I do like a good Cappuccino or a frothy Caffè Latte but tea has always been one of my favorite drinks. A nice hot cup of Orange Pekoe black tea in the morning, a hot mint tea before bedtime, or a strong unsweetened ice black tea with lemon on a hot day. I love them all.
Tea is more than just a beverage. It can be a cultural experience, a historical tradition, and in a great many countries, a daily ritual. While many nations enjoy tea, some are particularly famous for both consuming and producing it. Whether it’s a delicate green tea, a robust black tea, or a fragrant oolong, the teas from these countries offer unique flavors and stories steeped in tradition.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through 10 countries renowned for their tea production and/or consumption, highlighting the distinct teas that make each nation special.
1. China – Green Tea, Oolong, Pu-erh
China is considered the birthplace of tea, with a history of cultivation dating back over 5,000 years. Chinese tea culture has a deep connection to traditional philosophy, blending elements of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. The country produces a wide variety of teas of which the most famous include:
Green Tea: China produces some of the finest green teas, including Dragon Well (Longjing) and Biluochun.
Oolong Tea: Oolong is partially oxidized, creating a flavor that sits between green and black tea. Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) and Wuyi Rock Tea are well-known oolongs.
Pu-erh Tea: This fermented tea from Yunnan province is aged, resulting in a rich, earthy flavor.
Tea is consumed daily in China, and each region has its own brewing traditions and tea culture. Tea is enjoyed in homes, tea houses, and during business meetings. It’s offered as a symbol of respect and hospitality, often accompanied by dim sum or small snacks. The tea houses in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou are cultural hubs where people gather to enjoy tea, engage in conversation, and appreciate tea’s many health benefits.
The traditional Chinese Gongfu tea ceremony is an intricate ritual where tea is prepared with great care, emphasizing mindfulness and attention to detail. The ceremony often uses small clay teapots, and the process involves several steepings of the leaves to fully extract the tea’s flavors. Each steeping brings out different characteristics of the tea, from aroma to taste and color.
2. India – Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri
India is one of the world’s largest producers of tea and is known for its bold, black teas. Indian tea culture revolves around chai, a sweet, spiced tea brewed with milk, sugar, and various spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
Assam Tea: Grown in the northeastern region, Assam tea is known for its strong, malty flavor and deep color. It’s often used in breakfast blends like English Breakfast.
Darjeeling Tea: Grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling tea is lighter and more floral, often referred to as the "champagne of teas."
Nilgiri Tea: Grown in southern India, Nilgiri tea is fragrant and brisk, with a unique fruity taste.
Chai is more than a drink; it’s a ritual enjoyed by millions of Indians throughout the day. Whether served from chaiwala street vendors or at home, chai is a shared experience, often accompanied by snacks like samosas or pakoras. The tea leaves used in chai usually come from the Assam or Darjeeling regions, and the preparation methods vary by region, with each family often having its own recipe. I can honestly say that I have never had two (authentic not Starbuck's spin on it) chai that tasted the same. Subtle variations in the spices can make an entirely different experience.
3. Japan – Sencha, Matcha, Gyokuro
Japanese tea culture is renowned for its refinement and elegance, with a strong focus on green tea. Tea is deeply intertwined with Japanese values of simplicity, harmony, and tranquility, particularly in the context of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu. Japanese teas are known for their delicate flavors and careful cultivation.
Sencha: The most common tea in Japan, Sencha is a steamed green tea that is light and refreshing with grassy notes.
Matcha: Now famous worldwide, Matcha is finely powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It has a rich, vegetal flavor with a hint of sweetness. My wife loves her matcha teas and even bought the bamboo whisk and deep bowls for it. I can't get over the strong smell of the tea though as it reminds me too much of seaweed.
Gyokuro: A premium green tea, Gyokuro is shade-grown, which gives it a sweet, umami-rich taste.
Tea is a common pairing with meals in Japan, and green tea is believed to aid in digestion. It’s served in restaurants and homes alike, usually after a meal, making it a staple in both social and culinary settings.
The Japanese tea ceremony, often involving matcha, is a highly ritualized and spiritual process that emphasizes harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku). Every movement is deliberate, from preparing the tea to cleaning the utensils.
These Matcha utensils used in preparing matcha are key to the ritual and include:
Chawan (Tea Bowl): A large, deep bowl used to whisk and drink the matcha.
Chasen (Bamboo Whisk): A handmade bamboo whisk with fine tines, used to blend the matcha powder with water. This whisk is used in a specific manner using a "W" pattern to zig-zag through the matcha as opposed to a stirring motion.
Chashaku (Bamboo Scoop): A small, curved bamboo scoop used to measure the matcha powder.
Natsume or Chaire (Tea Caddy): A container that holds the matcha powder.
