Is there anything more comforting than a cup of tea? Whether black, green or red, freshly brewed or iced, tea is one of the world’s most beloved drinks. If you consider yourself a bit of a tea connoisseur, there are a few tea experiences you simply have to try at least once in your life! Expat Explore has gathered our top 6 experiences that tea lovers should add to their bucket list.
Here are our top experiences for tea lovers:
Indulge in High Tea in the United Kingdom
The first stop on our tea tour through the world is fit for a Queen! Indulging in High Tea or Afternoon Tea is a quintessential British experience. When in the UK, do not miss out on sipping on Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea while tasting delightful finger sandwiches, scones with jam & clotted cream and more tiny treats.
For a truly royal experience in London, visit Fortnum & Mason, which famously produced products for Queen Elizabeth II. Or, pay a visit to a historic, swanky hotel like The Ritz London. Sit down for one of their classic afternoon tea sets and keep your pinkies up!
Related: Here are some more royal sights to see in London.
Visit a Green Tea farm in Japan
If you love green tea, you simply have to visit Japan! There are around 20 types of Japanese tea, most of which are green teas. About 40% of all Japanese green tea is grown in Shizuoka. This beautiful city known for its coastal scenery, Mount Fuji views and, of course, its centuries-old tea production! One of the best things to do in Shizuoka is to visit a working tea farm where you can experience every step of the tea process – from picking to brewing.
If you choose to visit Shizuoka in spring, you can look forward to the Ichibancha, the annual green tea harvest festival. During this season, you can even participate in chakabuki – a game where you identify different types of green tea!
Related: Discover these spectacular spring sights in Japan.
Uncover the ancient history of tea in China
As a tea aficionado, the ultimate journey would be to the birthplace of tea! Tea has been a vital part of Chinese culture since around 2732 B.C. The Yunnan province of China is said to be where humans first discovered the joys of brewing tea. In Yunnan’s city of Lincang, you can find what is believed to be the world’s oldest cultivated tea tree at around 3,200 years old! Many teas are used for medicinal purposes and are prescribed by practitioners of Chinese Medicine to treat everything from wounds to impaired vision and poor digestion.
China is home to a variety of beloved teas such as Oolong, Jasmine and Pu-Erh. It is common to enjoy tea with a meal or at a teahouse. Chinese tea houses are often steeped in history and act as a perfect spot to catch up with friends and family over delicious tea and traditional food. In Hong Kong and the Guangdong region, delicious Dim Sum (small plates) is shared alongside a pot of tea.
Relax with Rooibos tea in South Africa
As a lover of tea, you may be familiar with Rooibos (also known as Red Bush) tea. However, did you know that Rooibos only grows in the Cederberg mountains in South Africa? Specifically, it only grows around the charming, 200-year-old town of Clanwilliam in the Western Cape. As the Rooibos Capital of the world, Clanwilliam offers its visitors a fascinating insight into this caffeine-free tea.
Visit The House of Rooibos in Clanwilliam to learn all about the history, production and health properties of this beloved beverage. Be sure to visit the tea room to taste a wide range of Rooibos-infused food and drink.
Related: Embark on a South Africa Escape tour and learn more about South Africa’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Accept the gift of tea in Turkey
In certain countries and cultures, a cup of tea is so much more than just a drink. In Turkey, tea is seen as a gesture of kindness and friendship. Tea is always present at Turkish social gatherings as a symbol of hospitality. Turkish cay is usually served black in a tulip-shaped glass with cubes of sugar and, if you’re lucky, a bit of Turkish Delight on the side. There are also delightfully sweet varieties such as pomegranate and apple tea!
When strolling through the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, many vendors will offer you a cup of tea or coffee while you browse. While you may be reluctant to accept so as to avoid being obliged to purchase something, by accepting tea you are simply accepting friendship. It is the Turkish way of welcoming you to this wonderful country. We also recommend purchasing some Turkish tea to take home as a souvenir.
Related: Experience the Highlights of Turkey on this 10-day tour!
Stroll through tea fields in Sri Lanka
Ceylon tea is one of the world’s most popular types of tea and it is uniquely Sri Lankan. This means that the best place to try a diverse array of Ceylon tea is in Sri Lanka, formerly called Ceylon. Tea is grown in a variety of regions throughout the country. Depending on where it’s grown, the taste can differ greatly. Tea grown at a higher elevation offers a light, subtle flavour while tea grown at a lower elevation is much stronger.
To learn more about the fascinating and complex colonial history of Sri Lanka’s tea production, visit a local tea plantation. A tour of a tea plantation will take you through the lush fields where the tea leaves are picked. Then, you’ll get to see the tea factory before learning how to make tea the proper way! Some of the best places to experience Sri Lanka’s tea production are Nuwara Eliya, which is known for its spectacular scenery and high-quality tea, and the plantations of Kandy, a UNESCO-listed city home to sprawling green hills and delicious tea.
Related: Try these unique types of coffee around the world.
While a cup of tea is always a good idea, enjoying a cuppa in these special destinations will take it to the next level! What better way to celebrate tea than in the places that make some of the world’s most beloved brews?
Put your cup of tea down for a second and start planning your next adventure! Book a tour with Expat Explore and make your teatime dreams a reality.