What Tea is Served at Chinese Restaurants: A Complete Guide

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28 What Tea is Served at Chinese Restaurants: A Complete Guide

What tea is served at Chinese restaurants? If you’ve ever enjoyed a hot cup of tea at a Chinese restaurant and wondered about its type or why it tastes so good, you’re not alone. Tea is an integral part of Chinese dining culture, and its role goes beyond complementing the meal—it enhances the experience, aids digestion, and reflects centuries of tradition.

At FarmerTeas, we offer a selection of authentic Chinese teas commonly served in restaurants, including Jasmine Tea and Chinese Oolong Tea. In this guide, we’ll explore the types of tea served, their health benefits, and tips for recreating the perfect restaurant-style tea at home.

What Kind of Tea is Typically Served at Chinese Restaurants?

Chinese restaurants serve a variety of teas, but the most common types are Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, and Pu-erh Tea. These teas are chosen for their complementary flavors, digestion-aiding properties, and ability to cleanse the palate between dishes.

1. Jasmine Tea

Flavor Profile: Sweet, floral, and fragrant.
Why It’s Popular: Jasmine tea is light, refreshing, and pairs well with the delicate flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Interesting Fact: Jasmine tea is made by layering tea leaves with jasmine flowers to infuse the aroma naturally.

2. Oolong Tea

Flavor Profile: Smooth, toasty, and slightly fruity.
Why It’s Popular: Oolong tea’s semi-oxidized nature makes it a versatile choice that complements both light and rich dishes.
Interesting Fact: Oolong is often served at Yum Cha (dim sum) establishments.

3. Pu-erh Tea

Flavor Profile: Earthy, bold, and slightly sweet.
Why It’s Popular: Pu-erh tea is known for its digestion-aiding properties, making it an excellent choice after a heavy meal.
Interesting Fact: Pu-erh is a fermented tea that improves in flavor as it ages.

Why is Chinese Restaurant Tea So Good?

The tea served at Chinese restaurants often tastes exceptional due to the following reasons:

High-Quality Leaves: Restaurants typically use premium loose-leaf teas.
Perfect Brewing Techniques: The tea is brewed at the right temperature and steeped for just the right amount of time to enhance its flavor.
Freshness: Many restaurants brew tea fresh for every table, ensuring optimal taste and aroma.

Health Benefits of Chinese Restaurant Tea

The teas served at Chinese restaurants are not just delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here are the top benefits:

1. Aids Digestion

Oolong and Pu-erh teas are particularly effective in aiding digestion, making them ideal for post-meal consumption.

2. Promotes Relaxation

Jasmine tea’s floral aroma helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Chinese teas are loaded with polyphenols and catechins, which combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.

4. Boosts Metabolism

Teas like Oolong and Pu-erh can boost metabolism and support weight management.

5. Enhances Mental Clarity

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in these teas improves focus and alertness without causing jitters.

For more insights into the health benefits of tea, refer to this NIH article on tea and health. (Nofollow link for reference.)

How to Recreate Chinese Restaurant Tea at Home

Want to enjoy restaurant-style tea at home? Follow these steps to brew the perfect cup:

1. Choose the Right Tea

For a classic restaurant experience, use Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, or Pu-erh Tea.
Shop authentic teas at FarmerTeas.

2. Use the Right Water Temperature

Jasmine Tea: 175°F to 185°F (80°C to 85°C)
Oolong Tea: 185°F to 205°F (85°C to 96°C)
Pu-erh Tea: 200°F to 212°F (93°C to 100°C)

3. Measure the Tea

Use 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.

4. Steep for the Right Time

Jasmine Tea: 2-3 minutes
Oolong Tea: 3-5 minutes
Pu-erh Tea: 3-4 minutes

5. Serve Fresh

Chinese restaurant tea is best enjoyed fresh and without milk or sugar.

Popular Chinese Restaurant Tea Recipes

Jasmine Tea Recipe

Ingredients: Loose-leaf jasmine tea, filtered water.
Instructions: Brew at 175°F for 2-3 minutes and serve hot.

Oolong Milk Tea Recipe

Ingredients: Loose-leaf oolong tea, steamed milk, and honey.
Instructions: Brew oolong tea at 195°F for 3 minutes. Add steamed milk and sweeten with honey.

Pu-erh Detox Tea Recipe

Ingredients: Loose-leaf Pu-erh tea, lemon slices, and honey.
Instructions: Brew Pu-erh tea at 200°F for 3-4 minutes. Add a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey.

Where to Buy Chinese Restaurant Tea

If you’re wondering where to buy Chinese restaurant tea, look no further than FarmerTeas. Our collection includes:

Jasmine Tea: Fragrant and refreshing.
Oolong Tea: Smooth and versatile.
Pu-erh Tea: Bold and earthy.

We source our teas directly from China’s finest tea-growing regions, ensuring authenticity and freshness.

Also, you’ll see some very nice tea sets in Chinese restaurants, such as the “popular gaiwan” that you can use to brew your tea, or replace your existing gaiwan tea set.

Final Thoughts

What tea is served at Chinese restaurants? The answer lies in the rich tradition of teas like Jasmine, Oolong, and Pu-erh, which are chosen for their ability to complement meals, aid digestion, and provide a soothing experience. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant or brewing a cup at home, these teas are a perfect way to connect with Chinese tea culture.

Visit FarmerTeas to explore our selection of authentic Chinese teas and bring the restaurant experience to your home.