A Glimpse Into The Fascinating Tea Cultures Around The World

Tea Culture In India & Around The World

Unveil The Various Tea Cultures Of The World!

One beverage for multiple uses! Yes, you have guessed it right, it is tea. Tea can be a great solution for headaches, welcoming guests, or keeping one’s body warm when cold outside. The drink has significantly changed cultures and the way people live across different parts of the world. Having roots in China, modern-day teas are available in different flavours and soulful tastes, helping each country have a tea culture. If you're a tea lover seeking interesting facts, you're in the right place. Here is a list of the various tea cultures of the world.

English Afternoon Tea

Among all the tea cultures of the world, English afternoon tea represents the authentic British elegance established by the Royal family in 1850. You can have simple black tea or tea with sugar and milk as part of the original British afternoon tea culture. The tea is served with cakes, confectioneries and cookies as accompanimentss.
Also, a prominent part of the tea culture is the English breakfast tea served in the morning with classic earl grey tea bags. Often referred to as high tea, this name originated from the working classes in the 17th and 18th centuries when the British population, engaged in field work, supplemented their dinners with robust tea.

Indian Chai

While flavoured teas served in stylish cups and plates are common in most tea cultures of the world, in India, it is known as chai and is traditionally served in earthen pots. Per 21st-century reports, Indians consume over 70% of the tea crop. To be a part of the authentic Indian tea culture, you must find a roadside tea vendor (chai wallahs) and taste the sugary boils mixed with the milk they serve.
Also, the tea culture in India is divided by tastes but united by the love for chai among the common people. In the northern parts of the subcontinent, ginger is added to the tea with other spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and cardamom), while in the south, things are different. While Indian black tea and masala chai are the base of the chai culture, chamomile tea, green tea, and lemon tea are other prominent additions.

China’s Cha Dao

As per common stories describing tea around the world, no one could have ever believed that the quintessential modern-day beverage has its roots back in China, dating to 2737 BC. For the Chinese population, tea depicts life, and various flavoured teas are available in China, helping people with authentic tastes.
The ‘Cha Dao’ term denotes the art of making tea, closely related to the philosophies of harmony and balance. Inhabitants add jasmine flowers, lychee fruits, and chrysanthemums to their tea. Among the modern-day Chinese population, black and white teas are quite famous, continuing their popularity for ages. Other popular servings, part of the tea culture of China, are - Gunpowder tea and fermented (Pu Erh) tea.

The Turkish Tea Time

The popularity of tea in Turkey dates back to the 16th century when one can see people having tea not only for breakfast but also during lunch breaks and work meetings. Moving on, it was in the 19th century when tea became the national drink of Turkey.
Separating Turkish tea from the rest of the tea cultures of the world is the way it is prepared. Tea in Turkey is made using a special double jug. Here, the water is boiled in one part of the jug, and the tea is poured into another. When it is time to drink tea, people usually have it in small tulip-shaped glasses with large quantities of sugar.

Japan’s Unique Tea Ceremony

Most of the tea cultures of the world date back to the ancient period, with the Buddhist monks travelling for pilgrimage to far-off places. The Japanese tea culture dates back to the 14th century. The Buddhist monks made people learn about the ritualistic process of tea preparation with feelings of humility and tranquillity. Popularly known as ‘chado,’ the Japanese tea ceremony is now more like a hobby or tourist attraction.
Coming to the local people drinking tea in Japan, during the initial days, it was the nobility to drink tea in Japan. Later on, regular classes joined. The tea tradition of Japan is a symbol of achieving harmony through multiple symbolic acts. A discussion over what you have experienced or what is happening.

The Cha-yen Or Iced Tea Of Thailand

From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, there are ample places and tea types in Thailand for you to taste. Unlike the traditional tea cultures of the world, where the beverage is served hot, you get to have ‘cha-yen' with ice. The recipe usually comprises black tea, served over ice. Also, as per your taste, you can request to add cinnamon, star anise, orange blossom and ground turmeric. A great relief from hot weather, ‘Cha-yen’ is the best combination for equally hot food.
Another Thailand speciality is lightly oxidised and rolled Oolong tea. This is used to prepare from two separate plants, the Bai Lu and the Jin Xuan. In Thailand, you have three categories of tea - green, oolong and black tea, separated by the level of oxidisation while processing.

Russian Zavarka

Like other tea cultures of the world, the tea tradition of Russia dates to 1638, with ambassadors returning from Mongolia with diplomatic gifts from the ruler. At first, tea was limited to the elites, and later, with the turn of events from the 18th century onwards, it became a highly preferred staple among the commons of Russia.
Among all the tea flavours of Russia, the most special is the Zavarka, a concentrated brew made for the Russian tea-drinking ceremony. For preparation, the Russians use the Samovar, a hot teapot, and small glasses or tea cups with a metal holder for the serving part. Usually, the Russian tea culture has people drinking tea after dinner.

Conclusion

So that is all about the tea cultures of the world. Everything listed here helps one understand how one common beverage is not that common at all and has varied tastes depending on the lifestyle of the people surrounding it.