The top 6 ideal and unique destinations for tea lovers and those passionate about tea culture below will certainly not only awaken your taste buds, but also help you understand more deeply the history and culture of each country behind each cup of warm, fragrant, and meaningful tea.
Tea ceremony culture in Japan
In recent years, the world has begun to use matcha-flavored drinks - a type of tea powder made from finely ground dried green tea leaves - more popular, 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, does not need to go through the filtering step.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a cultural expression of Zen Buddhist principles. During a quiet ceremony, a kimono-clad master prepares and serves hot beverages using slow, graceful, and highly disciplined gestures.
Becoming a professional tea ceremony practitioner requires years of rigorous training in the rituals at one of Japan’s three tea schools, but you can also experience the culture at the Camellia Tea House in Kyoto, located near the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, to try your hand at hosting a tea ceremony.
Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka
As one of the world’s largest exporters of tea, Sri Lanka certainly offers a variety of experiences for tea lovers. Among them, Ceylon black tea is often used in blends such as Earl Grey and other fruity teas around the world. For a small country like Sri Lanka, the flavors vary by region: the higher the altitude, the lighter the flavor and color.
yerba maté tea in Argentina
Although not technically a tea, yerba maté, or simply maté (rhymes with latte), is treated like a brewed tea leaf in many parts of South America, including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The highly caffeinated beverage is brewed by steeping the dried leaves of a medicinal plant in hot water. It is typically prepared and enjoyed in a hollow gourd with a metal straw that helps to strain out the remaining leaf particles.
In Argentina, maté is an integral part of the social culture. You will see locals carrying intricately designed gourds around in everyday activities, whether playing soccer with friends, meeting up in the park with family, or in the comfort of their homes. Many even carry thermoses of hot water to refill their gourds throughout the day. In some coffees and black teas, yerba maté is also a flavoring agent that can help soften the taste for those who find it difficult to drink at first.
Afternoon tea in England
Every tea lover should at least once in their life enjoy English afternoon tea in the country that is the cradle of that culture. The practice of drinking tea and snacking on small cakes between meals has its own traditional rules. This ritual was started by a friend of Queen Victoria.
The space for enjoying tea is also a matter of focus. Most afternoon tea is served in elegant tea rooms, a bit eccentric, regal, luxurious and also full of dreaminess. Sitting and enjoying afternoon tea also requires "plenty" of time with leisurely conversations. However, if you are just a tourist with a short time, you can still try this specialty on the upper floor of the double-decker B Bakery bus with irresistible snacks, while learning about Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and other London landmarks from the guide.
Mint tea in Morocco
Moroccan hospitality is exemplified by the country’s quintessential mint-flavored drink, made from gunpowder green tea. Traditionally, the sweet tea is served to guests in ornate silver teapots in three pours, meant to energize the drinker. The tea is poured from the pot into the cup at least 0.3 meters away, creating a layer of foam. And you, the recipient of their cup, should show your appreciation by sipping, avoiding large gulps, and saying a heartfelt thank you after the last (third) cup has been served.
Masala chai in India
Famous teas like Darjeeling and Assamese are loved by tea lovers all over the world, but not everyone is well-versed in the nuances of Indian tea culture. Often mistaken for chai (chai means tea), masala chai is a more familiar and friendly drink to the locals of the country.
A masala chai is a blend of black tea and spices that vary subtly by region, such as cardamom, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, peppercorns, and milk and sugar. The drink is available all over India, but to find authentic masala chai, you’ll need to ask a local for help. They’ll point you to local tea shops in the city that offer authentic masala chai made with the most authentic ingredients.
