Pan-fired by tradition
Korean green tea is traditionally pan-fired in a hot iron pot, often by hand. Instead of the grassy, marine notes of steamed tea, you get a nutty, toasty sweetness Koreans call gosoham (고소함).
Nutty · toasty · round
Weekdays in Zürich·4 guests per table·75 minutes·Hosted in English
You may know Japanese green tea or Chinese oolong. Korean tea is something else: fired in iron pots, grown in sea fog, soft, nutty and naturally sweet. In 75 minutes, certified tea sommelier Shane Kim guides you through five of them, so you understand where each flavour comes from and actually feel the difference.
Korea’s harvest is small and mostly drunk at home, so very little reaches Switzerland. For most guests, this is their first Korean tea. Here is why it tastes unlike anything they know.
Korean green tea is traditionally pan-fired in a hot iron pot, often by hand. Instead of the grassy, marine notes of steamed tea, you get a nutty, toasty sweetness Koreans call gosoham (고소함).
Nutty · toasty · roundIn Boseong, Korea’s first GI tea region, the hills face the southern sea and see 89 foggy days a year. The fog shades the leaves: less bitterness, more umami.
Soft · savoury · sweetUjeon (우전) is picked before Gokwoo (곡우), the spring “grain rain” around 20 April. The first, most tender leaves of the year, gone in a few days.
Delicate · sweet · fleetingThe same leaf, taken from fresh green to yellow to fully oxidised amber. Tasted side by side, you follow one plant through five flavours.
Fresh → floral → roastedShane, a certified Korean tea sommelier, guides you through five moments. At each one he links what you taste to where and how the tea was made, so you don’t just hear about terroir, you feel it.
Most people drink tea for years without ever really tasting it. For 75 minutes, the only thing on the table is the cup in front of you: four guests, no rush, one tea at a time.
All five teas come from the same tea plant. What changes the taste is when the leaf is picked, and what happens to it after. You’ll hold the leaves at each stage before you taste the cup.
For each tea, Shane asks the same four questions a tea sommelier asks, and links every answer back to where and how the tea was made. You write what you notice on your own tasting note.
Dry, then wet. Tiny early buds or larger, later leaves, and a cup from pale jade to deep amber: the leaf tells you when it was picked and how it was made.
Dry leaf, warm wet leaf, then the cup. Notice the toasty, nutty note that pan-firing gives Korean green tea.
Sweet, savoury, bitter, and the body: light, silky or round. Notice how it changes from the first sip.
How long it stays with you, and what put it there: the sea fog of Boseong, the harvest date, the fire.
Poured in this order, so you taste each one against the one before.
Fresh, sweet, clean mineral finish.
Fresh green, chestnut sweetness, bright finish.
Roasted barley, brown rice, chestnut, almond, savoury.
Light floral, orchid, subtle bean and nut, clean finish.
Roasted sweet potato, cocoa, honey, chestnut.
Good for Your first Korean tea Wine and coffee lovers A weekday with a friend A pause in a busy week A gift
Shane is a certified tea sommelier and tea master, and the founder of KTeaShop. He has studied tea across Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, India and Sri Lanka, so he can show you exactly what makes Korean tea different from everything else in your cup.
He doesn’t lecture. He pours, asks what you notice, and links each cup back to where it grew and how it was made.
All three are guided by Shane at a table of four. What changes is the world of tea you step into.
| Feature | Five Senses of Matcha Japan | Korean Tea Tasting Korea · this page | World Tea Tasting Six types of tea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Matcha lovers, and anyone who only knows the latte | Your first Korean tea, and learning to really taste | A sensory tour of the world’s six types of tea |
| You taste | 5 Japanese matcha cultivars, with wagashi | 5 Korean teas from one organic garden in Boseong, from jade to amber | 6 teas: white (China), yellow (Korea), green (Japan or Korea), oolong (Taiwan), black and pu’er |
| You learn | How to judge matcha quality and prepare it | How one leaf becomes five teas, and how to taste like a sommelier | How oxidation, roasting and timing shape aroma, colour and depth, and how aroma differs from taste |
| You take home | A digital ritual guide (plus 10 g of your matcha with Cultural Journey) | Five tasting notes in your own words, and the tea that’s yours | Your favourite tea, discovered across six |
| Time | 60 or 75 minutes | 75 minutes | Weekday sessions |
| Table | Up to 4 guests | Up to 4 guests | Up to 4 guests |
| Price | CHF 70 / CHF 85 | CHF 75 per person | CHF 80 |
| Next step | See matcha | Book your seat | See world tea |
Every review of our experiences, from our booking page and Google: Tea Omakase, Five Senses of Matcha, our tea tastings and courses.
