Tea Customs around the World
Tea customs reveal a lot about a culture’s values — hospitality, mindfulness, community and tradition. Whether served in fine china, a tiny clay cup, or a shared gourd, tea often brings people together.
Afternoon Tea in the United Kingdom was only introduced about 1840 as a fashionable social event among the upper classes. We generally follow their custom of serving it with finger sandwiches, scones with jam, and pastries.
Mint Tea is served in Morocco. The host generally pours from high above the glass to create a frothy top. Refusing tea can be considered impolite, as sharing mint tea symbolizes friendship.
Bubble Tea from Taiwan was created in the 1980s. It combines tea with chewey tapioca pearls! What began as a local innovation has become a global phenomenon. This drink is as beautiful as it is interesting.
All the Tea in China! Tea was first cultivated in China thousands of years ago. According to legend, it was discovered when tea leaves accidentally blew into a pot of boiling water. Premium varieties are treasured as gifts, much like fine wine.
We host Country Teas and special themed teas throughout the year! Find out more …
Fun Facts
- Folks in Tibet often mix their tea with yak butter and salt!
- The Chinese may tap two fingers on the table as a silent thanks when someone pours their tea.
- Tea was so valuable in some regions that it was once used as currency.
