Taiwanese premium oolong is the "champagne of teas"！ How many of these 22 exotic teas have you tried?

By Rita

Tea is said to originate from China and, after thousands of years of migration, has taken on diverse forms across different cultures. In Taiwan, you can turn a corner and stumble upon hidden tea shops tucked away in alleys and streets. Fruit teas, milk teas, texture teas... The ever-changing array of tea beverages showcases Taiwan’s creativity and passion for tea. Sipping a cup is the truest way to experience daily life in Taiwan. Often self-proclaimed as the “Kingdom of Tea,” Taiwan might overlook other tea-loving cultures around the world. Check out the22 Teas from Around the Worldlist—most people have heard of at least a few. Count them up: how many have you tried?

1. Japan
“Matcha” is made by grinding processed green tea leaves into a fine powder. The Japanese tea ceremony involves several steps, from preparation to serving the tea.

▲Japanese matcha (Image／www.coffeebeandirectblog.com/)

2. India
Tea was traditionally used for medicinal purposes, but the most popular variety today is “masala chai,” a strong Indian black tea blended with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger.

▲Indian tea (Image／www.yimi.com.au/)

3. United Kingdom
British tea comes in many varieties and is usually enjoyed with “milk.” Drinking it plain or with a slice of lemon is also common, while adding sugar has become a recent trend. For slightly more formal occasions, Brits opt for a full tea set instead of a mug.

▲British tea (Image／Wikipedia)

4. Turkey
Turkish tea is called “çay,” a type of black tea served without milk. The deep red tea is typically poured into tulip-shaped glasses and served with two small sugar cubes and a tiny spoon.

▲Turkish tea (Image／Wikipedia)

5. Tibet
This butter tea, also known as “po cha,” is made with stirred tea, salt, and yak butter. The tea leaves used for po cha come from Tibet’s Pemagul region and have a strong, smoky flavor. This tea is salty, creamy, and sometimes slightly tangy—it’s a daily beverage in Tibet.

▲Tibetan butter tea (Image／blog.itrafish.com/)

6. Morocco
Mint tea is a daily staple in Morocco and is a must-have at social gatherings. Many travelers visit Morocco just to try authentic mint tea. The preparation process, called “atai,” is a long-standing tradition.

▲Moroccan mint tea (Image／Wikipedia)

7. Hong Kong
The name “silk stocking milk tea” comes from the large, stocking-like strainer used in its preparation. It has a smooth taste and a rich aroma, thanks to the inclusion of evaporated milk and condensed milk.

▲Hong Kong silk stocking milk tea (Image／Wikipedia)

8. Taiwan
Oolong tea is the main type of tea in Taiwan, and tea connoisseurs liken the best oolong to “champagne among teas.”

▲Taiwanese oolong tea (Photo / Wikipedia)

9. Kuwait
Kuwaiti tea is typically hot tea, but many people add saffron and mint when drinking it.

▲Kuwaiti tea (Photo /adventures-trips.blogspot.tw/)

10. Russia
Russia has a long history with tea, mainly because of its harsh climate, and to this day it has become a national beverage deeply tied to culture. Tea is usually enjoyed after meals along with desserts, and a special kettle is used for brewing it.

▲Russian tea (Photo / Wikipedia)

11. Pakistan
Tea in Pakistan is called “chai,” and it is deeply embedded in local culture. If you have the chance to visit a Pakistani market, you’ll see vendors turning on taps and pouring tea — no exaggeration.

▲Pakistani tea (Photo / Wikipedia)

12. Thailand
Thai milk tea is typically made using Ceylon black tea, with plenty of crushed ice, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, topped with a layer of condensed milk.

▲Thai milk tea (Photo / Wikipedia)

13. China
Legend has it that tea originated in China, discovered by Shennong when a leaf accidentally fell into boiling water, revealing its unique aroma. In China, tea is not only a beverage but also used in medicine and cooking.

▲Chinese Tieguanyin (Photo / Wikipedia)

14. Egypt
Egypt’s national tea drink is called Karkadeh, a bright red sweet-and-sour beverage made from Sudanese roselle flowers, which can be served either cold or hot.

▲Egyptian tea (Photo /www.blogabond.com/)

15. Mongolia
Mongolian tea is quite different from other types; its variations primarily come from the addition of salt, rice, and flour. Its uniqueness lies in the use of coarser parts of plants, and it is served in a metal shallow bowl alongside other main dishes during meals.

▲Mongolian tea (Photo / Wikipedia)

16. Kenya
Kenyan tea has long been a major source of foreign exchange earnings, with most production being black tea. Many people love the shiny copper color and rich flavor of Kenyan tea.

▲Kenyan tea (Photo /madeinkenya.co.ke/)

17. South Africa
South African tea is also known as "Rooibos tea." The tea comes from a red bush called "Rooibos," which is referred to as the ruby of South Africa. A common way to enjoy it is by adding milk to black tea, sometimes with lemon, or using honey instead of sugar.

▲Rooibos tea (Photo／thepaleolist.com/)

18. Qatar
Qatar’s milk tea is called "Karak." It has a very strong flavor and is a nationwide favorite. Typically, the tea leaves are boiled twice to achieve an intense aroma.

▲Qatari tea (Photo／www.yasalamcooking.com/)

19. Mauritania
In this African country, tea drinking involves a special ritual where the tea is consumed in three rounds. Each cup contains tea, mint, and a lot of sugar, with each subsequent cup becoming slightly sweeter—a metaphor for “bitterness before sweetness.”

▲Mauritanian tea (Photo／www.travelingeast.com/)

20. Malaysia
"Pulled tea" holds a very important place in the hearts of Southeast Asians. The term "pulled" refers to a special technique used during its preparation. Ingredients include black tea, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, making it Malaysia’s national tea drink.

▲Malaysian tea (Photo／Wikipedia)

21. Argentina
Mate tea is a vitamin-rich green tea that is very popular in South America. It is usually shared among people in a special container and represents the unique culture of the region.

▲Argentinian tea (Photo／Wikipedia)

22. United States
Iced tea in the southern United States is typically made from teabags. This tea is often served with main meals and is therefore also called "the wine of the South."

▲American iced tea (Photo／Wikipedia)