“Amazing experience, super welcoming hosts and had the pleasure of trying Korean green tea and to learn all about the history, cultural significance and the agricultural methods!”
“Thank you very much for bringing the tea culture to Zurich and offering this glimpse into the Korean world. Everything was well thought and presented in a special way with such a delicate sense for details.”
“A wonderful experience shared with a friend. A culinary, cultural, and meditative journey in South Korea. Thank you so much.”
“We had a fantastic experience at the Korean tea ceremony at the KTea Shop. Shane and Nicole were wonderful hosts and we learned a lot about tea and Korean culture.”
“We tasted many more teas, and it was genuinely hard to choose because they were all so good… the Oolong was unlike any Oolong we’d tried before.”
“Besonders schön war, dass es nicht nur ums Probieren ging, sondern auch um Achtsamkeit. Wenn man sich bewusst fragt, wie der Tee schmeckt, ist man automatisch im Moment.”
“I especially loved discovering the different kinds of matcha and exploring my own preferences in terms of flavor, texture, and taste. More than just a tasting, it felt like a very personal and memorable experience.”
“Shane is really an exceptional host… You can feel his passion for the teas, the cultures and everything in between. The combination of the Tea Tasting and Shane’s friendly and calm warmth left us in awe and filled with inner peace.”
“He patiently and expertly explains the cultural significance and history behind every step of the tea making process… During the event we were completely immersed in the Asian tea culture.”
“Whether you’re completely new to tea or already know your way around high-quality teas, he’ll happily dedicate as much time as needed to guide you… You never feel rushed - it’s a true tea experience, not just a tasting.”
“Shane took a lot of time to introduce us to several different types of matcha, explaining not just the flavors but also what to pay attention to when tasting.”
“I went into our tea omakase appointment expecting to learn some history and taste some great tea and treats, and while I did get that, I left feeling centered and at peace after a stressful week.”
“The sommelier transported us into a time bubble allowing us to focus on ourselves, to forget the difficulties of life, to savor nature in all its forms. I came away with tears in my eyes and taste buds satisfied!”
“He provided all the information in a very digestible way, was welcoming and didn’t make me feel bad for saying I wasn’t a ‘matcha person’ in the beginning, and even managed to turn me into one by the end!”
“I didn’t know that it was possible to connect that much emotion, wisdom and guidance with drinking tea. Shane is an absolute professional.”
“Shane as the tea master provides fascinating insights into the world of teas, and Nicole expertly pairs them with handmade desserts… Their storytelling approach is unique and cannot be put into simple words - you need to experience it by yourself.”
“Shane created such a calming and intimate atmosphere — perfect for a midweek reset after a hectic day. His deep knowledge of tea and the mindful way he guided us through the experience truly helped us slow down.”
“I had a wonderful tea tasting experience with Shane… More than just learning about tea, I felt completely at home, as if I had found a place where I truly belong.”
“From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt calm, intimate, and thoughtfully curated - perfect for slowing down and truly appreciating tea… It felt educational and meditative.”
“I can’t imagine conducting a sensory evaluation in an online training session, as even small factors like different water can significantly influence the results.”
“I have to thank Shane for immediately creating a magical space where I could experience the full culture and beauty of tea.”
“The hosts were incredibly knowledgeable, explaining the cultural significance and history behind every step of the tea-making process… The entire event felt like a peaceful, immersive journey into asian tea culture.”
