Chinese restaurants worldwide offer a unique dining experience, and often, a pot of tea arrives almost as soon as you’re seated. But have you ever wondered, “What Tea Is Served In Chinese Restaurants?” It’s a common question, especially when the tea sometimes tastes… well, not quite to your preference. The truth is, the tea served can vary quite a bit, and understanding why can enhance your next dining experience.
In many Chinese restaurants, particularly in the United States, you’ll often find jasmine tea served as the default. This is especially true in regions with large Chinese communities like the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) area of Los Angeles. Jasmine tea is a scented tea, where green tea leaves are infused with the aroma of jasmine blossoms. It’s a popular choice because its floral fragrance is generally considered palatable and inoffensive to a wide range of customers. Often, restaurants opt for teabags for convenience and cost-effectiveness, which sometimes compromises the quality.
Besides jasmine, you might also encounter oolong tea or pu’er tea, also frequently in teabag form. Oolong teas range in flavor from light and floral to dark and roasted, while pu’er tea is known for its earthy and sometimes aged flavor. However, the quality of these teas can vary significantly. Restaurants often prioritize cost and consistency, which can lead to using lower-grade teas.
The type of tea served can also depend on several factors. The location of the restaurant and the background of the owners play a role. Restaurants catering to a predominantly non-Chinese clientele might stick to universally accepted options like jasmine. Restaurants owned by families from specific regions of China might serve teas more common to their home area. Even the style of food can influence the tea selection. Dim sum restaurants or Cantonese banquet halls, for instance, are more likely to offer a slightly better grade of tea, or even a choice between different types, sometimes including loose leaf options.
Why does Chinese restaurant tea sometimes seem underwhelming? Often, it boils down to using inexpensive teabags and brewing it in large batches. This method prioritizes speed and cost-efficiency over nuanced flavor. The tea might be brewed weakly and left to sit for extended periods, further diminishing its taste.
If you’re seeking a more enjoyable tea experience in a Chinese restaurant, there are a few things to keep in mind. Dim sum and Cantonese restaurants are your best bet for potentially better tea. If you’re curious about what they are serving, don’t hesitate to ask your server. If you describe your flavor preferences – earthy, floral, roasted – they might be able to guide you to a more suitable option if available. And while it’s often jasmine, oolong, or pu’er, understanding that the quality and preparation can vary greatly helps manage expectations and appreciate the tea for what it is: a complimentary and customary part of the Chinese dining experience.
