Latte Mei is one of those tea shops that opened sometime in 2012 and boasts a new type of tea combination, savory cream teas. Hmmm, interesting was my first reaction..."ugh!" was the reaction of my bubble tea companion!
Having had salty coffee in Taiwan from their famous 85°C cafes, which was not bad at all, I was eager to try this savory cream tea.
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| Tip: Savory Cream Teas should be drank without a straw. |
Ordered the Savory Cream Oolong, cold, with half ice, 75% sugar (modifying your ice and sugar level is also a bonus IMO). First things first, you don't drink this with a straw as you need to allow the salty cream to mingle with the tea as you take a sip. Second, you should take small sips, otherwise you'll be very overwhelmed by the saltiness of the cream.
Verdict: 1st sip was overwhelmingly salty. 2nd sip, not bad as I got used to the savory cream. 3rd sip, I think I like it. By the end, I felt I'd like it more if I ordered the tea hot instead of cold. Not sure if cold tea suited it, but it definitely was interesting to try.
If I were to comment on the tea itself, aside from the savory cream, I think the tea was quite flavourful. A more heavily oxidized tea was used which is understandable and it tasted a bit roasted.
The evening we went, there was a 2 for 1 special, buy one savory cream green oolong tea and get one free. So, if you're looking for a different tea experience, try it out with a friend! Word of caution: I can see some people really disliking the savory cream as most people do enjoy sweet beverages.
Besides these savory cream teas, this small tea shop also offers some of the usual bubble tea flavours, white gourd teas, a few yakult (yogurt drink) teas, some coffee drinks (even a savory cream coffee) and Belgium waffles. A few savory snacks like curry fish balls or Taiwanese popcorn chicken are also available.
Latte Mei 201 Dundas St. W (just east of University Ave.) Toronto, ON M5G 1C8 416-260-8887 Hrs: M-F 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-midnight (not as late as uptown tea shops but there is minimal seating so understandable.) Apparently, there is also a Markham location at the South Unionville Square.