“Every course was paired with an indulgent sweet… And all of this paired with a rich history and background for each course. We were impressed by the amount of thoughtfulness, attention to detail and preparation work that went into this!”
“As opposed to only being a culinary highlight, it is a real “experience”, involving storytelling, reflection, and exchange.”
“Both the tea and the desserts were excellent — refined and perfectly balanced. The sommelier has impressive knowledge and a fascinating outlook on life.”
“The products were of high quality and the menu included items that you usually can’t find in Zurich. Overall, it was like escaping to Asia for the time of an afternoon!”
“You will learn what there is to know about tea, taste and feel new flavors that will take you far… It is not just about learning something new, but stopping for a moment to think about what is important to us that we have forgotten.”
“The pairing with the story telling about the history, culture and production of tea was very interesting and informative, we definitely learned a lot!”
“This workshop was a suspended moment of calm, peace, serenity, to discover the philosophy and spirituality of matcha, in a space of listening and kindness, all guided by a fine connoisseur and tea sommelier.”
“We had a lovely time, learned a lot and enjoyed a quiet moment while tasting different Matcha. It’s always great to go back to basics and remember that we can be more mindful in today’s busy world.”
“This experience made me travel and it’s not just a tasting! The sommelier and tea master Shane really touched me on a deeper level.”
“5 Senses of Matcha war eine tolle Erfahrung um mehr über Matcha, dessen Herstellung und Ritual zu erfahren und seinen persönlichen Geschmack besser kennenzulernen.”
“It never felt rushed, you could tell he really cared about sharing his knowledge and making sure we both enjoyed the experience and learned something meaningful.”
“Wir sind mit einer deutlich tieferen Wertschätzung für Tee und einer wunderbaren Erinnerung an einen sehr angenehmen Nachmittag gegangen.”
“Very authentic and calm and interesting hour. It was the shortest step to be taken to arrive in Asia for a wonderful moment.”
“We definitely learned more and no more confused now in how to buy a good matcha and to enjoy a great matcha at home.”
“It was a truly special experience and something I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys tea (or wants to discover it in a new way). Thank you, Shane, for your warm guidance and for such a memorable time!”
“Tea and sweet dishes were creatively crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the service was impeccable with so many insights about tea.”
“Nicole and Shane are the perfect hosts with extensive knowledge about the tea culture. The tea tasting was very relaxing, and their desserts are incredibly tasty!”
“The omakase was a wonderful experience. You learn a lot about the different types of tea and how to prepare them.”
“We loved the ambiance and the presentation. It was very informative and we could “empty” our minds and just be in the moment… it was very relaxing.”
“An unforgettable experience with wonderful people. We gained valuable insights into tea and the beautiful philosophy behind it. This magical experience will stay with us forever.”
“Amazing experience - Shane and Nicole are so passionate about tea! We learned a lot and the teas and desserts were absolutely fabulous!”
“Gifted the experience to my sister as a Christmas present. We both liked it very much and learnt a lot about tea! Definitely recommend.”
“A special Omakase tea experience in Zurich where we learned about the different types of teas, preparation and tasted handmade Japanese sweets. The presentation was outstanding.”
“Ktea shop creates a unique experience for all tea lovers. I really enjoyed being part of this amazing tea ceremony.”
“Amazing experience. Interesting of course, but also emotional: offer yourself this gift for your body and your mind.”
“We spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon, both serene and delicious!”
“All very well-kept and delicious. Shane and Nicole introduce you to a corner of Corea del Sud in Zurich.”
“Incredible experience. Thank you for this incredible moment.”
“Matcha Workshop was so great fun. I learn a lot about Matcha. It really brought me so much.”
“Das war sensational! Vielen Dank Shane, ich werde sicher bei der Tea Omakase vorbei kommen.”
“Sehr schönes Erlebnis! Hat mein Wissen erweitert und meinen Blickwinkel ebenso!”
“Very interesting insights into the world of matcha and the ceremony that comes with it. Gifted it as a birthday present for a friend and me and it was great.”
