Authentic loose leaf oolong tea

OOLONG TEA

We source high quality loose leaf oolong tea from Taiwan, carefully selected for flavour, character and traditional craftsmanship. Browse our collection of oolong teas, from light floral styles to deeper roasted varieties, and discover the tea that suits your taste.

PRODUCTS

Loose Leaf Oolong Tea

New to Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea, sometimes known as Black Dragon tea, is one of the most highly prized types of loose leaf tea. Sitting between green tea and black tea in processing, oolong tea is known for its complex flavour profiles, smooth texture and ability to reveal different layers of flavour across multiple infusions.

From light floral and creamy notes to deeper roasted and richer styles, oolong tea offers a wide range of flavours depending on how the leaves are grown, oxidised and crafted.

If you are new to oolong tea, there is no need to feel intimidated. Brewing it can be as simple as adding tea leaves to hot water and allowing them to steep for a few minutes. Over time, you can experiment with brewing methods, temperatures and strength to find the style you enjoy most.

If you would like to learn more about oolong tea, its origins and how to brew it, you can read our Oolong Tea Guide.

Our Approach to Loose Leaf Oolong Tea

At WayCha, loose leaf oolong tea is about more than just flavour; it is about understanding where the tea comes from, how it is processed and the people who produce it. Each year we visit tea farms in Taiwan to explore the growing regions firsthand, learn about traditional oolong processing methods and carefully select teas that reflect the character of their origin.

From lightly oxidised floral oolongs to deeper roasted and richer styles, each tea offers its own unique flavour profile shaped by altitude, harvest season and craftsmanship. By spending time in the tea gardens and speaking directly with producers, we are able to choose oolong teas that show the care and skill behind every harvest.

Our goal is to bring authentic Taiwanese loose leaf oolong tea to the UK, allowing you to experience the depth, complexity and tradition that makes oolong tea so highly valued.

If you are curious about how we find and select our teas, you can read more about how we source tea in Taiwan.

How do you brew loose leaf oolong tea?

Brewing loose leaf oolong tea is entirely down to personal preference and finding the style that suits your taste. For everyday UK brewing, most people simply use a kettle with hot or boiling water, add the loose tea leaves to an loose leaf tea infuser or teapot, then pour the water over the leaves and allow them to steep. A good starting point is around 1–2g of tea per 250ml of water, steeped for 2–3 minutes, but some people prefer a lighter floral cup while others enjoy a stronger, fuller flavour with a longer infusion.

High-quality oolong tea can also be re-steeped several times, with the flavour often changing and developing with each brew. The best cup usually comes from a little experimentation with water temperature, steeping time and leaf quantity until you find what works best for you.

If you're new to loose leaf tea, you can also read our full Loose Leaf Tea Brewing Guide for more tips on brewing and choosing the right tea infuser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oolong tea?

Oolong tea is a traditional tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used for green tea and black tea. It is partially oxidised, which places it somewhere between green tea and black tea in flavour, body and aroma. Depending on the style, oolong tea can be light and floral or richer and more roasted.

Is oolong tea green tea or black tea?

Oolong tea sits between green tea and black tea. Green tea is minimally oxidised, black tea is fully oxidised, and oolong tea is partially oxidised. This gives oolong tea a balanced flavour that can be smoother than black tea and fuller than green tea.

What does oolong tea taste like?

Oolong tea can taste floral, creamy, nutty, roasted, fruity or slightly honeyed depending on the variety and oxidation level. Lighter oolongs are often fresh and floral, while darker oolongs have deeper roasted and fuller-bodied flavours. Taiwanese oolong teas are especially known for their smooth finish and complex

Is oolong tea good for you?

Oolong tea contains antioxidants and natural polyphenols from the tea leaf, which many people enjoy as part of a balanced daily routine. It also contains moderate caffeine, making it a popular choice for those looking for a smoother alternative to coffee. Some studies suggest regular tea drinking may support heart health, blood pressure and cognitive health thanks to these protective plant compounds. Like all tea, quality loose leaf tea and moderate consumption are best. If you'd like to learn more, explore our guide to Oolong Benefits.

Does oolong tea contain caffeine?

Yes, oolong tea naturally contains caffeine. Most cups contain less caffeine than coffee but often more than green tea, depending on the tea type and brewing method. This makes it a good option for gentle energy and focus without the heaviness of strong coffee.

Can you re-steep oolong tea leaves?

Yes, high-quality loose leaf oolong tea can usually be re-steeped many times. Many oolong teas reveal different flavour notes with each infusion, which is one reason they are so popular with loose leaf tea drinkers.

Why choose loose leaf oolong tea instead of tea bags?

Loose leaf oolong tea allows the leaves to fully open during brewing, helping to release more flavour, aroma and character in every cup. Tea bags often contain smaller broken leaves with less room to expand, which can limit the depth and complexity of the tea. If you want to experience premium Taiwanese oolong tea properly, loose leaf is always the better choice. You can read more in our guide comparing Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags.