Is English Breakfast just not your cup of tea? Devangi Sharma takes us on a tour of global chai traditions (in the time it takes to boil the kettle).

Few things compare to the aroma of tea leaves as they infuse with water to make a sweet soothing symphony. The cuppa, which is the perfect start to the day, is so much more than just a drink. For many, it represents social connection, intimacy, and a reason to come together. 

This beloved beverage is believed to have been invented in the Yunnan Province of China a few centuries ago. The second most popular drink in the world, tea is as diverse as a beverage can get. There are so many varieties of it, such as the traditional breakfast tea, peppermint, earl grey, camomile, jasmine, and the more recent matcha. 

Although tea is consumed around the world, each country and culture has adapted the simple leaves to blend in with their identities.

1. The Turkish Way

Turkey is the number one consumer of tea, with every nine out of ten Turks consuming tea on a regular basis. Turks like their tea at three different intensities: weak, medium, or strong. They use a traditional Turkish kettle or double boiler to boil the tea leaves. Some people even like to add cloves, cinnamon sticks, and dried apples to the mixture. After letting it simmer for 10-15 minutes, the Turkish tea is ready. It is served in small glasses and has a red tint. 

2. The Indian Way

Perhaps the most beloved beverage, tea is available in India from roadside stands to the biggest restaurants. About 72 per cent of the total population has tea as part of their daily lifestyle. The Indian version, known as masala chai, has a basic recipe consisting of four ingredients, namely: loose tea leaves, sugar, milk, and water. After letting the water come to a boil in a pan, add the tea leaves and milk, followed by sugar at the end. Most prefer adding ginger, cardamom, or cloves for an enhanced flavour. Let it simmer for around 10 minutes, then filter it through a sieve. It is best enjoyed with biscuits or savoury snacks and is the first thing served to guests.

3. The Japanese Way

The most popular tea type in Japan is green tea. One particular type – matcha – has been grabbing worldwide popularity recently. Matcha is made from finely powdered dried green tea leaves. It’s slightly bitter in taste and has been used in traditional Japanese ceremonies, weddings, and funerals for centuries. To make matcha, one simply needs to add hot water to a bowl containing some matcha powder and whisk it to a smooth consistency. You can have it with either hot milk or water. 

4. The British Way

If there’s one thing the Brits love, it’s their cuppa. From tea or coffee in the morning to beer at night, not a day goes by without a beverage in their hands. And it’s also the country where the most varieties of tea are consumed. Thirty seven per cent of Brits aged 25-34 consume around four to five types of tea, including herbal, green, black, and instant tea. Brits have a very simple way of drinking tea, which doesn’t require much effort to make. The most popular method is to simply boil water in a kettle and add that to a cup with your tea of choice. Finally, they top it off with a dash of cold milk.