Pick any weekday in the calendar. Each table seats only four, so when a date is full, choose the next one.
Choose your date — CHF 75“Had the pleasure of trying Korean green tea and to learn all about the history, cultural significance and the agricultural methods!”
Booking as a gift? Gift cards from CHF 50 · instant email delivery · no expiry · redeemable for all experiences
A private table for your group or team? Write to info@kteashop.com
Yes. It starts with the leaf, not with theory. Your sommelier guides every step.
Nobody is at first. The tasting note gives you prompts and scales, so you only tick, mark and add a few words.
Bitterness usually comes from water that is too hot. Each tea here is brewed at its own temperature, and two of the five aren’t green at all.
No. Four guests around one table. It is a conversation, not a ceremony.
Yes. Book one seat and share the table with up to three other guests.
Yes. All five are true teas from the tea plant. Cups are small; let us know if you are sensitive to caffeine.
English.
At our tea house: Vulkanstrasse 110 C, 8048 Zürich.
Tell us when you book and we’ll adjust the tasting where we can. All five teas contain caffeine.
Yes. Write to info@kteashop.com for a private table or a Tea Omakase.
Seventy-five minutes away from your screen, one cup at a time. You leave knowing how to taste tea, with five notes in your own words.
Book your seat — CHF 75Questions first? Message us on Instagram @kteashop.official
KTeaShop한국차
다례
Korean Tea Tasting · Zürich
A guided tasting with certified tea sommelier Shane Kim. From the first spring green to Korean black tea: taste each one, learn how it’s made, and find the tea that’s yours.
★★★★★ 4.98 from 54 reviews · 5.0 on Google
No tea knowledge needed · Weekdays · In English
The experience
Why Korean tea
Korea’s harvest is small and mostly drunk at home, so very little reaches Switzerland. For most guests, this is their first Korean tea.
The transformation
For 75 minutes, the only thing on the table is the cup in front of you: four guests, no rush, one tea at a time.
The five teas
Poured in this order, so you taste each one against the one before.

Before Gokwoo · ~20 April · 80°C
Taste profile
Fresh · sweet · clean mineral finish

Gokwoo harvest · ~20 April · 80°C
Taste profile
Fresh green · chestnut sweetness · bright finish

Final May harvest · handcrafted · 80°C
Taste profile
Roasted barley · brown rice · chestnut · almond · savoury

Minhuang yellowing · one bud, three leaves · 85°C
Taste profile
Light floral · orchid · subtle bean & nut · clean finish

Korean black tea · 95°C
Taste profile
Roasted sweet potato · cocoa · honey · chestnut
The tasting method
For each tea, Shane asks the four questions a tea sommelier asks, and links every answer to where and how the tea was made.
You write what you notice on your own tasting notes — a set of five, and you keep them.
Why it’s different
Your host

Certified tea sommelier, tea master and founder of KTeaShop. He has studied tea across Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, India and Sri Lanka.
“He doesn’t lecture. He pours, asks what you notice, and links each cup back to where it grew.”
Good for
Guests
4.98
★★★★★
54 guest reviews of our tea experiences · 5.0 on Google
“Amazing experience, super welcoming hosts and had the pleasure of trying Korean green tea and to learn all about the history, cultural significance and the agricultural methods!”
“Thank you very much for bringing the tea culture to Zurich and offering this glimpse into the Korean world. Everything was well thought and presented in a special way with such a delicate sense for details.”
“A wonderful experience shared with a friend. A culinary, cultural, and meditative journey in South Korea. Thank you so much.”
“We had a fantastic experience at the Korean tea ceremony at the KTea Shop. Shane and Nicole were wonderful hosts and we learned a lot about tea and Korean culture.”
“We tasted many more teas, and it was genuinely hard to choose because they were all so good… the Oolong was unlike any Oolong we’d tried before.”
“Besonders schön war, dass es nicht nur ums Probieren ging, sondern auch um Achtsamkeit. Wenn man sich bewusst fragt, wie der Tee schmeckt, ist man automatisch im Moment.”
