International Tea Day: Must-Try Teas from Around the World

International Tea Day on May 21 celebrates the cultural, historical, and social importance of tea. From Asia to Africa, tea is more than a beverage—it’s a global tradition. Let’s honor this day by discovering how different regions brew comfort, wellness, and flavor into every cup. 

Explore Global Flavors for International Tea Day on May 21 

Teas from around the world reflect the heritage, health beliefs, and taste preferences of their cultures. On International Tea Day, let’s take a flavorful journey across continents and learn about 9 iconic teas that tell the story of their regions through aroma and tradition. 

1. Matcha – Japan 

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder central to Japanese tea ceremonies. Known for its vibrant color and earthy taste, it’s rich in antioxidants and traditionally enjoyed whisked with hot water, symbolizing mindfulness and respect. 

2. Masala Chai – India 

Masala chai blends black tea with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Boiled with milk and sugar, this bold, spiced drink is a staple in Indian households and tea stalls, offering warmth and vitality. 

3. Moroccan Mint Tea – Morocco 

A refreshing mix of green tea and spearmint, Moroccan mint tea is a symbol of hospitality. Often poured from a height into small glasses, it’s sweet, aromatic, and deeply embedded in Moroccan social rituals. 

4. English Breakfast – United Kingdom 

This classic black tea blend is strong, robust, and typically served with milk and sugar. It’s a breakfast staple in British culture and often paired with toast or scones, setting the tone for a proper English morning. 

5. Oolong – China 

Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in oxidation. With floral or fruity notes depending on the region, Chinese oolong is revered for its complexity, often enjoyed in traditional gongfu tea ceremonies. 

6. Rooibos – South Africa 

Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the red bush plant native to South Africa. Known for its smooth, sweet flavor and rich antioxidant content, it’s both a daily favorite and a wellness tonic. 

7. Thai Iced Tea – Thailand 

Thai iced tea is a vibrant, sweetened black tea brewed with spices and served over ice with evaporated milk. It’s a popular street drink known for its bold color and cooling refreshment in Thailand’s tropical climate. 

8. Yerba Mate – Argentina 

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It’s sipped from a gourd with a metal straw, shared socially, and praised for its stimulating yet balanced energy. 

9. Butter Tea – Tibet 

Also known as po cha, Tibetan butter tea combines black tea, yak butter, and salt. It’s thick, warming, and provides essential calories for high-altitude living, symbolizing hospitality in Himalayan cultures. 

On International Tea Day, May 21, we celebrate the unifying ritual of tea enjoyed in so many unique ways around the world. Whether you savor it sweet, spicy, milky, or earthy, each cup connects us to culture, comfort, and community. Cheers to global tea traditions—one sip at a time!