Exploring Tea Culture & Customs Around the World

Tea is a beloved beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries and holds a significant place in the cultures around the world. While it originated in China, tea drinking customs have spread across the globe, with each country having its own unique traditions and rituals surrounding this popular drink.

In this blog post, we will explore the rich tea culture in different countries such as China, Japan, India, the UK, the US and more. From traditional brewing methods to the role of tea in social gatherings, let’s take a journey through the diverse world of tea and discover how it brings people together across borders.

China: The Origin of Tea

China is the birthplace of tea and tea culture, and tea is found in every aspect of life. Chinese people love to drink a wide variety of teas of all types including green tea, pu erh tea, oolong tea, and black tea.

Guests, whether at home or in office, are often welcomed with a cup of tea. Tea may be served casually in a glass or prepared the traditional way. Gongfu tea preparation method from Chaozhou is representative of the Chinese tea ceremony. This ceremony usually uses oolong tea, but is nowadays also applied to other types of tea.

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The increasing popularity of milk tea in China over the last decade has led to a younger demographic enjoying tea, and a more diverse mix of teas: bubble tea, fruit teas, tea with cheese topping, etc.

Japan: Steamed Green Tea & Matcha

When you step into a Japanese convenience store, you can see a big selection of cold, bottled tea; when you dine in the restaurants, the staff will offer you a cup of tea; and when you visit a Japanese friend’s place of residence, they’ll be sure to have some tea ready for you.

Green tea is arguably the most common type of Japanese tea. More than 90% of the tea produced in Japan is green tea. Differently from Chinese green tea, which is roasted, Japanese green teas are steamed. One type of green tea that’s very popular in Japan and worldwide is Matcha.

Matcha is a powdered green tea that has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. This unique form of tea is made from finely ground green tea leaves, resulting in a vibrant green powder that is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy and flavorful beverage. Matcha powder is also often part of many creative matcha recipes, such as matcha cookies, ice cream, and cakes.

The origins of matcha can be traced back to the Tang dynasty in China, but it was the Zen Buddhist monks who popularized its use in Japan during the 12th century. The monks used matcha as a way to stay alert and focused during long meditation sessions, and it quickly became an important part of their rituals.

India: Tea & Spices

India is a country with a long history of tea production. Its black teas are exported all over the world with a great reputation: Darjeeling and Assam black teas are among the top four black teas in the world.

It is believed that the British East India Company first introduced tea to India in the 18th century. However, it was not until the early 19th century that tea production began on a commercial scale in India. The story goes that a Scottish botanist named Robert Bruce discovered wild tea plants growing in Assam, a region in northeastern India. He sent some samples to his brother Charles Alexander Bruce, who was also a botanist and worked for the British East India Company. The company then began experimenting with cultivating and processing tea from these plants.

A few years later, another British explorer named Robert Fortune smuggled tea seeds and young plants from China into India. This led to the establishment of large tea plantations in Assam, which still produce some of the best black teas in the world.

Today, India is the second largest producer of tea in the world (after China), with over 1.2 million tons produced annually. The majority of this tea is consumed within the country, as tea is an integral part of Indian culture and daily life. It is often served with milk and spices such as cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon to create a rich and aromatic beverage known as chai.

Tea drinking is very common throughout India, playing a significant role in Indian social gatherings and ceremonies. It is offered as a sign of hospitality to guests and used in religious rituals. There are also many variations of tea enjoyed across different regions of India. Chai, India’s iconic tea, known for its unique blend of tea leaves, spices, milk and sweeteners, can be found everywhere – on the streets, in markets and at railway stations.

The UK: Tea Trade & English Black Tea

Tea first arrived in the UK in the 17th century, introduced by Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II. Initially, tea was an expensive luxury for the wealthy and was mainly consumed for its medicinal properties.

However, with the growth of trade and colonization in Asia, tea became more affordable and accessible to all levels of society. By the 18th century, afternoon tea had become a popular social event among the upper class.

In the 19th century, tea became more widely available with the development of shipping routes from India and China. This led to the rise of large-scale tea plantations in countries like India and Sri Lanka. Today, the UK is one of the largest tea importers in the world.

Tea lovers in the UK drink different types of tea at different times of the day. The British drink a total of 165 million cups of tea a day, which is an average of two and a half cups per person!

The UK’s favourite tea is black tea, with 75% of the population drinking black tea, mostly blends, served with sugar and milk. The UK has a long tradition of afternoon tea, accompanied by biscuits and desserts.

The US: Iced Tea & The Invention of Tea Bags

Americans generally drink tea in two ways: Tea bags and iced tea. The tea bag was invented in 1903 by Thomas Sullivan, a tea merchant in New York, when he put the tea samples in a silk bag to take to his customers; a restaurant patron accidentally put the silk bag into the teapot of hot water and the tea bag was invented.

