How Tea is Enjoyed Around the World

Tea is the most universally consumed drink on Earth after water (yes, more than coffee!), and yet no two cups are quite the same. From bustling street vendors in Mumbai to serene matcha rituals in Kyoto, appreciation for tea transcends borders, languages, and lifestyles, offering comfort, ceremony, and connection.

This simple leaf has brewed its way into the heart of every culture, each with its own traditions, tools, and tastes.

Join us as we delve into the diversities of tea culture in different countries and explore how tea is enjoyed around the world, from ancient ceremonies to modern innovations.

Our first place on our world tea-tour is China – the birthplace of tea. Its traditions stretch back thousands of years, with Chinese tea ceremony culture remaining a common practice across the country to this day. The Gongfu tea ceremony, a precise, meditative practice, celebrates the quality and preparation of tea. Pu-erh, oolong, and green teas are brewed using small clay teapots and served in delicate cups. The ritual focuses on aroma, temperature, and timing, and is often performed at weddings and celebrations.

If you search articles for modern tea trends 2025, matcha is ranking number 1. But in Japan, matcha is not just a trendy drink, but a spiritual practice. While you are most likely to associate matcha with Gen Z culture and curated Instagram reels, the Japanese matcha ritual is steeped in Buddhist Zen philosophy. Using a bamboo whisk, known as a chasen, powdered green tea of the finest quality is whipped into a frothy, vibrant beverage. Every movement, from bowing to the presentation of the tea bowl, is deliberate and meaningful. These Japanese matcha rituals symbolise harmony, respect, and mindfulness.

Chai tea in India is a daily rhythm as much as a beverage. Street-side chaiwallahs brew masala chai with black tea, milk, sugar, and warming spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Served in small clay cups or glasses, chai brings people together on station platforms, at work, and at home. It’s both an energiser and a moment of pause.

English breakfast tea is a cornerstone of British culture, with Brits consuming a whopping 100 million cups per day. While tea was originally consumed as a light, dainty beverage to accompany an afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches, a stronger, more robust blend was created by a Scottish tea master named Drysdale. This tea was designed to accompany the hearty full English breakfast, and it soon evolved into the casual comfort of a workplace tea break.

Russian tea traditions are closely tied to the samovar, a metal urn used to keep water hot for long periods. Tea is brewed strong and diluted with hot water, often sweetened with jam or sugar. Russian samovar tea is a communal experience, ideal for long conversations on cold days, and often served with biscuits or preserves.

In Turkey, çay (black tea, pronounced chai) is served in elegant tulip-shaped glasses, symbolising hospitality and warmth. Brewing is a two-part process using stacked kettles, and tea is enjoyed strong and slightly bitter, sweetened with sugar cubes. Turkish tea culture is deeply social and is often shared with guests, neighbours, and even business associates.

Moroccan mint tea, green tea brewed with fresh mint and generous sugar, is a sign of hospitality. Traditionally prepared and poured from a height into decorated glasses, the ritual is as important as the tea itself. It’s a gesture of welcome, offered multiple times throughout a guest’s visit.

In Egypt and Kenya, strong black tea is the norm. Egyptian tea is often dark and sweet, while Kenyan tea—one of the world’s largest exports—is sometimes prepared with milk and spices in a chai-like fashion. Tea is embedded in daily life, from rural farms to urban cafés.

Yerba mate is Argentina’s national drink, enjoyed through a metal straw (bombilla) from a hollowed-out gourd (calabash). This ritual is communal, with mates passed around in a circle, reflecting values of trust and camaraderie. Rich in caffeine and antioxidants, yerba mate blends the line between tea and coffee.

In the United States, tea culture is a fusion of traditions and trends. Sweet iced tea is a staple in the southern states, herbal blends are popular for wellness, and modern boba culture has taken off in urban areas. Bubble tea trends have introduced tapioca pearls, plant-based milks, and exotic flavours to a whole new generation of tea drinkers,

Globalisation, health consciousness, and innovation have transformed the way people consume tea.

Functional teas like adaptogen blends, detox teas, CBD infusions, and antioxidant-rich matcha are trending, especially among wellness-focused consumers. Plant-based teas—such as oat milk chai or almond milk matcha lattes—are now café staples.

As a result, the ready-to-drink (RTD) market is booming, offering everything from canned bubble tea to sparkling iced green tea. Consumers are also seeking ethical and sustainable tea farming practices, supporting brands that offer transparency, fair trade, and eco-friendly packaging.

In today’s corporate world, tea is gaining ground as a wellness tool and productivity booster. While coffee still dominates, more businesses are investing in diverse tea offerings, from peppermint to jasmine, catering to varying tastes and dietary needs.

In contrast to coffee, teas are available in a plethora of different blends and herbal enhancements that encourage a slower, more reflective pause during the workday – something increasingly valued in fast-paced environments.

We’re not suggesting you host a tea ceremony every time someone wants a brew. Hot drinks machines and modern hot-water taps help to create an inviting office tea station that feels luxurious yet simple. Offer plant-based milk options for a planet-friendly approach, and herbal blends to like chamomile and peppermint to promote mindfulness and relaxation. If you’re the type of office that has bean-bags and nap pods, you might even consider adding in a bubble tea bar! The possibilities are endless.

From traditional tea ceremonies across cultures to modern innovations like bubble tea, tea continues to bring people together. Whether it’s matcha in Japan, chai in India, or Moroccan mint tea, this timeless beverage offers a moment of peace in any setting – because while tea is different in each culture, the common thread of community and wellbeing is key to how tea is enjoyed around the world.

Why not try something new today? Brew a different blend, share a cup with a colleague, or explore all the different tea traditions by country while sampling a cup?