Our story
What is Rishe Tea?
Rishe Tea is the first and probably the only Czech importer who buys tea exclusively from organic farmers. And only from the best - from pioneers and founders of organic agriculture in Japan, with whom we have a personal relationship and love for honest tea.
For twenty years we have been cruising the waves of the tea world with a smile, to bring you the best teas.
"What I care the most in tea that I import - first and foremost, quality, then quality again, and finally, quality."
[Areek]
What qualifications do I have for this?
I am professional and I have expertise in what I do. Twenty years of work in tea rooms, both modern and traditional, thousands of prepared teas, and countless satisfied customers.
Tea journeys to Japan, China, Taiwan, and Africa. Annual medals from tea festivals.
How do I choose individual teas?
For the teas that I import, quality is the most important thing to me. What does quality mean to me? The most important is the feeling that the tea evokes when drinking it. Of course, taste and aroma are carriers of the overall experience. I am interested in teas that make the body tremble with pleasure and bring calm to the mind.
It's hard to describe that state, but anyone who has experienced it cannot have doubts. Perhaps it is that elusive energy of Cha Qi tea, which is written about in old tea scrolls. Who knows? You can debate it for hours, but once you taste it, you will understand. The whole room suddenly changes, the surrounding world quiets down, and everyone starts to smile.
Quality also means the absence of artificial fertilizers and pesticides to me. Drinking quality teas gradually refines the taste and increases sensitivity to what is good. You easily get used to better things.
The farmers
I approach farmers with respect and appreciation for their work. I understand that the taste of tea is influenced by the land as well as the farmer's heart. Therefore, I don't try to negotiate prices with farmers, but rather focus on building long-term partnerships. This allows farmers to fully concentrate on cultivating and refining their teas without worrying about finding a market for them. Thanks to this cooperation, I can offer the best of Japanese tea production to European tea connoisseurs.
How I started with tea?
When I first entered an exotic establishment called a "tea house" in the late 90s, I knew absolutely nothing about tea. The multitude of unfamiliar names was overwhelming. Whether by chance or fate, after a moment's hesitation, I chose gyokuro. It was the most expensive tea on offer, but I didn't want to judge the unknown world of tea by cheap goods.
And I tasted my first cup...
There was no turning back. It was an indescribable experience.
Over the following days, weeks, and months, I gradually tasted a multitude of teas, and before long, I found myself behind the tea counter.
Over the years, I worked in tea houses in Pardubice, Prague, Brno, and Bratislava, participated in expeditions to Southeast Asia, visited plantations in China and Taiwan...and ultimately remained faithful to Japan.
As time went on, my knowledge and demands for tea quality grew, until there was no other option but to start importing teas that met my requirements myself.
So I am fortunate to be able to bring joy to people with what I really enjoy - tea.
Tea with you.