Market Spice

Market Spice Tea is one of the Seattle icons, much like Starbucks (without the corporateness). Whenever I meet someone from originally from Seattle (not a recent transplant), Market Spice comes up whenever Tea is discussed. With strong Cinnamon Oil flavors, it is the best medicine for a rainy day.

The store at the Pike Place market has that wonderful old musty Seattle charm. The shelves are overflowing, and a bit dusty, but there is always a boiling samovar in the back for free samples. However, you can usually get the tea bags at the store or even the downtown drugstores for a bit less money. So much for getting a bargain!

PROS: Fun store and free samples
CONS: cheaper elsewhere!

My partner and I stumbled across Market Spice while we were exploring downtown Seattle. What a great shop! They have excellent spice blends, especially for seafood and southwestern style foods. I especially liked their different types of salt. We bought some Hawaiian sea salt, which has a beautiful red color and a complex flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The only downside was that they were out of the cocoa blend (which smelled great in the sample jar!).

If you are a tea drinker, this is a good place to get your tea and accessories. I am not a tea drinker and just happened to meander in here one day - I was overwhelmed by the aroma and the choices. They'll even make a custom blend for you.

the guy who owns this place travels to the counrty of origin of almost every spice he carries. all the spices are fresh and tasty, you can have a custom blend made up especially for you and have a cup of tea and a game of chess downstairs.

famous for their market spice tea which they always have free samples available of - it's not my favorite, but this is still a good place to shop for tea, and especially for tea-related items like nice teapots and strainers. it always seems kind of crowded in here - a nice little shop filled with nice things.