This refreshing guide to the tea Culture around the world also explores tea around the world – how a cup of tea in different cultures takes shape around the globe and the fascinating legends, habits, customs, rituals, traditions, and aesthetics associated with it.
Tea Culture of the World
Tea culture spells out the way tea is brewed, served, consumed, and shared across different cultures around the world.
Tea is more than just a beverage. It’s an emotion. It’s a tradition. It’s a way of life. It’s deeply rooted in global cultures. It graces social gatherings, in fact, many cultures have crafted artful ceremonies around it, bonding people together, and has tons of health benefits.
This soulful beverage has connected people, cultures, and countries for centuries.
From Indian masala chai, Moroccan mint tea, and Japanese matcha tea to Argentinian mate, Chinese oolong tea, and English breakfast tea – a perfectly brewed cup of tea is a transformative experience, no matter the culture & country.
Here’s an ode to the tea cultures of the world!
Tea Culture Around the World
As a die-hard tea lover, I always wanted to know more about the tea-drinking culture beyond my own (India), so I thought of crafting an article about tea cultures around the world.
For an authentic and immersive journey into tea culture, I took help from tea connoisseurs to share their personal experiences of a particular tea ritual or tea tradition.
How far would you go for that perfect cup of tea? Are you ready to sample tea from around the world?
China
Pafoua at Her Wanderful World
The story of tea began in China in 2737 BC. The country that introduced tea to the world has, obviously, one of the most incredible tea cultures in the world. To the Chinese, tea defines life.
It’s not only a pleasure drink but is used as a preventive health beverage owing to its medicinal properties and meditative purposes. It holds a lot of importance in every aspect of their life. The bride & groom serve tea to their parents as a symbolic way to show gratitude for all they’ve done.
China taught the art of making tea – Cha Dao to the world. It’s closely associated with Chinese philosophies of balance & harmony and is ritualized in the tea ceremony.
The country boasts many types, varieties, and flavors of tea – green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, dark tea, and Pu’er tea. Pu’er tea is a type of dark tea only but is mentioned as a separate category because of its distinguishing features.
Being a major stop along the ancient tea horse road, Lijiang, a city in the Yunnan province of China is a perfect place to get acquainted with this world-famous aromatic beverage.
One of the most popular teas in the world, Pu’er tea originated from this region and is still made today from centuries-old trees, Camellia Sinensis.
Pu’er tea is a dark tea that is fermented and aged up to 50 years–it tastes more earthy than other teas.
The most noteworthy method of preparing Pu’er Tea in Lijiang is known as “Gongfu Cha”, or “Kung Fu Tea”. It involves using a special set of tools and utensils to brew the tea.
The teapot is made from clay, which helps to bring out the flavor of the tea. It’s important that the temperature of the water used for brewing is kept consistent. Since there is a high amount of tea leaves using the Kung Fu Tea method, Pu’er tea is only steeped for a few seconds.
This method of brewing tea enhances the flavor and aroma, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
In Old Town Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site, you can find Pu’er tea shaped like cakes in cylindrical packaging. You can experience tea ceremonies in the streets of Lijiang.
India
Right after China, India is the second-biggest producer and consumer of tea in the world. The beverage is an essential element of the Indian economy as well as Indian culture.
While tea is cherished by Indians and it, possibly is the largest tea-drinking nation, there aren’t any elaborate rituals or ceremonies around it like in China and Japan.
India is best known for its black tea. Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are famous tea-growing regions in India.
Though Assam is the largest tea-growing region in India as well as the world, Darjeeling is the most distinguished one.
Once the starting point of a caravan route to Tibet, Darjeeling is famous for growing “The Champagne of Black Teas”.
Like the wine of Champagne in France, the black tea of Darjeeling is completely unique to the region. Darjeeling tea is the only tea in the world protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) trademark.
Tea is called chai in India. You can’t visit India and not witness its chai culture.
