Austria Tea: Worth The Hype?

Austria is known for its coffee culture, but what about tea? Well, it's not quite the same. While there are tea drinkers in Austria, and you can find tea in cafes and restaurants, it's not always easy to get a nice cup of tea. This could be due to various factors, such as the quality of tea leaves sold in supermarkets or the way Austrians prepare their tea. However, Austria does offer a wide range of herbal and fruit teas, which are very popular among Austrians, with each Austrian drinking about 180 grams of black tea per year and more than three times as much herbal and fruit tea.

Austrians prefer herbal and fruit teas to black tea

Austrians have a preference for herbal and fruit teas over black tea. On average, each Austrian consumes 180 grams of black tea per year, but more than three times as much herbal and fruit tea. This is perhaps due to the health benefits of herbal and fruit teas, as they are caffeine-free and calorie-free, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day or year.

Austria's rich offering of herbal and fruit teas is due to the country's long history of using herbs and fruits for medicinal purposes. The Austrian Food Code strictly defines the use of these ingredients in tea, and herbal and fruit teas are subject to stringent quality inspections to ensure consistent quality. The convenience of preparation, the wide range of flavours available, and the creativity of product creators have also contributed to the popularity of herbal and fruit teas in Austria.

While black tea is available in speciality tea shops in Austria, it is not as commonly consumed as herbal and fruit teas. This may be due to the lower quality of tea leaves sold in the country compared to other markets with a more pronounced tea culture, such as England.

However, it is worth noting that there are tea drinkers in Austria, and some speciality tea shops do offer a wide variety of black, green, white, and ayurvedic teas, as well as seasonal blends.

Why is it hard to get a good cup of tea in Austria?

Although there are tea drinkers in Austria, it is difficult to get a good cup of tea in cafes and restaurants. This is surprising given the high number of international tourists and the increasingly international cuisine. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, the quality of tea leaves sold in Austrian supermarkets is lower than in other countries with a more pronounced tea culture, such as England. This is because countries with a strong tea culture are considered more rigorous markets, so they receive the best quality tea leaves. However, this only applies to tea sold in supermarkets, and specialised tea shops will have higher-quality tea.

Secondly, Austrians often drink artificial fruit chunks instead of tea made from actual plants. What Austrians refer to as "tea" is called black or Russian tea in England and is usually drunk when one has a cold. Austrians also often add lemon juice and sugar to their tea, which is not customary in England.

Thirdly, due to the high altitudes in Austria, water boils at a slightly lower temperature, which can affect the extraction of tea leaves. Additionally, waiters may add water to the cup before it reaches a full boil, further impacting the taste. To avoid this, it is recommended to instruct waiters to use water that is "really, really hot" instead of just "almost boiling".

Finally, Austrian cafes often serve condensed milk with tea, which is too dense and better suited for coffee. Instead, one should ask for simple milk. Alternatively, one can bring their own tea bags, accept the moderately high quality of Austrian tea, or opt for "boutique teas" sold in trendy cafes or by specialist tea merchants.

How to make the perfect cup of tea

While tea drinkers can be found in Austria, the country is better known for its coffee. If you're looking for a nice cup of tea, you may be disappointed. However, if you're a tea enthusiast visiting Austria, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good cup of tea. Firstly, bring your own tea bags, as the quality of tea leaves sold in Austrian supermarkets may not be as high as what you're used to. Alternatively, look for "boutique teas" sold in trendy cafes or specialist tea merchants.

Now, here's how to make the perfect cup of tea:

Firstly, always start with freshly drawn cold water. If using a teapot, warm the inside first with hot water, then pour it out. Make sure your mugs, teapot, and kettle are clean. Bring the water to a boil, and pour it over the tea as soon as it reaches boiling. Over-boiling will reduce the oxygen in the water, making the tea taste 'flat'. Use one tea bag per cup, or one teaspoon of loose tea per cup (6 oz.). steep the tea for at least two minutes, or longer if you like your tea strong. If you're using a teabag, resist the temptation to dunk it. