During intersession, student employees began training to become tea sommeliers, learning how to steep teas and prepare food for the new Jasmine Tea House in the Charles B. Wang Center.
The Tea House offers a variety of traditional loose leaf teas along with tea lattes, bubble teas and iced tea infusions. Beverages can be handcrafted for each customer. The menu includes authentic Asian and Asian-inspired foods, such as Vietnamese pressed sandwiches, Asian salads, frozen yogurt, tea infused scones, muffins, cupcakes and tea cookies.
The students that run the Tea House have tasted each of the 28 tea varieties and have sampled each of the pastries offered. “When customers ask them what they like, the students all have their favorites and can assist in finding the flavor that the customers are looking for,” said Bari Marchfeld, Campus Dining Director of Training.
The new options at the Tea House are very popular with students. “It’s been busy all day, nonstop,” said employee Jenny Wong. “Every time I turn around there’s a new cup to make.”
According to The Tea Association of the USA, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water. Tea trends are on the rise around the world and at Stony Brook University. Last academic year, about 300,000 cups of tea were sold across campus.
“There are many health benefits to drinking tea regularly,” said Campus Dining Dietitian Tina Tiernan. “Tea can be a great source of antioxidants that promote overall health and tea drinkers appear to have lower risks for developing certain diseases and illnesses. Tea is also a great alternative to soda, juice and other sweetened, non-nutritious options.”
In addition to the new Tea House, the Jasmine renovation project also includes a new sushi bar, an expanded platform for additional Asian entrees, a new condiment area and new seating areas. Click here for more information on the renovations.
The Jasmine Tea House is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.
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