Fukusa (Silk Cloth): Used to ritually clean the tea utensils before the tea is prepared.
The ceremony, which is rooted in Zen Buddhism, emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and inner peace. It’s often conducted in a specially designed tea room with a minimalist aesthetic, where the host serves the tea to guests in a calm and respectful manner.
4. Sri Lanka – Ceylon Tea, Orange Pekoe
Tea is a cornerstone of Sri Lankan culture, and the country is one of the world’s largest exporters of black tea, especially Ceylon tea which was the former name of the country until May 1972 when it became the Republic of Sri Lanka. Introduced by the British during colonial times, tea has since become a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s economy and daily life.
Ceylon Black Tea: Sri Lanka's black tea is bright, brisk, and aromatic. It’s often used in blends but is equally delicious on its own.
Ceylon Green Tea: While less common, Sri Lanka also produces some green tea, characterized by a smooth, fresh flavor.
Orange Pekoe: A high-quality grade of black tea, Orange Pekoe refers to whole tea leaves that are used to create a smooth, robust, and aromatic brew. It's one of the most sought-after grades of Ceylon tea, known for its vibrant flavor and clarity in the cup.
Tea Plantations and the Tea Experience
Many visitors to Sri Lanka explore the country’s tea plantations, particularly in regions like Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. These high-altitude estates offer tours where guests can see how tea is grown, processed, and brewed. It’s a unique way to experience Sri Lanka’s tea culture first-hand.
In Sri Lanka, tea is typically consumed multiple times a day. It’s common to drink tea with breakfast and as an afternoon refreshment, often accompanied by sweets or short eats (savory snacks). Tea drinking in Sri Lanka is also associated with social and business interactions, symbolizing hospitality and warmth.
Diversion>>> Meanwhile in Canada...
Orange Pekoe is by far one of my favorite teas. It was the first one I ever tried at my grandmother's house. She was Scottish and loved her afternoon tea. In Canada the most famous of teas would have to be Red Rose Tea which has been around since 1894.
The brand was founded in Canada by Theodore Harding Estabrooks in Saint John, New Brunswick. Initially, the company focused on producing high-quality black tea for the Canadian market, but over time, it expanded its reach to the United States as well. Red Rose Tea became known for its smooth flavor and quality, with its iconic slogan, "Only in Canada, you say? Pity!" gaining popularity in the 1970s.
During the 1960's they started putting in small ceramic figurines called Wade Whimsies (Made by Wade ceramics of Britain) into each box of tea. My gran had dozens of these lined up on her windowsills that she'd let me pick a few to take home each visit. Each figurine represents various animals, nursery rhyme characters, and other whimsical themes, making them highly sought after by collectors.
I was thrilled to see that recently the tea, which is readily available in the United States now, Red Rose began to offer the figurines in special promotions, though they are not regularly included in tea boxes as they were in the past. I'm not certain as to whether they do the same in Canada these days, hopefully! They've had a few different runs here though: famous world monuments, nautical themes, American historical items, etc. of which I've got a few.
Ok, Back to the List>>>>
5. Taiwan – Oolong Tea
Taiwan is world-renowned for its oolong teas, which are semi-oxidized and come in a wide range of flavors and styles. Tea in Taiwan reflects the island’s mix of cultural influences, blending traditional Chinese tea practices with local innovation.
High Mountain Oolong: Grown in the high-altitude regions of Taiwan, this oolong tea has a fresh, floral taste and a smooth, creamy texture.
Dong Ding Oolong: One of Taiwan’s most famous teas, Dong Ding is lightly roasted, giving it a sweet, roasted flavor with notes of honey and fruit.
Taiwan’s high-altitude regions, such as Alishan and Lishan, produce some of the best high mountain oolongs in the world. These semi-oxidized teas offer a balance of floral, fruity, and creamy flavors with a smooth mouthfeel. The process of creating oolong tea in Taiwan involves great skill and craftsmanship, with multiple stages of withering, rolling, and drying to perfect the flavor.
In Taiwan, tea houses play an essential role in the country’s tea culture. These establishments range from casual settings to formal tea houses where Gongfu-style brewing is practiced. Visitors can enjoy various oolong teas brewed in small clay teapots, with multiple infusions enhancing the tea’s flavor profile. It is a central part of Taiwanese social life, enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues. It’s served during meals and gatherings and is often accompanied by small snacks like sun cakes or pineapple cakes.
6. Kenya – Black Tea
Kenya is one of the world’s largest producers of black tea, and the industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy. While not traditionally a tea-drinking nation, tea has become a significant part of Kenyan culture, especially as an export.