India is famous for its Masala chai (spiced tea). It tastefully blends black tea with milk, sugar, and flavorful spices like ginger, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Every Indian household has its own version of masala chai.
The recipe varies across cultures, cities, and families. Some might switch sugar with jaggery and call it gud chai while some pep up with a lot of ginger and call it adrak wali chai and then there are some who add a dollop of cream over it and enjoy malai wali chai. And a few like it strong and add extra black tea to make it kadak chai.
You can relish masala chai at tapris or chaiwallahs at street corners in Indian cities & towns. Tea served in small clay cups (aka kulhad chai) tastes the best.
Chai is usually paired with spicy savories like samosas, pakoras, mathi, to name a few. Rusk is also one of the famous chai-time Indian snacks.
While masala chai is universal and an essential part of Indian life, every Indian city or Indian state has its own version of tea.
From cutting chai, Irani tea, and Parsi Choi from Mumbai, meter chai from Tamil Nadu, and Kahwa from Kashmir, to Sulaimani Chai from Kerala and Hyderabad, Lal Cha from Northeast India, Tandoori chai in Rajasthan, and Mughlai tea from Delhi – India runs on tea.
For an all-inclusive experience, you can tour or even stay on tea plantations in iconic tea destinations like Darjeeling.
Japan
A Buddhist monk Eichū brought tea to Japan on his return from his pilgrimage to China in the 10th century and used it for Buddhist religious practices. It’s still considered sacred in Japanese culture.
The tea tradition flourished in Japan in the years to come. Today, Japan is known for its rich tea culture that centers on green tea.
Sen Rikyu crafted a tea ceremony ritual in the 16th century. He is known as the father of tea in Japan.
From Sencha (steamed tea), Kombucha, Sobacha, and Gobocha to Mugicha, Genmaicha, Hojicha, and Gyokuro – Japan produces over 100 different varieties and grades of tea, however, Matcha remains the most famous tea in Japan.
A finely grounded green tea, matcha tea is cultivated and harvested differently than regular green tea. It’s shade-grown and hand-picked.
There are different grades of matcha, ceremonial being the highest made exclusively for quintessential tea ceremonies in Japan.
One of the most beautiful tea ceremonies around the world, the Japanese tea ceremony is known as sado or chanoyu. It literally translates to “the way of tea”.
Steeped in history, tradition, and aesthetics, sado is a ceremonial method of preparing and serving tea. The procedure is referred to as Temae. This age-old ritual has grown to become an inseparable part of Japanese culture.
It’s one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement and involves a lot of artsy details, skills, and precision.
Performed by a skilled host aka teishu, the ceremony is conscientiously choreographed. It takes place in a tea room wherein the host follows the traditional procedure, practices correct gestures, and etiquette, and showcases a high level of hospitality.
Guests too have to follow the steps, as meticulously and precisely as a host.
Overall, the authentic ceremony involves a high level of formality and accuracy.
Embodying the spirit of wabi-sabi & Ichigo Ichie, the essence of this ritual lies in slowing down, appreciating little things in life, and taking in the spiritual vibe.
Green tea is usually served along with wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection.
There are some amazing places to experience tea ceremonies in Tokyo. Shizu-Kokoro and Maikoya are a few to name.
Attending a Japanese tea ceremony is an invigorating experience that makes you embrace & appreciate the country’s culture.
Although matcha is widely associated with ceremonies in Japan, today it can be relished almost anywhere & everywhere from restaurants, cafes, tea shops, and convenience stores.
Kenya
Sanika Shah of Saunter With Sanika
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Tea culture is universal but unique to each country in its own way.
For centuries, this nutritious drink has graced tables in various forms, and Kenya is no exception.
Introduced to the nation during its colonial period in what is now present-day Tigoni, the Kenyan tea market is one of the largest in the world – second only to China when it comes to production and remains the leading global tea exporter.
