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Tea is more than a drink—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a cultural connector. Around the world, people prepare and serve tea in fascinating ways, steeped in history and meaning.
Whether it’s sipped slowly or served in celebration, every cup tells a story. These 20 tea traditions from across the globe will open your eyes—and your taste buds—to just how varied and beautiful tea can be.
1. British Afternoon Tea
Served with elegance and tiny sandwiches, British afternoon tea is about slowing down. It typically includes black tea, milk, and a tower of scones, sweets, and finger foods.
It’s a charming tradition rooted in 19th-century England that celebrates both flavor and formality.
2. Moroccan Mint Tea
This tea is strong, sweet, and poured from up high. Made from green tea with fresh mint and lots of sugar, it’s served to welcome guests.
The height of the pour matters—it cools the tea and adds bubbles!
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3. Japanese Matcha Ceremony
This is a deeply spiritual tradition that values mindfulness and precision. Bright green matcha powder is whisked into a frothy brew and served in silence.
It’s less about drinking and more about being present in every movement.
4. Indian Chai
In India, chai is everywhere—on street corners, in homes, on trains. It’s a spicy mix of black tea, milk, sugar, and warm spices like cardamom and ginger.
Boiled together in one pot, it’s bold, comforting, and rich with aroma.
5. Chinese Gongfu Tea Ceremony
This is all about appreciating the flavor of fine tea. Tiny clay teapots, multiple short steeps, and careful pouring make it a true art.
It’s slow, intentional, and focused on savoring each infusion.
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6. Russian Samovar Tea
Tea is brewed strong and poured from a metal urn called a samovar. It’s often diluted with hot water and served with sugar, lemon, or jam.
A centerpiece at gatherings, it’s warm in both flavor and meaning.
7. Tibetan Butter Tea
This tea is salty, not sweet, and made with black tea, yak butter, and salt. It’s thick and nourishing, designed to provide energy and warmth at high altitudes.
Unusual, but deeply satisfying in the cold Himalayan climate.
8. Thai Iced Tea
Bright orange, creamy, and sweet, this tea is both refreshing and indulgent. Brewed strong and mixed with sweetened condensed milk, it’s served over ice.
A favorite at Thai restaurants worldwide.
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9. Turkish Çay
Served in small tulip-shaped glasses, Turkish tea is always hot and never rushed. Black tea is brewed in a stacked teapot system and served in multiple rounds.
Strong, reddish, and slightly bitter—it’s a daily staple.
10. Taiwanese Bubble Tea
Also known as boba, this fun drink includes tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. Served cold with a wide straw, it’s playful and endlessly customizable.
It started as street food and became a global trend.
11. South African Rooibos Tradition
Naturally caffeine-free, rooibos is a reddish herbal tea. It’s brewed strong and often mixed with honey or lemon.
Celebrated for its health benefits, it’s a daily drink in many homes.
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12. Argentine Yerba Mate
This tea is grassy, energizing, and shared in a hollow gourd with a metal straw. Passed around among friends, it’s a symbol of community.
The ritual of drinking mate is just as important as the tea itself.
13. Vietnamese Lotus Tea
Delicate green tea leaves are infused with the scent of fresh lotus flowers. This creates a light, floral aroma that’s unlike any other tea.
It’s often used in ceremonies and considered a luxurious tradition.
14. Ethiopian Spiced Tea
Tea in Ethiopia is often brewed with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. It’s fragrant, warm, and filled with flavor.
Perfect for sipping slowly while sharing conversation.
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15. Korean Omija Tea
Omija means “five flavor” and refers to the Schisandra berry used to make this tea. It’s sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy—all in one sip.
Served hot or cold, it’s both medicinal and beautiful.
16. Iranian Persian Tea
Black tea is brewed dark and strong, served in delicate glasses. Often accompanied by cubes of sugar placed under the tongue as you sip.
A symbol of hospitality, it’s poured with care and intention.
17. Egyptian Karkadeh
This ruby-red hibiscus tea is tart and cooling. Popular both hot and iced, it’s served during holidays, weddings, and regular evenings.
A natural refresher with a beautiful color.
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18. Senegalese Attaya
This bold green tea is brewed three times. Each round becomes progressively sweeter and milder.
Shared socially, it’s all about connection and rhythm.
19. Pakistani Doodh Patti
A rich chai-style tea with milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom. It’s thick, creamy, and served in glass cups at roadside stalls and homes.
Beloved for its comfort and deep flavor.
20. Burmese Lahpet Yay
This Burmese milk tea is strong, sweet, and milky—similar to Thai tea. It’s often enjoyed with traditional tea leaf salad.
Creamy and bold, it’s popular across tea houses in Myanmar.
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