Kenyan Black Tea: Kenyan black tea is known for its robust flavor and is commonly used in blends such as English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast. The teas are grown in the highlands of Kericho and Nandi, where the altitude and climate create ideal conditions for cultivating tea with a strong, malty taste. It’s enjoyed on its own or with milk and sugar.
Purple Tea: A newer addition to Kenya’s tea production, purple tea is made from a special variety of tea leaves and is known for its health benefits. Purple tea leaves have more antioxidants than any other tea leaf. The leaves have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce cholesterol, and prevent colds and flus. It also has a much lower caffeine content than typical green teas.
Kenyan black tea is known for its robust flavor and is commonly used in blends like English Breakfast. The teas are grown in the highlands of Kericho and Nandi, where the altitude and climate create ideal conditions for cultivating tea with a strong, malty taste.
While much of Kenya’s tea is exported, tea is also commonly consumed locally. It is often served with milk and sugar, creating a creamy, comforting drink similar to Indian chai. In Kenya, tea is commonly enjoyed during social interactions, and it’s frequently served to guests as a gesture of hospitality.
7. Türkiye – Turkish Black Tea (Çay)
Tea is an integral part of Turkish culture, and Türkiye has one of the highest tea consumption rates in the world. In fact, per capita, Turks consume the most tea of any country globally at around 6.96 pounds per person per year (England clocks in around 4.28 pounds per person by comparison).
Rize Tea: Tea in Türkiye is primarily grown in the Rize region (hence the name) along the Black Sea coast, where the humid climate and fertile soil produce a rich, strong black tea. Turkish tea is known for its dark color and bold flavor, typically served in tulip-shaped glasses without milk. It’s often consumed with sugar cubes, though some (like myself) prefer it plain. It is also served supremely hot so be careful when you first get it! You'll not even be able to hold the glass it is so hot, and will have to use fingertips holding the rim to raise it.
Tea houses, or çay bahçesi, are everywhere in Türkiye, acting as gathering spots where people can relax, chat, and enjoy multiple rounds of tea. Tea is brewed in a special double teapot called a çaydanlık, allowing the tea to be brewed strong in the upper pot while hot water is kept in the lower pot to dilute it to each person’s taste.
Outside of the bustling city centers, and even within the city's quieter neighborhoods, it is highly likely you will be offered a glass of this delectable beverage by shop owners as you visit. You'll also find it sold by vendors on all of the ferries as they carry trays of it through the vessel. It is delightful to ferry across the Bosphorus watching the gulls chase the boats while you sip a hot glass of Çay.
I've had tea offered to me in small grocers, pharmacies, clothing stores, and the like and partake whenever I can. It seems to remind the Turkish people to sit down and socialize frequently and to not get too caught up in the too fast pace of life. You'll even see neighboring shopkeepers sitting together outside having Çay and playing Tavla (Backgammon).
8. Vietnam – Green Tea, Lotus Tea
Tea plays an important role in Vietnamese culture, serving as a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and everyday life. Though tea culture in Vietnam is less formalized than in neighboring China and Japan, it is deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Vietnamese people, particularly in rural areas. The most commonly consumed tea is green tea, though lotus tea and artichoke tea are also significant in Vietnamese tea culture.
Vietnamese Green Tea: This green tea (or "trà xanh") is often less grassy and bitter than Japanese green tea, with a more subtle and mellow flavor.
Lotus Tea: One of Vietnam’s most unique contributions to the world of tea is lotus tea ("trà sen"), a delicately fragrant tea infused with the scent of lotus flowers. This tea is made by layering green tea leaves with fresh lotus blossoms, allowing the leaves to absorb the flower’s subtle floral aroma. Lotus tea is a symbol of purity and is often reserved for special occasions or offered to guests as a sign of respect and hospitality.
In Vietnam, as with the other countries on this list, tea is a symbol of hospitality and friendship. It is common for hosts to serve tea to visitors, often accompanied by small snacks such as fruits or mooncakes during special occasions. Tea is not just consumed during formal gatherings but is also part of everyday social interactions. In rural villages, it’s common to see people enjoying tea together, using it as a way to connect with neighbors and family.
Tea is also used in religious and spiritual contexts, particularly during Buddhist ceremonies. Offerings of tea are made to deities and ancestors, symbolizing purity and respect. During festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), tea is often included as part of family rituals and celebrations.
9. United Kingdom – Black Tea (Blends)
The United Kingdom is known for its strong tea culture, which has been a cornerstone of British life for centuries. While the UK is not a major tea producer, it has developed one of the world’s most iconic tea-drinking traditions, rooted in its colonial history and global trade connections.
English Breakfast: This black tea blend is strong and robust, often served with milk and sugar.
Earl Grey: A black tea infused with bergamot oil, offering a citrusy aroma and flavor. Captain Picard's choice of beverage, not mine though. I personally find it too... floral I think would be the word. Closer to a perfume than a drink but to each their own.
