Who knew there could be so many different ways to drink a cup of tasty water!
Yes, tea time is a time to relax and enjoy good company, and there are different ways to drink tea that will show respect for its origins, traditions and the person you’re sharing it with.
Dress up in your fancy clothes, prepare your pinky, and let’s explore the fun facts about tea etiquette in different countries around the globe.
Are you ready to take your tea drinking to the next level?
By Mila.
Affiliate disclosure
This page may contain affiliate links – we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links. This is at no extra cost to you.
Which Countries Consume the Most Tea?
According to the most recent data from Statista, Turkey topped the list of nations that consumed the most tea, followed by Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The U.S. came in at number 34, while China came in at number 19.
Tea Etiquette in Turkey
Let’s start with the biggest consumer of coffee in the world: Turkey.
Tea is part of Turkish culture.
The expression of hospitality, socializing, conducting business, and other inter-personal activities are all sparked by tea.
Turkish people drink tea not just during a certain time of day, but anytime (or various times) during the day.
Turkey has its own (unofficial) tea etiquette.
Here are a few important aspects of tea etiquette and culture in Turkey. And yes, these can save you a lot of embarassment when in Turkey!
Don’t Refuse Tea When in Turkey
Turning down a cup of tea that has been offered to you might be considered rude, after all, tea is a great part of their culture.
Typical Turkish Tea
Turkish tea typically comes with a cube of beet sugar on a saucer.
The most popular tea in Turkey is black tea, according to data by Euromonitor.
Turkish Tea Glasses
Turkish teacups are very unique. Turkish tea glasses are tall, slender, clear glasses with a beautiful ornate metal glass holder.
The video below explains the history of tea in Turkey.
Tea Etiquette and Tradition in China: Dos and Don’ts
Tea is pronounced “chá” in Chinese (茶).
In China it’s customary to offer tea to your guests as a sign of hospitality.
The foundation of Chinese tea culture is a long history of ceremonial usage. The traditions of serving tea are passed down through generations.
During these ceremonies, it can be considered rude to do some things, and polite to do others. And they’re not as hard as you may think.
Here are top dos and don’ts.
Dos During a Chinese Tea Ceremony
Pay attention and show appreciation
It will mean a lot for the host if you are relaxed and demonstrate you are grateful for his or her efforts.
Remember to have fun!
Have manners
Drink your tea slowly, eat what is offered to you, move gracefully and avoid doing anything that could make others feel uncomfortable.
Use both hands to hold the tea cup
Holding the tea cup with both hands shows respect.
Don’ts During a Chinese Tea Ceremony
Don’t spit out your tea
It would be considered extremely rude to do that (probably in most cultures, but even more in China).
Don’t smoke
Never assume that relaxing environment is an invitation to smoke. While smoking is widespread in China, it is considered disrespectful during tea ceremonies.
You can watch how tea is served during a Chinese tea ceremony in the video below.
English Tea Party Etiquette
There are some things to keep in mind when visiting England and participating in an afternoon tea.
To start with, don’t hold your pinky up while sipping your tea!
This is a myth.
Proper tea etiquette includes sipping your tea quietly (not slurping!), holding the teacup by the handle, and having your pinky finger down.
Unlike in Chinese culture, in England, it’s not common to hold the cup of tea with both hands.
Normally, the British hold the tea cup by putting one or two fingers through the handle.
And remember to get to the tea party in time!
English people are known for their punctuality.
You don’t want to be late like the white rabbit.
Also remember to have fun! In the end, that’s what it’s really about.
Tea Etiquette in India
Tea is India’s most popular drink – according to the Tea Board, India’s consumption rose to 1,145 million kg in 2020-21 from 1,116 in the previous fiscal year.
Huh, that’s A LOT of tea!
Unlike in Turkey, where it’s unpolite to decline tea when offered to you, in India, it is considered polite to decline the first time.
Then if the host insists, you can accept it.
How is Tea served in India?
In India, tea is often served with milk and sugar. Roadsides are dotted with chai wallahs who serve chai that has been boiled up with spices, sugar, and milk.
Ginger is a very popular ingredient in Indian tea.
Indians have been appreciating the numerous health benefits ginger offers for hundreds of years.
Tea Etiquette in Ireland
Irish people enjoy a cup of tea in the morning and at any other time of the day.
The same black teas that are used in English breakfast can be used in Irish breakfast.
The main distinction is that compared to other black teas, Irish tea typically contains more Assam tea leaves in the blend.
This gives the blend a rich flavor profile and a reddish hue.
Popular Irish Tea Accompaniments
Traditional Irish tea is served at 11 a.m.
It’s typically served with popular foods in Ireland, such as:
- Irish Soda Bread
- Irish Shortbread
- Oatcakes
- Scones
- Appe Cake
- Irish Tea Cake
- And more.
Tea time with family and friends is customary in Ireland, and considered a good way to unwind.
This is also true for many other countries!
Photos by Imoflow and congerdesign and cottonbro studio