However, besides being vital to the economy, tea – or chai as it’s known in Swahili – is a key part of the local society. Blending British and Indian styles due to its integrated history with both cultures, drinking chai in Kenya is a simple yet grand affair.
Made with milk and lots of sugar, chai is typically served at breakfast, during morning break, and in the late afternoon, while accompanied by mandazi. Sometimes, spices are added to reflect Indian influence.
One of the best ways to have a Kenyan tea experience is by visiting the sprawling Tigoni tea farms and taking a tour of the plantations and factories and then ending your day with a delicious cup in hand overlooking lush landscapes.
Russia
Russia came to know about tea in the 17th century through a Mongolian ruler. And it was in the 1800s when the regular supply of tea started from China to Russia on camel caravans along the ancient Tea Horse Road, a part of the iconic Silk Route.
A year-long cross-continental journey resulted in extravagant tea prices making it a luxury. With the opening of the Siberian Railroad in 1880, the brew of aristocrats became available to all social classes.
A privilege then, tea became an intrinsic part of Russian culture. Starting as an afternoon beverage, tea evolved as an all-day beverage in Russia.
Their day starts and ends with tea extended over several cups. Traditionally, they put samovar on the dining table and relish a cup of tea after a meal.
Russians love black tea, mostly hot because the hearty & warm beverage perfectly fits the cold & dark weather of Russia, and the Russian Caravan (called so because of its transport via camel caravans ) is the most famous one.
The Russian Caravan is known for its unique smokey flavor that it developed naturally during the long expedition, however, the same character is now artificially replicated through hot fermentation.
Inspired by Mongol kettles, Samovar is the centerpiece of Russian tea culture. It’s a decorative silver or copper pot that combines a heater and a teapot. The heater boils water while a teapot with an infuser that sits atop the heater brews zavarka, a black tea concentrate.
Zavarka is poured into a teacup or a glass with a metal holder from a teapot and is diluted with hot water from the heater to fit the personal taste. It’s often sweetened with sugar, honey, or fruit jam and flavored with mint or lemon. Traditionally, handcrafted porcelain teaware is used for the tea ceremony.
Russian tea is often paired with sweet treats like smetannik, a traditional Russian cake.
Turkey
Tamar from World by Weekend
Tea is more than a drink in Turkey: It’s a way of life. Turkey consumes more tea per capita than any other country in the world. In fact, the average Turkish person consumes around 7 pounds of tea per year.
Turkish tea, or çay, is a traditional Turkish beverage with a long history pre-dating the modern Turkish Republic.
Tea was first introduced to the region in the 5th century by Silk Road Traders. While the drink continued to grow in popularity throughout the following centuries, it rose to its current prominence with the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the aftermath of World War I.
At this time, Turkey lost its main coffee-growing region, and importing coffee became too expensive. Leadership encouraged civilians to drink tea instead, and the Turkish love affair with tea has been going strong ever since.
Traditionally, Turkish tea is brewed in a çaydanlık, commonly known as a samovar. This double boiler contains water in the bottom pot and tea leaves in the top.
When the water comes to a boil, it rises into the upper pot where the tea leaves are stored. The tea is steeped in boiling water, then served in tulip-shaped glasses called ince belli. Sugar cubes are served alongside the tea, but milk is never added.
It’s almost impossible to avoid tea in Turkey as it’s served in every restaurant, cafe, and hotel. Tea is consumed at all times of the day, so tourists in Turkey will have no trouble trying traditional Turkish tea.
Morocco
Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
Mint tea is the national drink of Morocco and is a popular beverage consumed throughout the country.
The unique drink has a long and rich history that many believe dates back to the 12th century when tea was first introduced to Morocco by either the Phoenicians or Chinese traders.
Originally believed by ancient Moroccan healers to have medicinal properties, tea culture has since evolved and has become an integral part of Moroccan hospitality and social customs.
Its presentation and the way it is served are often considered an art form.
