

It's a great spot but I wish I could give 3.5 stars for a couple reasons. First, the hours have been very strange and limited probably due to Covid, and it does not make it easy to pop in and see what's going on. Second, they are definitely a bit on the pricey side for what they offer. Their decorative tins and beautiful designs make some awesome gifts, but it's definitely a lot to shell out if you're just trying to buy some tea for yourself.

There aren't many other loose tea offerings in the area, so I was really glad to discover that Serengeti was selling a pretty quality product. I've also seen them giving out brewed samples from time to time, which is a nice touch. If you're on a budget however, it might be better to take a train downtown to McNulty's or Porto Rico.

Definitely a place to try!!

Usually I'm not so quick to be impressed but my sister and I saw this place on our first night in NY and we couldn't leave without trying it. It was well worth the wait.

You don't need reservations but if you're coming with a large group (4+) call ahead.

There's a massive collection of teas to pick from from all over the world. Being from Zanzibar Island, we were super stoked when we saw Tanzanian Smoked tea. A little piece of home away from home. We were offers shot cups featuring teas of the day. If it wasn't for that experience I would not have left with exotic tea to take home.

Presentation is everything. We thought we were getting tea in tea cups but nope, wine glasses. Most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. We also ordered a butter scone and a cranberry one. Everything was super delicious and delightful.

The gentlemen working here are well sweethearts. It makes the experience worth the wild. It's has a very quiet atmosphere and delightful Afrocentric music. It's the perfect catch up spot.

This place is amazing. I miss it. A cute, intimate tea spot in Harlem :) go try it, frequently. The staff is sweet and the backyard is gorgeous! Go now :)

You have to try this place. Great environment, lovely atmosphere and the teas are the delicious. The owner was very friendly and welcoming too. I'll be back

oh my gosh I am so hype to have found this amazing tea shop. I finished getting my hair done and walk down the block and ran into this hidden gem. I was greeted buy a lovely worker/ tea sommelier. Outside I tried the kombucha they had me running inside, to try more tea. I literally wanted to buy the whole store but the way my bank account is set up lolll I'll wait till the manifestations of millions come to pass until then I grabbed a cup of the same ginger kombucha to go. I can't wait to come back and try some more amazing Tea. The vibe was amazing, the service was cool and how could you go wrong with Tea =)

So I stopped in this past Friday after lunch and a stroll throughout Harlem. The place is situated walking distance from public transportation and very easy to spot among other businesses.

I was anxious to try the Nairobi chai that came up in so many reviews but they were unfortunately out. Instead Paul, who warmly greeted me and prepared a few samples encouraged me to try a similar tea...the VOODOO chai. I didn't get the specifics but let's just say when I saw the pot size I thought there was no way I could finish that. I was wrong. A sweet drink, a couple hours to write and enjoy the nice ambience flew right by.
I grabbed a bottle of the Jasmine lemongrass as well. OMG both were delicious. I most definitely would recommend the establishment and am I very excited to return.

I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this place before as it's been one of my favorites for the past few years. It changed locations relatively recently (past year or so), but it's always been in Harlem!

They have plenty of seating and it's warm inside. It's a great respite for those seeking a comfortable spot in East Harlem.

They also sell loose leaf teas, tea bags, honey etc. which make wonderful gifts.

In terms of prices, the tea pots can get pricey so I recommend that for a special occasion or when you're with friends etc., but the to go prices are much lower "to go" and a large 20 ounce tea to go cost me around $4.

They have a wide variety of tea blends and flavors. They are perhaps best known for their African teas but they also have Asian ones and others as well. I like their herbal flavors and their blends with turmeric and ginger.

There's a great selection of teas and flavor infusions, regular teas but also some you will not typically get in your common coffee or tea shop. It's a very cute space to meet up with anyone for, personal or business. And the owner and staff are all very welcoming, which is always nice to see. I will definitely be going back!