
CULTURE CLASH
Tea was a cult beverage long before the modern prevalence for all things “cult.” To this day, the rules for the correct way to take one’s tea vary from country to country.
Japan
Relaxing? Eminently. The Japanese have known about the effect of green tea since ancient times. The tea ceremony, a sequence of complex, meditative rituals, was developed círca 800 C.E.
Great Britain
A question of class? Afternoon tea was once the preserve of the upper crust and is still celebrated in luxury hotels around the world. The principal elements are strong black tea with milk, sandwiches and scones.
India
No standing on ceremony, here: Indian Masala chai is drunk anytime and everywhere. The list of ingredients includes strong Assam tea, milk, spices and oodles of sugar.