Typically served in small glasses on a silver tray with traditional Moroccan tea glasses, the tea is made by steeping green tea leaves with fresh mint and a generous amount of sugar. The result is a sweet, fragrant, and refreshing drink with a strong mint taste.
Serving tea in Morocco is a form of hospitality. It is customary to pour the tea from the kettle high above the glass to aerate the beverage and create a frothy top.
It is considered polite to drink at least two cups to show appreciation for the hospitality.
Moroccan tea is not just a beverage but a cultural experience and one of the most fascinating things about Morocco.
Sri Lanka
Katerina & Maria from It’s All Trip To Me
Tea lovers across the globe swear by the aroma and quality of Ceylon Tea but do they actually know its history?
Formerly known as Ceylon, the island country of Sri Lanka used to have numerous coffee plantations and coffee was the main export until the British colonists started cultivating tea instead.
At the end of the 19th century, Thomas Lipton stopped in Sri Lanka on his way to build his tea empire.
The rest is history. Sri Lanka became one of the largest tea producers and exporters in the world.
Nowadays, Ceylon Tea isn’t just a product that supports Sri Lanka’s economy but a symbol of an entire country’s identity and culture.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to the country’s central highlands, where the climate favors the cultivation of high-quality black tea.
While there, you can visit tea estates and factories that offer guided tours and tea tastings of the quintessentially Sri Lankan milk tea, prepared with top-quality loose-leaf black tea and whole milk.
During these tours, you can also wander around the dreamy tea plantations, catching glimpses of Sri Lankan women picking tea leaves in the traditional way.
Thailand
Sean from Travel Thailand Together
The Thai tea tradition is one of the oldest and most beloved in Thailand. It has been practiced for centuries starting when Thailand was able to get its hands on some tea leaves through trade with China.
It is believed that Thai tea was originally made with oolong tea because that was the type of leaves that were obtained from China.
However, the modern-day version is made with strongly-brewed Ceylon tea. Occasionally, species such as star anise, crushed tamarind, and cardamom are added.
The combination is stirred up with condensed milk to give it the iconic orange appearance that you see.
Frequently, the liquid is poured on ice and served cold, mainly because the country is always so hot! Trust me, you don’t want warm Thai Tea!
Trying Thai tea should definitely be on your Thailand bucket list when visiting the Land of Smiles.
Luckily, tourists interested in experiencing this drink can do so at many local cafes and restaurants throughout Thailand. The drink is quite popular and you’ll not have any trouble finding it, even Starbucks in Thailand have them!
But be careful though, once you have your first one, you’ll be hooked!
Taiwan
Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog
When talking about tea in Taiwan, you cannot miss the high-mountain tea known as Gaoshan Cha.
What’s high mountain tea, and what type of tea is it?
It’s oolong tea grown in a mountain 1000 meters above sea level; the most famous ones are from tea gardens on Alishan and Lishan.
Since the tea trees are cultivated at high altitudes, the mist in high mountains gives the tea tree a perfect environment.
That’s why the tea has floral and sweet. Also, it’s famous for its tea quality; you don’t have a strong or get a bitter taste even if you boil the tea for too long. Moreover, you can boil the same amount of tea three to four times, but it still tastes good.
Taiwanese high mountain tea ceremony is a bit different from the Gongfu Tea ceremony in China, they use white porcelain tea sets with a medium size tea vessel, so the tea leaves have more space to open and stretch themselves inside the teapot, and that’s how you get the best taste from high mountain tea.
How to make an excellent high mountain tea?
First, warm up the tea vessel with the boiling water and then pour the boiling water into the tea vessel that was just warmed up. Afterward, cover up the lid for three minutes before serving the guest. Last, pour the tea into the tea cups.
If you are interested Taiwanese high mountain tea ceremony, it’s best to visit the tea gardens near Alishan and Lishan, where you can join the workshop directly at the tea garden.
