Having originated in southwest China back in the 15th century, it was introduced to western civilization through priests and merchants from Portugal in the early 16th century. Since then, it has taken over the world and is the most popularly consumed beverage in the world right after water.
Interestingly enough, tea isn’t doesn’t have just one variation. In this video, we’ll be talking about ten different ways that tea is used worldwide.
1. Morocco – Touareg Tea
The first exciting variation of tea comes from the north of Africa. The Touareg tea, also known as Maghrebi mint tea, is a mix of mind, green tea leaves, and a ‘whole lot of sugar. This is a customary blend in Morocco, and it’s made by pouring the tea from above into a thin and delicate glass.
An interesting indication of a unique culture in Morocco is that they serve this tea three times to guests. This is accompanied by a famous proverb that says: “The first glass is as gentle as life, the second is as strong as love, the third is as bitter as death.” Out of respect to the locals, one must ALWAYS finish all three servings.
2. India – Chai
India is known to be one of the largest producers and consumers of tea in the world. Because of its vast population, India has many different cultures, but probably the most famous form of tea in the country is their Chai blends. It’s a mix of black tea and other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and even ginger!
3. Tibet – Po Cha
The land of the monks is known for their unique Po Cha, which involves boiling an entire of Permagul black tea for hours. Then they add milk, salt, and yak butter. This mixture ends up being a thick soup-like liquid which is very different from how tea is enjoyed in the rest of the world. Perfect for the cold freezing climate up in the mountains.
4. Russia – Zavarka
Originating from a time of famine and scarcity, the Zavarka is a loose-leaf tea concentrate that’s traditionally brewed in a small metal container called a samovar. Strong black tea is brewed and then served in large mugs, divided into small proportions. The guests then add a lot of boiling water to stretch out the servings to as many as possible.
5. Thailand – Cha Yen
Cha Yen, also known as the Thai iced tea, originated from refugees in China that fled to Thailand during the Chinese Civil War in 1949. This famous tea is a unique amber-colored drink that’s often served cold. It’s a blend of Ceylon or Assam tea with sugar, condensed milk, and optionally spices like star anise, orange blossom, and tamarind.
6. China – Gongfu
Of course, there’s no forgetting the place where it all came from. Gongfu tea is something used in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. This process is VERY detailed and intricate, involving many tureens, filters, tea towels, a brewing tray, and scent cups.
7. Argentina – Yerba Mate
The Yerba Mate from Argentina is a staple of the locals. It’s an herb tea that’s called the “drink of the gods” by locals. It’s traditionally prepared in dried calabaza gourd and drank through a special straining straw called the bombilla. It’s passed around during a gathering, and it indicates a sharing of both a drink and a bond.
8. Hong Kong – Pantyhose Tea
As funny as the name sounds, the pantyhose tea is named after what’s used to strain it, which is a straining sock that resembles a pantyhose. This tea is brewed for 10-20 minutes, repeatedly being strained, and ends up being an orange or amber color.
9. Japan – Chanoyu
One of the common elements in their culture originating from China is their respect for brewing tea. It’s more than just a preparation of a drink, but an art that’s choreographed to consider the viewpoint of the guests. Matcha, powdered green tea, is what’s commonly used for this process.
10. Iran – Chaikhanehs
Chaikhanas are tea houses in Iran born out of the trade down the silk road in the 15th century. Eventually, in the 20th century, the Iranians began growing their own black tea and have since made them a nationally beloved beverage and are used to welcome guests.
There are a lot more unique ways that tea is brewed and served around the world, like the cold teh tarik in Malaysia or the high tea ceremonies in New Zealand, but obviously, we can’t add them all to the list. Let us know in the comments below what your country’s tradition is when it comes to brewing tea!
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