The Origin of Tea Houses: A Historical Overview

Tea houses, also known as tea rooms or tea shops, have grown in popularity as places where people can unwind with a cup of tea and catch up with friends. But whence did this custom originate? Let’s examine the development of tea houses over the course of history.

China has a lengthy tradition of tea consumption that dates back to the Tang era (618 AD–907 AD). During this time, the earliest teahouses, or chashan, offered tea to customers. Poets, academics, and painters frequented these ancient tea houses, which were frequently found in beautiful settings like the mountains or near a river.

Eventually, tea drinking and tea houses made their way to Japan, where they significantly influenced Japanese society. In Japan, tea rooms are referred to as chashitsu, and they are frequently modest, compact buildings intended to foster a quiet and tranquil ambiance. Japanese tea rituals play a significant role in the country’s tea house culture.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, tea shops gained popularity in the West. For instance, tea rooms were referred to as “tea gardens” in England and were frequently found in parks or gardens. They were well-liked gathering spots where people gathered to chat and eat sandwiches, cakes, and tea.

In England, where people would pause from work in the late morning to drink a cup of tea and a light snack, the custom of “elevenses” also got its start. Many regions of the UK still follow this custom today.

British folks have a defined procedure for brewing tea that must be followed. They first heat water in a kettle before adding it to a teapot with a tea bag or loose tea leaves. They waited a few minutes for the tea to steep before if preferred, adding milk and sugar. The tea is then prepared and presented in a cup.

The British have tea at various times throughout the day. While afternoon tea is often served between 3 and 5 pm, “elevenses” is typically served about 11 am. The morning or evening cup of tea is also enjoyed by some people.

You can easily sell the tea blends you make yourself if you’re interested. Be mindful, though, that there are rules you must abide by when selling food and beverages. To understand more about the procedure, you might also want to think about consulting with a tea expert or going to workshops on tea blending.

Finally, tea houses have a long history that crosses many different eras and cultures. There is something wonderful about sipping tea in a lovely atmosphere, whether you favor a sophisticated British tea room or a classic Chinese tea house.