The most famous place to experience it is Sheng Li Farm (生力農場). You can also ask the tea garden owners to share their ways of making the best Gaoshan Cha when buying tea, and they are always happy to share with the tourists.
Bali, Indonesia
Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Bali, Indonesia has a unique and diverse tea culture that has been cultivated for centuries.
Rich in natural beauty, Bali is home to lush tea and coffee farms which are often open to tourists through tastings, especially around the Ubud area.
At these farms, visitors can sample the region’s mainstay black teas as well as flavored teas such as rosella and lemongrass blends or jasmine-infused varieties. Many of the tastings are free, offering an affordable way to experience the local tea culture.
Enjoying a tasting amidst stunning ricefield views provides an unforgettable experience of Bali’s natural beauty.
In addition to food and drink-related activities, many of Bali’s tea plantations also offer cultural experiences such as visits with local Balinese farmers who have generations-long knowledge about the cultivation of tea plants in the area.
Additional activities can be found such as making traditional Balinese offerings used in ceremonies or weaving teacup covers from pandan leaves.
All of these activities act to give visitors a full experience of the local tea culture – one that will be remembered forever!
England
Laura of Travelers Universe
London’s afternoon tea tradition is a cultural institution that dates back to the 19th century when the British upper class began taking tea and snacks in the afternoon to stave off hunger before dinner.
Today, many hotels, restaurants, and tea rooms offer their own unique take on the ritual.
The preparation and serving of afternoon tea typically involve a three-tiered stand, with savory sandwiches on the bottom, scones with clotted cream and jam in the middle, and sweet pastries on top.
This is accompanied by a pot of tea, often served with milk and sugar. The tradition has evolved over time to include variations such as sparkling wine or champagne, and even gluten-free or vegan options.
Tourists can experience afternoon tea in many different locations throughout London, from luxury hotels like The Ritz and The Savoy to charming tea rooms like Fortnum & Mason and The Orangery at Kensington Palace.
Some venues offer themed teas, such as Alice in Wonderland or Mary Poppins-inspired menus, adding a playful twist to the experience.
Afternoon tea is a time-honored ritual and an essential part of British culture today.
Partaking in the afternoon tea tradition is one of the best things to do in London and a way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and culinary history of the city.
Scotland
Taylor from Traverse with Taylor
Tea has been an important piece of Scottish culture as far back as the 1600s. Once it was introduced, Scotland became a large part of the growth tea had over the next generations.
English Breakfast Tea and the popular brand, Lipton, were both created in Scotland.
In Glasgow, Scotland, tea rooms began when a man named Stuart Cranston set up a sampling in his store that took off.
When he realized it was a fantastic business idea, tea rooms began to pop up all over Scotland, becoming places to socialize. Quickly, afternoon tea became a status symbol.
In Scotland today, the most popular type of tea is Scottish Breakfast Tea, which is often paired with shortbread, or biscuits.
The most popular Scottish shortbread, of course, is the delectable Walker’s Shortbread which is now sold all over the world. High tea is now a delicious, full meal, eaten with sandwiches, quiche, salads, and an array of pastries.
Today, high tea has become a beloved ritual of Scotland, with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow having lavish tea rooms in hotels and restaurants.
Even those visiting Edinburgh for a few days will stop in and enjoy the Scottish experience that is high tea.
Ireland
Amber from Amber Everywhere
Ireland is known for its alcoholic beverages like whiskeys and stouts, but did you know that the Irish also love tea? Most commonly, people in Ireland drink black tea, often with milk and sugar.
There are two main tea brands in Ireland, Lyons, and Barrys, and it’s a point of rivalry within the country. Many people firmly believe their favorite tea brand is a clearly superior beverage.
Ireland is a very social country, where it’s normal to know your neighbors and the people around you. In Ireland, it’s common for people to stop by each other’s houses with little (or no) notice for a cup of tea in the morning or afternoon. In some parts of Ireland, this is referred to as having “a cuppa.”
