‘Tis the season to be c-c-c-cold! The chill in the air is in full force, and what better way to counter it than drinking tea? In some parts of the world, tea isn’t just a beverage. It’s a cultural symbol steeped in history (pun intended.) It encourages people to bond, strike up conversations, and conduct business. Tea is often associated with privilege, as it has been enjoyed by tea lovers in the upper echelons of society for ages. But it is something that is enjoyed by all classes of people, and there’s an endless variety of teas served hot and cold.
Here are five destinations perfect for tea lovers:
1. Britain
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No surprises here. Tea has been a staple in British culture for centuries.
As BBC notes, “the British consume 60 billion cups per year. That’s more than 900 cups a year for every man, woman and child in Great Britain.”
There are some great tea rooms in England particularly, including Time for Tea in London and Bettys in Yorkshire.
There’s even a UK Tea and Infusions Association. Naturally.
2. Japan
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Japan doesn’t play about tea either. In fact, the country is known for having created several popular varieties. They include Matcha, Sencha, and Genmaicha.
According to Marukyu Koyamaen, “the first reference to tea in Japan appeared in the records from the Nara period (646－794).
If you’re in Tokyo, check out Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience, Nakamura Tea Life Store, and minimalist tea bar, Tokyo Saryo.
3. China
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Tea’s origin story is set in China.
UK Tea and Infusions Association explains, “according to legend, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water.”
“Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, decided to try the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. The tree was a Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea.”
4. Turkey
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Did you know that Turkey is one of the world’s largest tea producers?
According to Trips to Discover, “Turkish tea is called cay, which is a blank tea prepared in a strategic way. Cay is served at pretty much any time of day in Turkey and often enjoyed with savory snacks like baklava and borek.”
Dolmabahçe Çay Bahçesi, Firuzağa Kahvesi, and Moda Çay Bahçesi are just a few of the most stunning tea gardens the country has to offer. Visit on your next trip for a delicious hot cup.
5. India
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Located in the Himalayan foothills, the town of Darjeeling produces much of India’s tea. Indian Masala Chai has aromatic spices and ginger to give it an extra kick.
A Little Adrift writes, “herbal teas have long been a part of Ayurvedic medicine and spices and herbs have been used for centuries across India,” well before Britain’s arrival.
The oldest gourmet tea store in India is Aap Ki Pasand Tea Gallery in New Delhi.
Other great countries tea lovers would enjoy visiting include Morocco, with its iconic mint tea; Ireland, the second-largest tea consumer; Russia, whose traditional tea type is known as Russian Caravan, Chile, where people commonly drink yerba mate, a caffeinated tea typically served in a hollowed out calabash gourd; and Egypt, where, in some regions, Koshary Shai is the tea of choice.
Related: 50 In 50: Black-Owned Tea Brands
