If you walk down any street in Europe, you will likely run into a bakery or a coffee shop on almost every corner. With coffee being such a vital part of people’s lives, at the center of mornings, afternoons, and even evenings, it’s easy to forget about its counterpart for non-coffee drinkers: tea.

Tea is as much of a cultural staple as coffee, and it’s important to give it time to shine. Here is a deep dive into the history of tea and how to make the most of drinking tea in places where tea is the center of its culture.

China

While many may consider the origins of tea to be English-related, tea was introduced to the world in China by Emperor Shennong, when leaves of a Camellia sinensis tree blew into the pot of his boiling water. Tea has become an essential foundation of Chinese culture, and tea is only considered tea when made of those same Camellia leaves that Emperor Shennong discovered – no tea bags! In China, people drink tea on all occasions, both formal and informal, and tea is said to be an essential part of daily life as Chinese culture believes tea is an overall beneficial medicine for digestive health.

Popular Teas in China

• White tea

• Green tea

• Oolong tea

• Black tea

• Puer tea

• Jasmine tea

• Barley tea

Exquisite Tea Houses in China

In China, teahouses are found all across the nation, with a purpose for friends and family to come together and catch up on any news needed to be heard and sip tea, of course. The city of Chengdu holds the most teahouses, and beautiful structures, each with its own unique story.

1. Heming Teahouse: Located in the middle of People’s Park, Heming Teahouse creates a relaxing outdoor environment where everyone can enjoy a variety of tea for long hours while sitting in the middle of a traditional tea house. Catch a tea performance on the weekend!

2. Tea’Stone: A modern take on reviving traditional Chinese tea traditions located in a different city, Hangzhou, this teahouse caters more towards younger people, with modernist and minimalist architecture, offering a vast selection of teas to choose from and a cozy space to sit and relax for long periods of time. Some of the tea is even infused with alcohol to create a colorful concoction!

3. Tea of Humbleness: In Chengdu, this teahouse serves tea that is completely free to its customers, as well as free tea lessons where customers can make their own tea. The owner strives to promote Oolong tea and its qualities.

England

It would be silly not to include English tea culture since for many, drinking tea in England comes to mind at the top of the list of must-do experiences when traveling in the UK. Tea was originally a symbol of wealth and class, as some of the early royalty strictly drank tea. Tea was imported to England through the East India Company throughout the 18th century, and it ultimately spread as a national drink for all classes of people after the tax was lowered.

Traditions like high tea, tea with a meal after a long day, and afternoon tea, tea with pastries and cakes, were ways for people to enjoy spending time together. Afternoon tea is what typically comes to mind when thinking of enjoying tea in England: getting dressed up, enjoying petite sandwiches, and gossiping with friends. Milk is traditionally added to black tea in England as a way to make the tea sweeter, and tea is drunk at all times of the day. Here are some of the best and most elegant places to go to in England to get the full afternoon tea experience!

1. The Ritz London: Described as “one of the most iconic experiences in the world,” the Ritz is located in the center of London, near Buckingham Palace and West End theaters. It is said to be the most prestigious hotel in London, and its afternoon tea does not disappoint. Pair 20 different kinds of tea recommended by a certified Tea Master with freshly baked scones, seasonal cake changes, and maybe even a glass of champagne. Marvel at the high ceilings and fabulous interior design during an experience you won't want to forget!

2. The Berkeley London: For a more chic experience, check out The Berkeley, which combines both French pastry traditions with English tea traditions. Some of their menu is even inspired by fashion houses like Gucci and St. Laurent. The delightfully unexpected menu will keep you on your toes, with cakes served on unique platters and a sweet change of snacks based seasonally.

3. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason: This tea salon has been a tradition for over 300 years, and if you recognize the name “Jubilee,” it is about the late Queen Elizabeth II of England as an homage to her after she visited the salon. Enjoy cucumber finger sandwiches, cream scones, and almond tarts with a special tea tasting.

Other Teahouses Across Europe

1. Culloden Estate in Belfast, Ireland: Want to enjoy an afternoon tea in a castle and a five-star hotel? Book a tea and overlook the Northern Irish countryside while enjoying rich teas and pastries from the region! The teas they serve here are traditionally Irish breakfast teas and they also make sure to add a splash of milk with their coffee.

2. The Duchess Tea Room in Amsterdam: In the current season, book a Winter Afternoon tea featuring homemade macarons and sip on a Marriage Fréres blend of tea. With a cozy atmosphere and Viennese-style architecture, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea experience.

3. The Peninsula in Paris: The Peninsula in Paris is full of rich artistic history and a great place to experience the French afternoon tea experience. Picasso, George Gershwin and Igor Stravinsky frequented The Peninsula during their time. Held in Le Lobby, a renowned French restaurant, enjoy classic French pastries with authentic tea and French champagne.

For avid tea drinkers, a true afternoon tea experience is a dream come true. With these recommendations, you’ll be an experienced tea connoisseur in no time!