Tourists can try Lyons or Barrys tea in almost any pub, restaurant, or coffee shop in Ireland. You can’t guarantee that you’ll be invited over for a cup of tea while you’re visiting, since you’re unlikely to know many people.
However, if you stay in a B&B and let your host know that you’d like to try having tea and a chat, they just might be able to make it happen.
Argentina
Argentinian mate is truly a way of life in Argentina. More than just tea, it’s a symbol of Argentinian culture. They even have a national day to celebrate their beloved beverage.
Quite bitter in taste, this caffeine-infused herbal tea is made from the leaves of the indigenous yerba mate plant. Legend has it that the plant was a gift from a shaman.
It’s traditionally drunk from a gourd aka calabash aka mate made from metal, glass, wood, or clay with a straw made from metal or bamboo called bombilla. Mate is an integral part of the social experience in Argentina. The host, known as the cebador, brews the mate.
The brewer pours hot water into the gourd filled with yerba mate leaves and takes the first sip to ensure the quality of the drink before passing it to each person in turn, in a circle. Every person drinks and gives it back to the host who refills the hot water and continues giving it to the next person in counter-clockwise order.
It’s a ritual to drink from the same gourd and say thanks before you drink a mate.
Argentinians drink it hot or cold (tereré) as per the weather. They usually drink it for breakfast or early evening.
The culture around Mate is built on the concept of sharing and kinship. Apart from that, drinking mate is good for your health as it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Jordan
Anita from Anita Beyond the Sea
For Jordan’s Bedouins, tea is very important. While wandering in some of the most famous archaeological sites, like Petra or Wadi Rum, it’s very common to be offered a cup of tea inside one of the Bedouin’s colorful tents.
They prepare the black tea blend in metallic teapots and offer them in glass cups. Tea is often served with incredible stories of Bedouin culture and is seen as a moment to exchange about different cultures.
Refills are also very common until the teapot is empty, but you can always politely place your hand to cover your cup and they will know you’ve had enough.
Remember this especially if you have a long road ahead, tea is very draining!
Depending on your tastes you can ask for “bedun” tea, without sugar, “khafif” if you would prefer it with some, otherwise if you like very sweet tea you can say “thaqil”.
If you are looking to taste real Bedouin tea, you should consider a camel ride at dawn in Wadi Rum.
It’s indeed a magical moment to drink tea in the middle of the desert while the sun’s first rays start to enlighten the sky.
Egypt
Katie from Katei Caf Travel
Egypt is a country rich in history, culture, and traditions, and one of its most cherished customs is the Koshary Shai tea ritual.
This beloved tea ceremony is an integral part of Egyptian hospitality and is practiced throughout the country in both urban and rural areas.
The Koshary Shai tea ritual typically involves the preparation and serving of black tea infused with various herbs and spices, including mint, lemon, and cinnamon.
The tea is served in small glass cups known as “shai wa al-sukkar” (tea and sugar) and is typically accompanied by a selection of sweet and savory snacks, such as pastries, nuts, and dried fruits.
The ritual itself is an opportunity for friends and family to come together, catch up on news and gossip, and share stories while enjoying a hot cup of tea.
It is also an important aspect of Egyptian hospitality, as guests are often offered tea upon arrival as a sign of welcome and respect.
The Koshary Shai tea ritual has a long history in Egypt, with some experts tracing its origins back to the ancient pharaohs.
Today, it remains a popular pastime for Egyptians of all ages and is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, and makes a great addition to any Egypt travel itinerary.
South Korea
Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Korean Cuisine has a diverse and profound history that makes a trip exploring the Korean food scene exciting.
While the world knows traditional dishes like kimchi, tteokbokki, and bibimbap very well, go a little further and have a try on Korean tea, they are beverages that have a wide variety of recipes that does not limit to a hot and comforting brew of tea leaves, but other ingredients that have medicinal and healing abilities.
