Not England or Ireland: This is the country that drinks the most tea per capita

The classic ‘cup of tea’ is an iconic staple in the UK and Ireland and has become a social ritual which and an intrinsic part of national identity.

Tea was introduced in the UK and Ireland in the mid-17th century and its popularity among the aristocracy was cemented by Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II, who made it fashionable at the English court. This high-society trend filtered down through the classes as a marker of sophistication.

Later, the British Empire established vast tea plantations in colonies like India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). This ensured a cheap and steady supply of tea, making it more accessible and affordable than coffee or chocolate, which had also been popular.

Social element

Tea became associated with domestic rituals and gentility, especially for women who did not frequent the male-dominated coffee houses. The tea-table became a focal point for social interaction in the home.

For the working classes, tea provided a warm, stimulating, and often sweet and milky beverage that was a comforting escape during long factory shifts. Employers even provided tea as a benefit, establishing the concept of the “tea break” as a vital, restorative pause.

Offering a cup of tea is a ubiquitous symbol of hospitality, comfort, and a response to any situation, good or bad. It’s the default social offering, serving as a quick pick-me-up, a consoling presence in a crisis, or an informal way to start a conversation.

Turkey lead the way

Despite the UK/Ireland often associated with tea drinking, it is actually Turkey that leads as the nation that consumes the most tea per capita.

Turkish tea however is typically black tea, known as çay, grown in the Rize region on the Black Sea coast and boasts a strong and robust flavor, but not bitter when brewed correctly.

Turkish tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses without milk and can be accompanied by sugar cubes.

Tea drinking is also a deeply ingrained part of daily life and hospitality and is often offered to guests, in shops, at social gatherings, and even during business meetings with tea houses (çay bahçesi) are common social hubs in Turkey.

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