Religious flavor

BUBLLE tea houses are springing up from just about every corner in the metro. And while all this is well and good, it could be a challenge for entrepreneurs to separate themselves from the pack.

It wasn’t much of a problem for proprietor Terrence Go, who launched his own shop Tea Religion, July this year. “I’ve always been a fan of hot tea, especially at home,” he shared.

For Terrence, he wanted to create a spot where it wouldn’t be all bubbly and loud, but rather cozy and comfortably soothing. Sure, the place’s interiors and music wouldn’t be exactly what a cloistered monk would be stoked about, but the brand name speaks for the company’s vision.

“I wanted to create a shop that had a following of serious tea drinkers. Not only that, I wanted a place that wouldn’t be like other places that we’re a little ‘too happy,’ explained Terrence.

Now before assumptions and expectations would hit rock bottom, this place isn’t trying out for first place on “the most boring hangouts in the metro” list. What it offers basically is a place that’s suitable for good company and conversations.

And yes, the menu is quite extensive as well not only being limited to hot drinks.

Cold bestsellers for the milk tea series include wintermelon, green honeydew, taro, caramel, hazelnut and vanilla. For the juice series, green apple green tea, mango green tea, strawberry black tea and peach black tea are the crowd favorites. A few
cakes go on sale too.

Terrence himself actually flew to Taiwan to learn the techniques in preparing tea. He studied there for quite some time, learning the basics: from knowing what different kinds of tea existed, to what combinations of such would lead to a right mix.

Nevertheless, the place tries to stay true to its name, delivering high-quality drinks prepared with, dare say, religious precision.

One such example is allowing customers to select their desired “steeping time.”

Different teas take on different flavors depending on how long they steep in hot boiling water. Whether a person wants his white tea done light (that would mean requesting a steeping time of about 30 seconds), or a little darker in flavor (this would take about a minute), Tea Religion makes this all possible.

“We have good quality, taste and service here. Plus, our price range is very affordable,” simply stated Terrence. Besides what goes on with the menu, here are other details: the place can fit more or less about 25 people comfortably, is wifi-ready and features a spacious parking lot.

Located at the Crown 7 bldg, Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City, Tea Religion is open from 12 noon to 11 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, and 12 noon to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.