“I especially loved discovering the different kinds of matcha and exploring my own preferences in terms of flavor, texture, and taste. More than just a tasting, it felt like a very personal and memorable experience.”
“Shane is really an exceptional host… You can feel his passion for the teas, the cultures and everything in between. The combination of the Tea Tasting and Shane’s friendly and calm warmth left us in awe and filled with inner peace.”
“He patiently and expertly explains the cultural significance and history behind every step of the tea making process… During the event we were completely immersed in the Asian tea culture.”
“Whether you’re completely new to tea or already know your way around high-quality teas, he’ll happily dedicate as much time as needed to guide you… You never feel rushed - it’s a true tea experience, not just a tasting.”
“Shane took a lot of time to introduce us to several different types of matcha, explaining not just the flavors but also what to pay attention to when tasting.”
“I went into our tea omakase appointment expecting to learn some history and taste some great tea and treats, and while I did get that, I left feeling centered and at peace after a stressful week.”
“The sommelier transported us into a time bubble allowing us to focus on ourselves, to forget the difficulties of life, to savor nature in all its forms. I came away with tears in my eyes and taste buds satisfied!”
“He provided all the information in a very digestible way, was welcoming and didn’t make me feel bad for saying I wasn’t a ‘matcha person’ in the beginning, and even managed to turn me into one by the end!”
“I didn’t know that it was possible to connect that much emotion, wisdom and guidance with drinking tea. Shane is an absolute professional.”
“Shane as the tea master provides fascinating insights into the world of teas, and Nicole expertly pairs them with handmade desserts… Their storytelling approach is unique and cannot be put into simple words - you need to experience it by yourself.”
“Shane created such a calming and intimate atmosphere — perfect for a midweek reset after a hectic day. His deep knowledge of tea and the mindful way he guided us through the experience truly helped us slow down.”
“I had a wonderful tea tasting experience with Shane… More than just learning about tea, I felt completely at home, as if I had found a place where I truly belong.”
“From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt calm, intimate, and thoughtfully curated - perfect for slowing down and truly appreciating tea… It felt educational and meditative.”
“I can’t imagine conducting a sensory evaluation in an online training session, as even small factors like different water can significantly influence the results.”
“I have to thank Shane for immediately creating a magical space where I could experience the full culture and beauty of tea.”
“The hosts were incredibly knowledgeable, explaining the cultural significance and history behind every step of the tea-making process… The entire event felt like a peaceful, immersive journey into asian tea culture.”
“Every course was paired with an indulgent sweet… And all of this paired with a rich history and background for each course. We were impressed by the amount of thoughtfulness, attention to detail and preparation work that went into this!”
“As opposed to only being a culinary highlight, it is a real “experience”, involving storytelling, reflection, and exchange.”
“Both the tea and the desserts were excellent — refined and perfectly balanced. The sommelier has impressive knowledge and a fascinating outlook on life.”
“The products were of high quality and the menu included items that you usually can’t find in Zurich. Overall, it was like escaping to Asia for the time of an afternoon!”
“You will learn what there is to know about tea, taste and feel new flavors that will take you far… It is not just about learning something new, but stopping for a moment to think about what is important to us that we have forgotten.”
“The pairing with the story telling about the history, culture and production of tea was very interesting and informative, we definitely learned a lot!”
“This workshop was a suspended moment of calm, peace, serenity, to discover the philosophy and spirituality of matcha, in a space of listening and kindness, all guided by a fine connoisseur and tea sommelier.”
“We had a lovely time, learned a lot and enjoyed a quiet moment while tasting different Matcha. It’s always great to go back to basics and remember that we can be more mindful in today’s busy world.”
“This experience made me travel and it’s not just a tasting! The sommelier and tea master Shane really touched me on a deeper level.”
“5 Senses of Matcha war eine tolle Erfahrung um mehr über Matcha, dessen Herstellung und Ritual zu erfahren und seinen persönlichen Geschmack besser kennenzulernen.”
“It never felt rushed, you could tell he really cared about sharing his knowledge and making sure we both enjoyed the experience and learned something meaningful.”
