China / Turkey

China

Is green tea more popular than Oolong tea?

China is a birthplace of tea and famous for its rich tea culture; therefore, there are many kinds of tea and the ways of drinking. When we say Chinese tea in Japan, we think of Oolong tea or Pooar Tea, but actually the highest consumption in China is a green tea. The taste of Chinese green tea and Japanese green tea are somehow different. Variations in the taste of green tea are caused primarily by the soil in which the tea is grown and which process is used in making the tea. In China, people enjoy tea with dimsum, with the main dishes, or before or after the meals. Also people go to the tea house called Chaguan, or Chalou to enjoy tea. Tea in China is really bonded to the peoples daily life.

Outside of tea house "Fuxintin"

Woman enjoying "gong fu tea"

Turkey

Exotic tea "Chai"

Chai (black tea with spice), the most popular style of tea in Turkey. As we Japanese drink green tea everyday, people in Turkey also drink chai several times a day. In Japan, Indian style chai which combines black tea, milk and cinnamon is well known. However, Turkish style chai is rather relies on sugar to give its distinctive taste. To make Turkish style chai, use samovar for boiling the water or use "chai danluck" , two layered pot to make thick tea, then adjust the darkness or sweetness by adding hot water or sugar into the tea. In Turkey, tea became a popular beverage only from the mid of 20 century, however the total amount of consumption and production is one of the highest among the world.

Chai danluck

Outside of tea shop