While the British like to drink hot black tea, most Americans prefer iced tea, especially iced tea with lemon. Iced tea is convenient and can be made to suit different tastes by adding different ingredients.

Turkey: Stacked Teapots & Tulip Shaped Glasses

In Turkey, Tea plays an important role in life, providing a social link throughout the day. The above ‘stacked teapot’ is called a çaydanlık and it’s unique to Turkey. The top pot contains strong tea – usually black tea – and the bottom pot contains boiling water.

This setup allows everyone to adjust the strength of the tea to their own taste. Tea is first poured from the upper teapot. Afterwards, one may adjust the intensify with water from the bottom teapot. Tea is usually served in tulip-shaped glass teacups so that the rich colours of the tea can be fully appreciated.

Morocco: Mint Tea!

In Morocco, tea holds an important place in the culture and daily life of its people. Known as Maghrebi mint tea or Moroccan mint tea, this tea is a staple in households and is often used to symbolize hospitality and friendship.

The most common type of tea consumed in Morocco is gunpowder green tea, which is known for its strong flavor and ability to hold up well to traditional Moroccan preparation methods. This type of tea is usually imported from China.

To make traditional Moroccan mint tea, fresh mint leaves are first steeped in boiling water with sugar. Then, gunpowder green tea leaves are added to the pot and allowed to boil again before being poured into glasses. The tea is then served hot and poured from a height in order to create a frothy layer on top.

Tea is typically served alongside sweet pastries or desserts, such as cookies or dried fruits. It is also common for Moroccans to enjoy multiple rounds of tea throughout the day, often with different variations such as adding spices or herbs like saffron or rose petals.

Russia: Sweet, Hot & Strong Tea

In Russia, tea is a beloved beverage that is traditionally enjoyed hot and strong. The most popular type of teas in Russia are black tea and pu erh tea, typically imported from China or India. It is often brewed strongly with additional ingredients such as lemon, honey, or jam to add flavor and sweetness.

Tea plays a significant role in Russian culture and hospitality. It is seen as a way to bring people together and socialize, especially during cold winter months. It is also common for Russians to offer their guests a cup of tea upon arrival as a sign of welcome.

To make traditional Russian tea, loose-leaf black tea leaves are placed in a teapot along with a small amount of sugar. Boiling water is then poured over the leaves and allowed to steep for several minutes. The tea is then served in a glass cup, often with a metal holder to protect from the heat.

In addition to hot tea, iced tea has also become popular in Russia, especially during summer months. It is typically made by brewing strong black tea and then diluting it with ice and sugar. Tea in Russia is not only enjoyed as a beverage, but it is also used as a remedy for illnesses or ailments. Herbal teas such as chamomile or mint are commonly consumed for their calming and healing properties.

Taiwan: Oolong & Boba Tea!

In Taiwan, tea is an integral part of the culture and has a rich history dating back centuries. The island nation is known for its high-quality oolong teas, which are semi-oxidized and have a complex flavor profile.

In recent years, Taiwan has gained recognition for another unique beverage – bubble tea. Also known as boba tea, this sweet drink originated in Taichung, Taiwan in the 1980s. It is typically made with a base of black or green tea mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar or flavored syrups. The addition of chewy tapioca balls, also called pearls or boba, gives the drink its signature texture and makes it a popular choice among people of all ages.

Bubble tea shops can now be found all over the world, showcasing Taiwan’s influence on global tea culture.

Hong Kong: Dimsum Tea & Coffee Tea

Tea is an integral part of the culture and cuisine in Hong Kong. It is deeply ingrained in daily life, from morning breakfast to afternoon tea breaks and even evening meals. Hongkongers have a strong preference for Chinese teas, specifically pu erh tea and oolong tea.

Tea is always served in Dimsum restaurant worldwide, with the most popular teas being ripe pu erh tea, Tieguanyin oolong tea, as well as jasmine and chrysanthemum tea.

Another unique aspect of Hong Kong’s tea culture is the famous “Hong Kong-style” coffee-tea drink. This signature blend combines strong black coffee with silky smooth milk tea, creating a rich and creamy beverage that has become a staple.

In conclusion, tea is much more than just a beverage; it is a cultural symbol that transcends borders and unites people across the globe. Each country has its own unique customs and rituals that reflect their history and values, whether it’s the tea ceremonies of China and Japan, the cherished gatherings in India and Turkey, or the casual enjoyment of iced tea in the United States. As we explore the diverse tea cultures around the world, we discover that this simple drink fosters connection, hospitality, and a shared appreciation for the moment, reminding us of the beauty of tradition and the joy of coming together over a cup of tea.