Tea was first introduced to Britain in the mid-17th century, but it truly took off in the 18th century when the British East India Company began importing large quantities of tea from China. By the 19th century, tea had become a daily beverage for all classes, and it played a significant role in British society. The tea trade with India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) further cemented the UK’s connection to black tea, which became the most popular variety.
One of the most well-known aspects of British tea culture is Afternoon Tea, a ritual that dates back to the early 19th century. It was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who began the tradition of having tea, sandwiches, and pastries in the mid-afternoon to curb her hunger before dinner. The tradition spread quickly among the British upper class and remains a beloved social occasion today. In both Canada and the United States you can find tea houses that have embraced this tradition and a great many Mother's day have been spent in these locations.
Afternoon Tea typically involves black tea served with scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and pastries. Earl Grey, a black tea infused with bergamot oil, and English Breakfast, a robust blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas, are the most popular choices. Tea is traditionally served with milk and sugar, though some prefer it plain or with lemon.
The preparation of tea in the UK is straightforward, though it has its own etiquette. Traditionally, black tea is brewed with loose leaves in a teapot, but tea bags have become more common in modern times. Once brewed, the tea is poured into a cup or mug, with milk added first or after, depending on personal preference (this is a long-debated topic among tea drinkers).
The other great debate of recent news is whether tea should be microwaved.
My opinion??
No Comment. I'm not wading into that battle...
...but I will say this, I don't like staying in a hotel that doesn't have a kettle. Now, I always Bring My Own.
10. Morocco – Moroccan Mint Tea
While Morocco doesn’t produce much tea, it is famous for its Mint Tea (locally known as Atay), a blend of green tea and fresh mint. Tea in Morocco has its roots in the 18th century when it was introduced by British traders, and since then, it has become an integral part of Moroccan identity. The combination of tea and fresh mint leaves is believed to have health benefits, aiding digestion and providing a refreshing break from the country’s hot climate.
Gunpowder Green Tea: The base of Moroccan mint tea is usually gunpowder green tea, which is then mixed with mint and sugar to create a refreshing, sweet drink. Myself I prefer it with very little to no sugar as I'd rather just enjoy the natural mint of the tea.
Mint tea is a symbol of hospitality in Morocco and is offered at all occasions—whether it's welcoming a visitor, celebrating a special event, or simply during everyday interactions. Refusing a cup of tea is often seen as impolite, as it’s deeply linked to Moroccan hospitality.
Tea preparation in Morocco is an art form, often performed with great care and elegance. It involves a ceremonial process that reflects Moroccan values of patience and respect for guests. Typically, the host prepares the tea in a silver teapot and serves it in small, ornately decorated glasses. The act of pouring tea is significant—tea is poured from a height to create a light froth, which is said to enhance the flavor and demonstrate the skill of the host.
Summary
Tea culture around the world is a reflection of both regional traditions and global connections. From the intricate Chinese tea ceremonies and the meditative Japanese matcha ritual, to the bustling chai stands of India and the refined Afternoon Tea in the UK, tea holds a special place in the daily lives of millions. It is a beverage that brings people together, serving as a symbol of hospitality, mindfulness, and community. Tea preparation and drinking rituals vary widely across cultures—each region imparts its own unique touch to this age-old tradition.
Beyond cultural significance, tea also represents the deep historical and economic connections between nations. Tea was a key commodity in the colonial trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa, shaping global commerce and cultural exchange. Today, the diversity of tea reflects the globalized world we live in, with people from all corners of the globe enjoying green, black, oolong, and herbal varieties. Whether served in a simple cup or with great ceremony, tea continues to be a universal symbol of connection, reflection, and comfort.
So, the next time you brew a cup of tea, remember you’re partaking in a global tradition that spans continents and centuries.
Il Digestivo
Jade Leaf Matcha Traditional Starter Set
Ready to explore the world of Matcha tea? Give it a shot with this starter set. It gives you all the tools to make your very own. Prepare ceremonial matcha with the traditional tools:
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Travel Foldable Electric Kettle
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Red Rose Original Full Flavored Black Tea
I couldn't do a tea post without offering up my favorite tea. Enjoy it hot or cold, with cream and sugar or black. However you want to prepare it. You'll get 100 individual tea bags in the box. No longer only in Canada, eh?
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I read through this blog while staying in bed. After reading it, I simply wanted to get up and brew a cup of tea. My favorite tea is jasmine tea, which I enjoyed often. I had the pleasure of tasting out several tea types mentioned in the post, both black and green, such as Taiwnese oolong and English earl grey. I love them all!
I love this Blog. Most informative. Now I have to go and have a cuppa Red Rose 😊