I have a tea sitting in my cupboard that I would never call my “best” tea.
It is not the rarest. It is not the most expensive. It does not come with an impressive story about ancient tea trees, remote mountains, or a limited harvest.
And yet, I drink it more often than almost anything else.
This has always fascinated me.
We spend a lot of time talking about the best teas. The finest oolong. The most delicate white tea. The matcha with the brightest colour and smoothest texture.
There is nothing wrong with appreciating quality. Tea deserves the attention it receives. Understanding where a tea comes from, how it is made, and why it tastes the way it does can make the experience much richer.
But I sometimes wonder if we confuse “best” with “most impressive.”
Because those are not always the same thing.
A tea can be extraordinary and still not become part of your daily life.
I remember trying a tea that many people considered exceptional. The aroma was beautiful. The flavours were complex. Every sip seemed to reveal something new. I understood why people loved it.
But when I finished the cup, I did not feel the urge to make another.
Meanwhile, there were simpler teas I kept returning to without thinking. The tea I reached for on busy mornings. The tea I brewed when I wanted comfort. The tea that somehow became familiar before I even realised it.
Perhaps that is the difference between a tea we admire and a tea we love.
Admiration comes from recognising something special.
Love comes from returning to it.
I think many tea lovers experience this quietly. We collect interesting teas. We search for discoveries. We get excited about recommendations from others.
But eventually, there are only a few teas that become part of our rhythm.
They become the teas we trust.
The ones we do not need to think about.
The ones that are waiting when the day feels too long.
Maybe this is why I have become less interested in finding the “best” tea and more interested in finding the tea that fits a moment.
The best tea for a quiet morning may not be the best tea for a conversation with friends. The best tea for celebration may not be the tea you want after a difficult day.
Tea is personal in that way. A tea does not have to impress everyone to matter to someone. And perhaps that is the beauty of tea appreciation.
The goal was never to find the one perfect cup.
It was to find the cups that become meaningful along the way.
So I wonder, what is the tea you keep returning to, even if it is not the one you call your best?
— Maria Tan
On tea, culture, and everyday rituals.
From Keemun to Darjeeling: A Global Tour of Premium Black Teas
Black tea is more than just a morning ritual; it’s a global phenomenon steeped in rich history, cultural significance, and craftsmanship. From the misty mountains of India to the ancient gardens of China, each cup tells a story of its origin, flavor, and tradition. Throughout history, brewed tea has been cherished in various cultures, with…
-
Understanding Oolong Tea Oxidation Levels: The Spectrum of Oxidation in Tea Classification
When you step into the world of tea, you quickly learn about the main categories: white, green, oolong, and black. For many, green tea is fresh and vegetal, while black tea is bold and malty. But what about oolong? This category seems to defy easy definition, with some oolongs tasting light and floral like a…
-
Beyond Matcha: Exploring the Diverse World of Japanese Green Tea Varieties
Let’s be honest, when you hear “Japanese green tea,” your mind likely pictures a vibrant, frothy bowl of matcha. From trendy matcha lattes in every café to ice cream and desserts, matcha has become the undisputed global face of Japanese tea culture. And for good reason! It’s a delicious, versatile ingredient with numerous health benefits….
-
Silver Needle White Tea: The Delicate Emperor of Chinese Tea
In the vast and storied world of Chinese tea, few varieties command the reverence and prestige of Silver Needle white tea. Celebrated as Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫銀針)-meaning “White Hair Silver Needle”-this exceptional Chinese white tea sits atop the hierarchy of not just white tea, but among all tea types. Each slender ‘needle’ is not…
-
Thai Oolong Tea: Thailand’s Oolong Revolution in Ancient Tea Territory
In the shadowy folds of Northern Thailand’s mountains, where cool, misty air hugs the slopes and the morning dew clings to fragrant tea leaves, a revolution is steeping. Once known largely for its role in the Golden Triangle, this region now blossoms as a new epicenter for Thai oolong tea and innovative tea beverages like…
-
Dong Ding Oolong: The Artisanal Craft Behind Taiwan’s Most Famous Tea
Imagine a warm, inviting aroma that fills the room with essence reminiscent of delicate flowers, toasted nuts, honeycomb, chocolate, and ripe stone fruit. The initial scent from a freshly opened tin of Dong Ding Oolong loose leaf tea can feel almost transportive. Upon brewing, the tea’s infusion shines with a brilliant golden colour, and your…
Yerba Mate Tea: Argentina’s Ancient Energy Brew and Modern Revival
Picture a sun-drenched plaza in Buenos Aires, where the air hums with laughter and the scent of fresh flowers. In the center, friends gather in a close-knit circle, a cherished gourd filled with fragrant yerba mate tea making its way from hand to hand. Each person sips this herbal tea-brewed from green yerba mate leaves-through…
The Complete Guide to Kenyan Tea Industry Transformation in the Great Rift Valley
Imagine standing at the edge of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the birthplace of world-renowned Kenya tea. Here, undulating hills blanket the landscape in a lush sea of deep green, where rows of thriving tea bushes stretch across the horizon. This breathtaking region forms the core of the Kenyan tea industry-a powerhouse producing some of the…
-
Ceylon High Grown Tea: The Bright, Crisp Profiles of Nuwara Eliya
Imagine standing amidst a sea of emerald green on the island of Sri Lanka, where manicured tea bushes climb rolling hills and disappear into a cool, persistent mist. This is the world of Ceylon high grown tea, centred in Nuwara Eliya – a region characterized by bright sunshine in the morning and cool, misty nights….
-
Masala Chai Origins: The Cultural Evolution of India’s Spiced Tea Tradition
The rhythmic clanging of metal kettles echoes through narrow lanes as steam rises from countless chai stalls across India. The intoxicating aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and fresh ginger mingles with robust black tea, creating an olfactory symphony that has captivated souls for centuries. This is masala chai-not merely a beverage, but a cultural phenomenon that…
