Who We Are
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New York Tea Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultivating and growing the tea community—one steep at a time. Our mission is simple: to create meaningful spaces where tea lovers of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and share their passion.
We believe that tea is more than a beverage—it's a journey.
Anyone who's been bitten by the "tea bug" knows that the deeper you go, the more there is to explore. Every cup brings questions, and every conversation opens new paths of discovery.
What We Do
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At NYTS, our members come together to study and enjoy the rich world of tea—from the subtle grace of a Japanese sencha to the aged complexity of a Chinese pu’er. Whether it’s a roasted oolong, a fragrant white, or a malty Assam, we gather to taste, discuss, and celebrate the depth and diversity of tea.
Our community enjoys a wide range of activities, including:
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Group tastings of teas from China, Taiwan, Japan, India, and beyond
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Home-based tea socials and private gatherings
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Visits to local and regional tea houses
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Road trips to tea events, expos, and specialty shops
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Workshops on brewing techniques, teaware, and gongfu cha
Whether you're brand new to tea or have been sipping for decades—if you're passionate and curious, you'll fit right in.
Membership
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There are no tests, checklists, or insider requirements to join us. The only thing you need is a genuine love for tea and a willingness to learn and share.
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We’re also working on partnerships with tea businesses to offer special discounts for our members. If you’re a business owner interested in supporting the tea community, we’d love to connect—just contact us.
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Meet the Founder
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Roy Lamberty
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Hi, I’m Roy—and tea has completely taken over my life… in the best possible way.
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Since 1989, I’ve worked in the food, beverage, and hospitality world—starting out as a cook, and eventually growing into roles as a chef, director, and general manager. My relationship with tea began in 1994 when I was a chef’s apprentice and I started incorporating teas like earl grey, chamomile, and mint into my cooking. Back then, herbal tisanes were more common than traditional Chinese teas, but that small spark of curiosity kicked off what became a lifelong obsession.
Soon, I was exploring green, red, and oolong teas—and while that kept the flame alive, it wasn't until one unforgettable taste of pu'er in 2011 that changed everything. A friend and fellow tea enthusiast generously shared a rare 35-year-old sheng pu’er with me. That one moment opened the door to a new world. His kindness—a trait I’ve since learned is wonderfully common among tea people—led to an invitation to travel with him to China.
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What followed was nothing short of life-changing. I met tea farmers, producers, and distributors—people deeply connected to tea, living and breathing it every day. We brewed, tasted, and talked for hours. I discovered a realm of teas that had been being produced for hundreds, some for thousands of years, yet I was just discovering...longjing green tea, da hong pao yancha, tie guan yin oolong, fu zhuan hei cha, fuding white teas, and so much more! However, the most important discovery was the the beautiful, magical practice of gongfu cha. I found myself in tea circles where brewing and sharing tea was at the heart of everything—friendship, conversation, even silence.
Upon my return home to New York City, I knew I must find a way to keep that energy alive., so I started a meetup group—hoping to find maybe a dozen other tea nerds to geek out with. To my surprise, I quickly found myself surrounded by a diverse, passionate, curious, engaging tea community which has evolved into what is now New York Tea Society—a tea club dedicated to connecting people through tea. And if you’ve made it this far, I’d love to invite you to join us and become the newest member of our gongfu tea family.
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We are not just brewing tea, we are brewing a community!
