Tea Time in Taiwan: A Tradition That Connects People

In Taiwan, the phrase “Come over for some tea!” is more than just an invitation for a drink. It’s a heartfelt way to welcome friends and loved ones into your home, much like how Westerners might offer coffee. In Taiwanese culture, tea is a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and connection.

Friends often gather around a traditional tea set, brewing and sipping from delicate teacups. Tea time becomes a moment to catch up, exchange stories, and savor the fragrant taste of freshly brewed leaves. For many, the simple act of preparing and sharing tea is an important way to bond and stay connected with those who matter most.

At home, it’s common for people to unwind with a cup of hot tea after a meal. Whether it’s a family tradition or a solitary moment of peace, tea provides a way to relax and reflect. Some prefer the authentic experience of steeping loose tea leaves, while others are content with the convenience of a tea bag. No matter the method, a good cup of tea always delivers a sense of comfort.

Even in public spaces, tea plays an important role. In the shade of ancient trees, near temples, or in local parks, you’ll often spot people enjoying tea together, snacking on seeds or small treats. Tea is not only a daily beverage, but an integral part of social life in Taiwan.

Whether at home, in the office, or outdoors, tea brings people together in Taiwan. It’s more than just a drink – it’s a way of life.

Useful Chinese Vocabulary and Phrases Related to Tea (茶):

Chinese	Pinyin	English	Vietnamese	Indonesian
茶	chá	Tea	Trà	Teh
喝茶	hē chá	To drink tea	Uống trà	Minum teh
泡茶	pào chá	To brew tea	Pha trà	Menyeduh teh
茶壺	chá hú	Teapot	Ấm trà	Teko teh
茶杯	chá bēi	Teacup	Tách trà	Cangkir teh
品茶	pǐn chá	To taste tea (savor the flavor)	Thưởng trà	Mencicipi teh
茶葉	chá yè	Tea leaves	Lá trà	Daun teh
功夫茶	gōng fū chá	Kung Fu Tea (a traditional Chinese tea ceremony)	Trà Kung Fu	Teh Kung Fu
茶文化	chá wén huà	Tea culture	Văn hóa trà	Budaya teh
茶藝	chá yì	The art of tea	Nghệ thuật trà	Seni teh
綠茶	lǜ chá	Green tea	Trà xanh	Teh hijau
紅茶	hóng chá	Black tea	Trà đen	Teh hitam
烏龍茶	wū lóng chá	Oolong tea	Trà Ô Long	Teh Oolong
茉莉花茶	mò lì huā chá	Jasmine tea	Trà hoa nhài	Teh melati
茶道	chá dào	The way of tea (philosophy behind tea culture)	Đạo trà	Jalan teh
茶點	chá diǎn	Tea snacks or dim sum served with tea	Điểm tâm với trà	Camilan teh
茶席	chá xí	Tea table or the setting for tea drinking	Bàn trà	Meja teh
敬茶	jìng chá	To offer tea respectfully, usually as a sign of respect	Kính trà	Menghormati teh
茶樓	chá lóu	Tea house	Quán trà	Rumah teh
茶會	chá huì	Tea party	Tiệc trà	Pesta teh