• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sassy Chopsticks
  • Flavorful Asian-inspired Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Pantry
    • How-To
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Chinese shredded potato 1
      Sichuan Stir-Fried Chinese Shredded Potato (酸辣土豆丝)
    • air fryer frozen Brussel sprouts
      Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts: The Easiest Recipe
    • no bake halloween treats
      35 No Bake Halloween Treats: Spooky and Delicious Fun
    • green onions feature 2
      How To Cut Green Onions (Scallions): 4 Easy Ways!
    • white sugar sponge cake
      White Sugar Sponge Cake Recipe (Bai Tang Gao – 白糖糕)
    • broccoli and mushroom stir fry 1
      Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy
    • chili pepper vs jalapeno
      Chili Pepper vs Jalapeno: A Detailed Comparison
    • Taiwanese recipes
      13 Delicious Taiwanese Recipes Everyone Must Try
    • Chinese roast chicken recipe
      Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe (Simple and Delicious)
    • make spicy mayo
      How To Make Spicy Mayo Without Sriracha - DIY Guide
    • Peking spare ribs feature 1
      The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style
    • radish vs beet feature
      Radish Vs Beet: Exploring The Differences And Facts
    Home » Pantry

    What Tea Is Served In Chinese Restaurants: Full Guide

    Published: Aug 23, 2023 by Yuan

    18 shares
    • Facebook
    • Email

    Chinese restaurants are known for their expansive menus, but tea is one item you're almost always guaranteed to find. Although not all restaurants serve the same type of tea, traditional tea is served in Chinese restaurants worldwide. In this post, I'll discuss the types of tea served in Chinese restaurants, the featured taste behind each type, and so much more:

    Chinese tea and cups
    Jump To
    • Different types of tea served in Chinese restaurants
    • How to enjoy tea when dining in a Chinese restaurant
    • The benefits of drinking tea 
    • What to look for in your tea when eating in a Chinese restaurant
    • Conclusion
    • YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Different types of tea served in Chinese restaurants

    Chinese restaurants often offer a wide variety of hot teas along with meals instead of iced tea. Here are some of the most common teas that you may find served in Chinese restaurants(especially dim sum places) here in the United States:

    Jasmine tea

    Jasmine tea is one of the most popular teas and widely consumed teas in Chinese cuisine. It is made by scenting green tea leaves with jasmine flowers, resulting in a fragrant and delicate floral flavor.

    Oolong tea

    Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea with a range of flavors, from light and floral to rich and roasted. It is known for its complex and nuanced taste. Different varieties of oolong tea, such as Tie Guan Yin(铁观音) and Da Hong Pao(大红袍), may be offered.

    Pu-erh tea(普洱茶)

    Pu-erh tea, also called Pu'er tea, comes from China's Yunnan province (where I was born!). Yunnan is the birthplace of tea, and it has a long history of tea production. Pu-erh tea is unique because it undergoes a fermentation and aging process that sets it apart from other types of tea. It is a fermented tea that undergoes aging, resulting in a distinct earthy aroma and robust flavor. It is often served in small cups.

    Longjing (Dragon Well,龙井) tea

    Longjing tea is a type of green tea from Hangzhou, China. It has a smooth, slightly sweet taste and a refreshing aroma. The loose-leaf tea leaves are flat and resemble the shape of a sparrow's tongue. Longjing teas are actually excellent choices for gift options to a Chinese tea lover! 

    Chrysanthemum tea(菊花茶)

    Chrysanthemum tea infuses dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water. It has a light, floral taste and is often enjoyed for its cooling properties and reputed health benefits.

    Black tea

    While not as commonly served as other types of tea in Chinese restaurants, black tea may still be available. It has a stronger flavor.

    In some Chinese restaurants, you may have the opportunity to choose the type of tea you prefer, while in others, a specific hot tea may be served as the house tea.

    How to enjoy tea when dining in a Chinese restaurant

    Here are some tips on how to make the most of your tea enjoyment:

    • Chinese restaurants often offer a variety of fragrant Chinese tea to choose from. Take a look at the tea menu or ask the server for recommendations. Consider selecting a tea that complements the flavors of the dishes you plan to order.
    • Once you have chosen your tea, the server will typically bring a teapot, tea leaves, and hot water. They may briefly rinse the teapot and tea leaves to awaken the flavors. Allow the server to handle the brewing process, or ask if you can participate.
    • Take a moment to appreciate the aroma as the tea is poured into your cup. Chinese teas often have distinctive scents that can range from floral to earthy. Inhale the fragrance and let it awaken your senses.
    • Observe the color of the tea in your cup. Chinese teas can have different hues, ranging from pale green to amber or even darker shades. 
    • Chinese tea is meant to be enjoyed slowly and mindfully. Take small sips and let the flavors unfold on your palate. 
    • Pairing with Food: Chinese tea can enhance the flavors of the dishes you are enjoying. Take a sip of tea between bites to cleanse your palate and appreciate the interplay of flavors. 

