For those who love a cup of tea, there are some destinations around the world that you must visit for the ultimate “tea party.” Okay, so maybe it won’t be an actual tea party, but there will certainly be enough tea to go around that you can do with it what you please. If you’re ready to embark on a tea-tasting tour of the world, then make sure you hit these classy spots.
1. Sri Lanka
While India is known for having some of the best tea in the world, don’t forget about it’s neighbor, Sri Lanka. What once started as a little tea farm planted by a British man in the mid 1800’s, has since grown to a tea producing powerhouse. Though their tea is exported all over the world, you can still take part in the authentic tea culture right here. Take a trip to the Ceylon Tea Trails which takes the tea party to a five star resort, or participate in a “Tea Journey” around the various tea plantations and estates.
2. Argentina
Argentina is hands down the best tea tasting destination in Latin America and one of the best in the world. The main seller here is yerba mate, which is an herbal tea made from gourds. The tea comes from indigenous tribes, and is said to have medicinal properties. Learn about it at the Tigre Museum, or take part in “tea time” which is definitely a big deal here. Whether you’re in Buenos Aires at Casa Cavia, or down south in Patagonia at a popular Welsh tea house, this will be a tea party you’ll never forget.
3. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan might not be the first country you think of when it comes to great tea, but you’re going to want to add it to your bucket-list. Here, tea is a huge source of fueling the economy. People commonly drink black tea, and typically cup by cup from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep at night. So much so, that there are even health recommendations in place to help Kazakhs be more conscientious of their tea intake. Make sure you don’t leave here without trying the classy Kazakh Chai Tea at a Chai-Khana, or “tea-room.”
4. South Korea
Though green tea doesn’t come directly from here, Koreans know what to make of these leaves more so than other places. In every cafe across the country, you can find some type of spin on green tea. However, most people just opt for a delicious green tea latte. If you’re in Seoul, make sure you head to Insadong where you can visit a traditional tea cafe, or head to the Green Tea Fields in Boseong to try green tea ice cream, green tea churros, and just about everything green tea!
5. Kenya
You may have tried Kenyan coffee in your Starbucks brew, but trying it at the source would be an incredible tea party you’ll never forget. Tea is such an integral part of the culture here that it’s even a part of a school’s schedule. Kenyan tea tends to be more milky and sugary, which is definitely what makes it so desirable. If you’re in Nairobi, visit one of the many tea cafes like Gibsons Coffee House or the Jade Coffee & Tea House. Of course, if you’re staying with a host family, it’ll probably be even better.
Fun fact: The word for “tea” in Swahili is “Chai”, so you are actually drinking “tea-tea.” 😉
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on these unique tea-party destinations!
Author’s Bio: Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
