Worldwide Invasion (Part II)

Other countries are not far behind the pack. They added their own twist as to how tea is prepared and its cultural significance to them.

In India, they mostly prefer to drink black tea with milk, an English custom which the British Colonial rule has influenced them. It can also be added with spices such as: ginger. Cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg and which varies from region to region. Chai is usually drunk during mornings and afternoons by many Indian families. It is also the custom to offer the first thing if houseguests come to visit.

In Tibet, tea is usually brewed and mixed with salt and butter.

Taiwan is the famous manufacturers of some of the world's high-end green teas as well as oolong teas. It is also where famous Bubble Teas originated. In Taiwan, Thai Tea or cha-yen in their native tongue is a special drink in this country. It is described as is a drink created from red tea. They usually prefer it when brewed strongly. It usually has added anise for taste. Red and yellow food coloring is used as well. And for variety, spices are sometimes added as well. This tea is added sugar and condensed milk for sweetness. And it is generally chilled. The uniqueness of this tea comes from whole or evaporated milk being poured over the tea and ice prior to serving to add to its flavor and creamy appearance. It is never mixed before serving. Green tea is also becoming a very famous commodity at Thailand. It has developed different spins of green tea such as rose, lemon and barley green tea and many others.

Indonesia is best known for their green teas. Teh is the word Indonesians refer to tea. Black teas are mostly exported for blending. It is thanks to the Dutch during the 18th century that teas found its place in the country. It was their idea to establish tea plantations on the Java Island and later on Sumatra and Sulawesi. And its drinking customs are unique by region. The Sudanese people prefer their tea served without sugar. Restaurants in this region also serve tea as a free drink. Think of it as the glass of water other people usually offer their guests. This is because in this region teas are bountiful and cheap. For tea plantations are located on these sides. Moreover, Indonesian water in these parts is unsafe to drink so serving a cup of plain hot tea is a simple gesture that means "Go ahead. The water is safe. It is clean and boiled."

Myanmar is one of the remaining countries where tea is not only consumed as a form of drink but eaten as well. They call it lahpet. Lahpet is a pickled tea served with different food as well.

In Vietnam, tea is grown and cultivated vastly in the north side of the country. This makes it one of the world’s largest tea exporters. The tea is usually drunk green and strongly brewed. The Vietnamese word for tea is trà. It is evident that almost all of their restaurants. A pot of tea is normally served to you once the meal has been ordered. And the refills are free of charge.

In Pakistan, tea is also a sensation. Tea is usually drunk at breakfast. It also usually drank during lunch breaks. And even during the nights at in comforts of their own home. Evening tea is drunk with cake or even biscuits. It will usually depend on the time they have to spare. If you are a guest in this country, you might find yourself being offered between tea or if not soft drinks. It is also customary practice for homeowners to offer tea breaks to their hired labor workers, and sometimes even give them teas during these breaks.

In Sri Lanka, tea is typically served in the English style. It is served with milk and sugar. But usually, the milk is always warmed before serving. Teas are not only a very famous drink to Sri Lankans but also integrated and part of their culture as well. And also many tea plantations have also been invested in the country.

West Side:

Europe

The British Empire is not behind in its contribution to the spreading of tea all over the world. For its own interpretation is shared and passed along its dominion and colonies such as regions in India, Hong Kong and even Pakistan. Although they have existing tea customs, still the influence of the British is still evident even today. Other regions, such as in East Africa (like in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya) are also not spared of the influence. From no existing customs, they now share similar customs that of the British. Tea isn the UK is usually served black with milk and sometimes with sugar to taste. Tea has become an integral part of their lives. Tea breaks are very important.

As for their traditional custom, English parties are done in an old fashioned manner. The hostess takes out all her best china and begins serving snacks. This is the signal for polite chit-chat to be made.

France is well-known to be coffee drinkers. But an afternoon tea is still a must; a form of a social habit of the upper middle class. Traditionally, the French like their teas in black varieties but Asian green teas as well as fruit- flavored ones are slowly making waves in the country.

Tea in the United States is typically their alternative to drinking coffee. It is drunk all throughout the day, whether served hot, ice cold or as a form of soda. But most Americans prefer to drink it with ice. In the Southern part of the country, serving iced tea is a symbol of their hospitality. And although no formal customs have been usually done like the Englishmen, tea is still romanticized by small children in their playtime.

Middle East and Africa

Tea is the national drink of the country Egypt. It also holds a special position in not only in their culture, but in their everyday lives as well. It is here that even coffee cannot compete with. Egyptians call their tea "shai".

Iran has a very wonderful beginning as to how it discovered tea. From India, and thanks to the Silk Road trading, tea made its way to the heart of Iran. And it would only be time when finally tea will become their national drink. Iranians, as customary, drink their tea by pouring it into a saucer and putting a lump of rock sugar in their mouth before drinking the tea.

In Morocco, they like their green tea with mint rather than the usual black tea. It is present in almost every meal and has become part of the Moroccan culture. They believe that drinking tea is not only the luxury of the tongue, but it should also be the luxury of the eyes.

Take note: Aside from considering the different countries, different regions also have their own preference from the different varieties of tea: white, black, green or oolong teas. And each culture has their own favorite flavorings incorporated in teas. Examples such as sugar, honey, milk, lemons and herbs come into mind. And also, the temperature and strength of tea varies too.