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The following top 6 ideal and unique destinations for tea lovers and tea culture enthusiasts will surely not only awaken your taste buds but also help you gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of each country behind every warm, fragrant cup of tea.
Tea ceremony culture in Japan
In recent years, the world has begun to favor the use of matcha-flavored drinks – a powder made from finely ground dried green tea leaves – but matcha has actually been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. Unlike regular green tea, it is brewed with boiling water and stirred with a bamboo spoon, and of course, it doesn't require a sieve.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a cultural practice that embodies the principles of Zen Buddhism. During the tranquil ceremony, a master in kimono attire prepares and serves hot beverages with slow, graceful, and meticulously etiquetted movements.
To become a professional tea ceremony practitioner, you must spend many years rigorously practicing the rituals at one of Japan's three tea schools. However, you can also experience this culture at the Camellia Tea House in Kyoto, located near the famous Kiyomizu-dera shrine, to try your hand at organizing a tea ceremony.
Ceylon tea in Sri Lanka
As one of the world's largest tea exporters, Sri Lanka is sure to offer a diverse range of experiences for tea lovers. Among them, Ceylon black tea is commonly used in blends such as Earl Grey and other fruit-flavored teas worldwide. For a small country like Sri Lanka, the flavor varies by region: the higher the altitude, the lighter the flavor and color.
yerba mate tea in Argentina
Although technically not tea, yerba maté, or simply maté (rhymes with latte), is treated like a type of herbal tea in many parts of South America, including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. This high-caffeine beverage is brewed using dried leaves of a medicinal plant steeped in hot water. It is typically prepared and enjoyed in a hollow gourd with a metal straw to help strain any remaining leaf particles.
In Argentina, maté is an integral part of the social culture. You'll see locals carrying intricately designed gourds in their daily lives, whether playing football with friends, meeting relatives in the park, or relaxing at home. Many even carry thermoses to continuously refill the gourds throughout the day. With some types of coffee and black tea, yerba maté also acts as a flavoring agent, soothing the taste for those who find it difficult to drink for the first time.
Afternoon tea in England
Any tea lover should experience, at least once in their lifetime, the English afternoon tea in the very country that is the cradle of this culture. The practice of drinking tea and snacking on small cakes between meals also has its own traditional rules. This ritual originated from a friend of Queen Victoria.
The setting for afternoon tea is also given special attention. Most afternoon teas are served in elegant, slightly eccentric, regal, luxurious, and dreamy tea rooms. Enjoying afternoon tea requires ample time for leisurely conversations. However, if you are a tourist with limited time, you can still try this specialty on the upper deck of the double-decker B Bakery bus, enjoying irresistible pastries while learning about Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and other London landmarks from a guide.
Mint tea in Morocco
Moroccan hospitality is demonstrated in their quintessential mint-flavored drink made from gunpowder green tea. Traditionally, this sweet tea is served to guests in elaborately decorated silver teapots with three pours, symbolizing an energy boost. The tea is poured from the teapot into the cup from a distance of at least 0.3 meters to create a layer of foam. You, the recipient of this tea, should show your appreciation by sipping, avoiding large gulps, and offering sincere thanks after the final (third) cup is served.
Masala chai in India
Famous teas like Darjeeling and Assamese are beloved by tea enthusiasts worldwide, but not everyone understands the deeper aspects of Indian tea culture. Often mistakenly thought to be chai tea (chai meaning tea), masala chai is actually a more familiar and friendly beverage to the local people in India.
A serving of masala chai is made with black tea and a blend of spices that can vary subtly by region, such as cardamom, grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, and pepper, boiled with milk and sugar. This drink is found throughout India, but to find authentic masala chai, you'll need to rely on the locals. They will direct you to local tea houses in the city, where masala chai is made with the most original and authentic ingredients.
