Asians and their love for tea is unmatchable. From high-end parties to illnesses, wherever there is food and people, there will be tea. While Indians can’t have their breakfast with chai, the Japanese organise tea ceremonies emphasising harmony and peace. From China to Sri Lanka, the love affair of Asians with this leafy beverage is worth a dive deeper into history to understand modern-day relevance.
Video Credit: Kanak's Kitchen Hindi/ YouTube
The importance of tea varies from one culture to another. Apart from featuring in menus of restaurants across the continent, tea leaves also find special mentions in traditional medicine to treat common health ailments and relieve stress. Here is an overview of tea culture in Asia.
Japan
In Japan, tea is counted among spiritual beverages. Introduced in the country during the Tang Dynasty, the modern-day culture of chai is largely influenced by Zen Buddhism. While matcha tea is the most popular variant consumed in the country, one can find others as well. Chanoyu or The Way of Tea is a ceremony in which people follow tea rituals that include specific ways of preparing and consuming the hot beverage. Drinking tea is also considered meditative in Japan.
Korea
Similar to Japan, tea arrived in Korea from China, and it symbolises the culture of respect in the country. Nokcha (green tea) is widely consumed by Koreans along with oksusu-cha (corn tea), bori-cha (barley tea), and yulmu-cha (Job’s Tears tea). In comparison to the Japanese, Darye (tea ceremony) in Korea is informal and focuses on the meditative effect the hot beverage has on people. People drink it to improve digestion or self-introspect when alone.
India
Indians and their chai pe charcha are famous around the world. They also have distinct ways of preparing tea, probably having hundreds of recipes of their own. Darjeeling and Assam became the cultivation centres of tea plantations in the 19th century when Britishers colonised the country, but today, it is a part of the Indian culinary scene. From drinking it first thing in the morning to enjoying chai breaks with colleagues in the evening, Indians love to mingle over tea and snacks.
China
While tea has only been in India for a little more than 200 years, the Chinese have been enjoying it for over 4000 years. The country is considered the birthplace of one of the world's most widely consumed beverages. It also produces a wide variety of tea every year, including white tea, black tea, pu-erh tea, and oolong tea. Gongfu Cha is a Chinese tea ceremony in which people focus on the preparation of a hot drink and enjoy its taste, quite similar to wine tasting. Tea is an integral part of Chinese culture, culinary heritage and traditional medicine.
Thailand
Thailand has been introduced to this gem quite late than other Asian countries, and it gained popularity in the 20th century. The preparation of the beverage is highly influenced by India and China. Locals make tea using black leaves, spices, and sweetened milk. It is later poured over ice. Some of the interesting creations you will witness in the country are lemongrass tea and bael fruit tea. The beverage is an irreplaceable part of the modern food scene.
Sri Lanka
The island country in Asia is known for its black tea, also referred to as Ceylon (former name of Sri Lanka) tea. The tropical climate allows the farmers to grow different varieties of high-grade tea. Some boast strong aromas while others flaunt mild flavours. Its cultivation also contributes to the economy of the country, promotes social engagement, and drives the hospitality industry.
Vietnam
It is believed that tea arrived in Vietnam more than 1000 years ago, long before India, and it is closely linked to the rural and agricultural communities. The country is known for growing green tea, also called che xanh. Another variety to try is lotus tea flaunting subtle notes and mild fragrance of the flower. Artichoke and jasmine teas are also consumed among locals. The hot beverage is a sign of respect and hospitality, therefore, it is often served to guests during gatherings.