“Wir sind mit einer deutlich tieferen Wertschätzung für Tee und einer wunderbaren Erinnerung an einen sehr angenehmen Nachmittag gegangen.”
“Very authentic and calm and interesting hour. It was the shortest step to be taken to arrive in Asia for a wonderful moment.”
“We definitely learned more and no more confused now in how to buy a good matcha and to enjoy a great matcha at home.”
“It was a truly special experience and something I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys tea (or wants to discover it in a new way). Thank you, Shane, for your warm guidance and for such a memorable time!”
“Tea and sweet dishes were creatively crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the service was impeccable with so many insights about tea.”
“Nicole and Shane are the perfect hosts with extensive knowledge about the tea culture. The tea tasting was very relaxing, and their desserts are incredibly tasty!”
“The omakase was a wonderful experience. You learn a lot about the different types of tea and how to prepare them.”
“We loved the ambiance and the presentation. It was very informative and we could “empty” our minds and just be in the moment… it was very relaxing.”
“An unforgettable experience with wonderful people. We gained valuable insights into tea and the beautiful philosophy behind it. This magical experience will stay with us forever.”
“Amazing experience - Shane and Nicole are so passionate about tea! We learned a lot and the teas and desserts were absolutely fabulous!”
“Gifted the experience to my sister as a Christmas present. We both liked it very much and learnt a lot about tea! Definitely recommend.”
“A special Omakase tea experience in Zurich where we learned about the different types of teas, preparation and tasted handmade Japanese sweets. The presentation was outstanding.”
“Ktea shop creates a unique experience for all tea lovers. I really enjoyed being part of this amazing tea ceremony.”
“Amazing experience. Interesting of course, but also emotional: offer yourself this gift for your body and your mind.”
“We spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon, both serene and delicious!”
“All very well-kept and delicious. Shane and Nicole introduce you to a corner of Corea del Sud in Zurich.”
“Incredible experience. Thank you for this incredible moment.”
“Matcha Workshop was so great fun. I learn a lot about Matcha. It really brought me so much.”
“Das war sensational! Vielen Dank Shane, ich werde sicher bei der Tea Omakase vorbei kommen.”
“Sehr schönes Erlebnis! Hat mein Wissen erweitert und meinen Blickwinkel ebenso!”
“Very interesting insights into the world of matcha and the ceremony that comes with it. Gifted it as a birthday present for a friend and me and it was great.”
Compare
All guided by Shane at a table of four. What changes is the world of tea you step into.
You taste5 Korean teas from one organic garden in Boseong
You learnHow one leaf becomes five teas
Time · price75 min · CHF 75
Book your seatYou taste5 Japanese matcha cultivars, with wagashi
You learnHow to judge matcha quality and prepare it
Time · price60 or 75 min · CHF 70 / 85
See matchaYou taste6 teas: white, yellow, green, oolong, black and pu’er
You learnHow oxidation, roasting and timing shape a tea
Time · priceWeekdays · CHF 80
See world teaWeekdays in Zürich
CHF 75
per person
Each table seats only four. When a date is full, choose the next one.
Booking as a gift? Gift cards from CHF 50 · no expiry
A private table for your team? info@kteashop.com
Questions
Yes. It starts with the leaf, not with theory.
The tasting note gives you prompts and scales. You only tick, mark and add a few words.
Bitterness usually comes from water that is too hot. Two of the five aren’t green at all.
No. Four guests around one table: a conversation, not a ceremony.
Yes. Book one seat and share the table with up to three guests.
Yes, all five. Cups are small; tell us if you are sensitive.
English. Our tea house: Vulkanstrasse 110 C, 8048 Zürich.
Tell us when you book and we’ll adjust where we can.
Write to info@kteashop.com for a private table or a Tea Omakase.
Weekdays in Zürich · 75 min · CHF 75
Seventy-five minutes away from your screen. You leave knowing how to taste tea, with five notes in your own words.
Book your seat — CHF 75Questions first? Instagram @kteashop.official