7 Ways to Drink Tea | Around the World
Fire up your kettles—we’re going around the world in seven cups of tea. Great Big Story senior producer Beryl Shereshewsky checks in with seven people in seven different countries who show us how they prepare their perfect cuppa. We sample all of it—from Japan’s matcha to Argentina’s mate. Even if you’re a coffee drinker, we’re certain you’ll want to reach for a tea bag after you’re steeped in all this knowledge.
Hey there, it’s Beryl, and welcome back to another episode of “Around the World.” Last time, I dove into the world of coffee, and boy, did the tea enthusiasts come out strong! Today, I’m switching gears to explore the amazing ways people enjoy tea all around the globe. Yep, you heard me right – we’re spilling the tea on tea!
Before we get started, let me lay down the ground rules. No instant tea here, folks. We’re delving into the real deal – authentic tea traditions from seven different countries. And nope, those fancy Starbucks concoctions aren’t making the cut. We’re talking about the real McCoy.
Alright, let’s jump into this global tea party!
1. Cheers to the Queen: England’s Classic Cuppa
So, we kick off our tea journey in jolly old England. Tea is practically the national pastime here, and you can’t escape the allure of an English breakfast tea. It’s practically like breathing for folks here. And trust me, getting that milk-to-tea ratio right is a whole debate on its own! From a splash of milk to a full-on sit-down tea ceremony, it’s a big deal.
2. Spices and Sweetness: India’s Masala Butter Tea
Next stop, India! Here, tea gets a spicy twist with a concoction known as masala butter tea. Now, I’m usually a coffee person, but in the spirit of adventure, I’m diving into these teas. It’s like trading in my coffee mug for a passport to flavour town. And let me tell you, the Indian spices and that touch of butter – it’s a whole new world in a cup.
3. Mate Magic: Argentina’s Yerba Mate Experience
Fasten your seatbelts, folks, because we’re jetting off to Argentina for some yerba mate action. Imagine sipping out of a special cup called a “mate” using a straw named a “bombilla.” It’s like the tea equivalent of a secret handshake. And oh boy, the taste – it’s an acquired one, but that’s what makes it exciting, right?
4. From Russia with Strength: Russian Black Tea
Now, let’s travel to Russia, where strong black tea is the name of the game. This is my territory – I’ve lived here, I know this! It’s like a tea concentrate that you dilute just the way you like it. No sugar for me, thank you. It’s robust, it’s bold, and it’s giving me all the cozy feels.
5. Zen in a Bowl: Japan’s Matcha Moment
Who’s up for some tranquillity? In Japan, we’re diving into the world of matcha – that vibrant green powder that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. But here’s the secret: it’s not just about the tea. It’s about the ritual. Whisking that matcha into a frothy delight, it’s like a little zen party in a bowl.
6. Heart warming Spices: India’s Own Masala Chai
Back to India we go, and this time, it’s personal. Masala chai, my friends. I learned to make this when I went there for my wedding. No language barriers, just bonding over a fragrant blend of spices, ginger, cardamom, and more. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out.
7. Bubble Bonanza: Taiwan’s Bubble Tea Bliss
Finally, we land in Taiwan, the birthplace of the boba craze. Bubble tea is like a party in a cup – chewy pearls, creamy milk, and all the sugary goodness you need to lift your spirits. It might not be the healthiest option, but emotionally? It’s pure magic.
Conclusion: Tea is More Than Just a Drink, It’s a Connection
So, what’s the tea after all this sipping and savouring? Well, here’s the scoop – tea isn’t just about the leaves and the water. It’s a universal connector, a thread that weaves people together. Whether you’re huddled over a steaming cup with friends or sharing a moment of solitude with a soothing blend, tea is about togetherness. It’s that warm embrace that wraps around you, no matter where you are.
Think about it – from the regal English tea time to the lively chatter over yerba mate in Argentina, or the meditative matcha ceremonies in Japan, each sip tells a story. It’s a story of hospitality, of sharing, and of being present in the moment.
So, whether you’re clinking cups in a bustling Indian household, enjoying the earthy notes of matcha in Japan, or sipping boba on a sunny afternoon in Taiwan, remember that tea isn’t just a beverage. It’s a passport to cultures, a ticket to connections, and a reminder that in this vast world, we’re all united by the simple pleasure of a cup of tea.
And with that, my tea-loving explorers, I raise my cup to you. Here’s to tea, to travel, and to the beautiful tapestry of flavour’s that make our world so wonderfully diverse. Until next time, keep sipping, keep sharing, and keep embracing the magic of tea – wherever you are!
Share your tea time with us and our very special tea-themed colouring book. Download the pages and get colouring right here: https://greatbigstory.com/guides/around-the-world-coloring-book
Learn more about Junko’s matcha tea ceremonies here: https://abnb.me/iDu3BwVDF2
and about Elena’s Russian tea ceremonies here: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/714349?source=p2
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This story is a part of our Flavour’s series, where we do so much more than play with our food. Come with us as we dive into deliciously different and tastefully off-beat stories in the culinary world.
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