The origin of Korean tea dated back to the 6th century, from the Buddhist temples in Korea like Bulgapsa and Hwaeomsa.
These are the birthplace of Korean tea culture and they developed a unique tea offering ritual as a practice to show their hospitality to important guests.
The tradition of serving tea spread widely between the 14th and early 20th centuries; While the practices were usually performed in ceremonies or events, the locals began to use tea for healing and health purposes.
The recipes diversified from the common green tea, black tea, and barley tea, to beverage teas that include flowers, fruits, roots, and herbs.
Ssanghwa-cha is a classic Korean tea that has a number of ingredients from Chinese medicines: cinnamon bark, angelica roots, Chinese licorice, lotus seeds, gooseberries, and sometimes with egg yolk.
Tourists can easily find a traditional house in some areas of Seoul like Sinsa-dong, and a hot Ssanghwa-cha is a perfect drink to get warm during winter.
Tibet
Louise France from Wandering Welsh Girl
Tea drinking in China is a popular pastime, with many fine types of tea on offer. Whilst most of China is famed for green tea or black tea served without milk or sugar, in Tibet the tea is served rather uniquely with yak butter.
Up on the high plateaus of Tibet, yaks form an important part of daily life, supplying people with milk, butter, fuel, and meat. However, rather than using yak milk in their tea, Tibetans mix black tea with yak butter.
This unique, high-calorie mixture produces an almost cheesy flavor to the tea and provides energy to keep the cold temperatures at bay.
On a visit to Tibet, you can sample yak butter tea at most hotels, restaurants, or roadside cafes.
The tea is usually served in a thermos flask that is continuously refilled. As long as you keep finishing your cup the flask will be topped up, so if you’ve drunk enough tea for one visit, don’t be polite and finish your cup!
Yak butter tea is also commonly used at breakfast when it is mixed with Tsampa, a flour made of roasted barley.
The mix, which is rolled into balls and eaten with the hands, is a staple breakfast in Tibetan culture and should be tried at least once on a visit to Tibet.
Iran
Shara Johnson from SKJ Travel
The devotion of Persians to tea drinking in Iran could almost be called fanatical. It’s also prevalent in the non-Persian Qashqai nomadic culture.
What makes the Qashqai unique is the way in which they drink it. The preparation and serving ware looks about like any other — a tea kettle, a thermos, a cup and saucer, a bowl with sugar cubes.
But if you plop your sugar in your cup and drink from it, you will be very gauche in a Qashqai camp!
The proper method is to lift the full teacup, pour the tea out into the deep saucer, and drink from that.
The tea cools quickly this way; perhaps this tradition evolved as a convenience to a culture often on the move.
If you want sugar in your tea, place the cube in your mouth between your top and bottom front teeth and drink the tea through the cube, thereby melting some sugar into each swallow.
Many Iranian travel agencies have relations with the Qashqai, sometimes referred to as the Black Tent Nomads, and can arrange for you an overnight stay with them.
They travel seasonally with their flocks between the Persian Gulf area and the Zagros Mountains near Shiraz.
Peru
Dan and George from Backpacking Latin America
Coca tea which is a popular drink in Peru is a powerful stimulant that contains natural vitamins and minerals.
Andean indigenous peoples from other countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador have also used it for centuries in their traditional medical practices and it is also recommended to travelers to the region who are likely to suffer from altitude sickness.
In Peru, Coca tea which is prepared using the Coca leaf in water is completely legal.
The drink is consumed all over the country and can be found on offer even in places such as hotels and popular tourist spots.
One thing to be aware of is that by drinking this special tea you may test positive on a drug test.
Also, Coca tea is illegal in many other countries, so if you do travel to Peru, or anywhere in the Andes region, it would be wise not to carry any of the tea back with you.
Poland
Paulina from the UK Every Day
