What to Include on a Tea Menu for Your Cafe
By Best Teas Online - Buy Tea Online - Online Tea Shop | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to put on a cafe tea menu, from categories and descriptions to pricing and display tips. Practical advice for tearoom menu design.
Quick answer
A strong tea menu should list teas by category, include a short description of flavor and origin, show clear pricing, and use a display format that matches your cafe's style.
Why tea menu categories matter
Grouping teas by type—black, green, herbal, oolong—helps customers quickly find what they want. It also educates them about the range you offer. Without categories, a long list can feel overwhelming.
Descriptions that sell
A one-line description can turn a generic name into something a customer wants to try. Mention flavor notes (e.g., "toasty with a hint of honey"), origin, or caffeine level. Avoid overly technical terms unless your audience is tea-savvy.
Pricing and portion clarity
State whether the price is per cup, per pot, or includes a second infusion. If you offer different sizes, list them clearly. Hidden charges frustrate customers and slow service.
Display format and materials
The menu itself should be easy to read and update. A chalkboard, digital screen, or printed card each has trade-offs. Chalkboards look rustic but need daily rewriting. Printed menus are clean but costly to reprint when offerings change.
Decision rules for your tea menu
- Start with 5–8 tea categories: List black, green, white, oolong, herbal, rooibos, matcha, and chai as separate sections. This covers most customer preferences without overwhelming the menu.
- Write a 10–15 word description per tea: Include flavor, origin, and caffeine info. Example: 'Jasmine Green – floral, lightly sweet, low caffeine. From Fujian, China.' Keep descriptions consistent in length. Test descriptions with staff to ensure they can explain each tea verbally.
- Price per cup and per pot separately: Show both options if you serve pots. For example: 'Cup $3.50 / Pot $6.00 (serves 2).' This lets customers choose based on group size and budget.
- Choose a display format that fits your service style: Use a printed menu if your tea list changes seasonally. Use a chalkboard or digital screen if you rotate weekly specials. Avoid handwritten paper that smudges. If you stock a single brand like teapigs, consider using their trade POS display for a polished, brand-aligned look.
- Include brewing time and temperature: Add a small note like 'Steep 3 min at 175°F' next to each tea. This helps staff serve consistently and educates customers who may want to buy the same tea for home. Print a quick-reference chart for staff behind the counter.
Product facts
- POS: Tea Menu: This point of sale product is only for use by teapigs stockists. Want to apply for a trade account? Please send an email to [email protected]. If you are a cafe owner looking to stock teapigs teas, the POS: Tea Menu is a trade-only display item that helps you present the brand consistently.
POS: Tea Menu
Is this guide for you?
Best for
- Cafe owners opening a new tea program
- Tearoom managers redesigning an existing menu
Not for
- Coffee-focused cafes that only offer bagged tea as an afterthought
- Retail tea shops that do not serve drinks on-site