    Relax sip slowly. 🙂 Feel free to experiment with different tea and food combinations to find your preferences!

    The benefits of drinking tea 

    Here are some key benefits of enjoying tea:

    • Tea acts as a palate cleanser between bites of different dishes. It helps refresh the taste buds, removing lingering flavors and preparing the palate for the next dish. 
    • Chinese cuisine can be rich and varied, often incorporating a range of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Tea, mainly green tea, is known for its potential digestive properties. It can help stimulate digestion and alleviate feelings of heaviness or bloating after a meal.
    • In general, Chinese tea contains less caffeine than coffee. Different types of Chinese tea have varying caffeine levels. Green tea usually contains the least caffeine, followed by white tea, oolong tea, and black tea.
    • Tea is a hydrating beverage, especially without added sweeteners. Staying hydrated during a meal is essential for overall well-being.
    • Drinking tea is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. It provides an opportunity to connect with Chinese heritage.
    • Many types of tea, such as green tea and oolong tea, are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants have been associated with various health benefits. 
    • Sharing a pot of tea with dining companions fosters conversation, connection, and a sense of togetherness.

    Drinking tea in a Chinese restaurant adds to the cultural experience and provides various advantages. Embrace the tea-drinking tradition and savor the flavors and benefits it brings to your dining experience.

    What to look for in your tea when eating in a Chinese restaurant

    When selecting and enjoying tea in a Chinese restaurant or tea shop. Here's what to look for in your tea when dining in a Chinese restaurant:

    cup of Chinese tea
    • Look for a diverse tea selection that includes different types of tea, such as green tea, oolong tea, black tea, or herbal teas. This tea selection allows you to choose a tea that suits your preferences.
    • Opt for high-quality teas that are fresh and well-crafted. Fresh tea leaves will have vibrant colors and aromas.
    • Pay attention to the aroma of the tea. Chinese teas often have distinct fragrances, ranging from floral to earthy or nutty. Inhale the aroma and choose a tea that appeals to your senses.
    • Consider the taste profile of the tea. Chinese teas have many flavors, from light and grassy to robust and smoky. For example, if you prefer a milder taste, you might choose a delicate green tea or a floral oolong tea. If you enjoy stronger flavors, you might choose roasted oolong or bold black tea.
    • Think about how the tea will complement the flavors of the dishes you plan to order. If you're having delicate seafood dishes, a light and subtle tea might be a good choice. A stronger tea with more robust flavors can provide a satisfying balance for rich and flavorful dishes. 
    • Choose a tea that aligns with your taste and personal preference, whether you enjoy a particular type of natural tea or prefer a specific flavor profile.

    Conclusion

    Tea has been a part of Chinese dining for many centuries and is an integral part of the cuisine. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. Next time you visit a Chinese restaurant, take the opportunity to explore the different teas and find the one that speaks to you. Leave your comments below and let me know what you think.:)

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    • baked Asian chicken wings 2
      Sticky Baked Asian Chicken Wings (Fall Off the Bone)
    • sushi bake recipe imitation crab 7
      Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)
    • chicken breakfast recipes
      15 Easy Chicken Breakfast Recipes (Healthy Ideas)
    • hunan beef vs szechuan beef
      Hunan Beef vs Szechuan Beef- A Detailed Comparison

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    me

    Hello there! Welcome to sassychopsticks.com!

    I am Yuan, a US based writer, world traveler, Web developer and photographer behind this website. I was originally born in Kunming, which is the southern part of China, where every seasons is Spring! After attending 4 years of high school in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, I moved to Portsmouth, England where I spend 6 years and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I have lived in the United States for almost 2 decades now and currently live in Tennessee.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • 3 ingredient Nutella cookies c
      3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe (Quick and Easy)
    • feature pic soju vs sake
      Soju Vs Sake: Exploring These Two Asian Classics!
    • shrimp mei fun 1
      Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)
    • Chinese tea and cups
      What Tea Is Served In Chinese Restaurants: Full Guide

    Trending recipes

    • rolls
      Chinese Egg Rolls
    • stir fry Taiwanese spinach
      Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic
    • Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
      Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy
    • Chinese sponge cake
      Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT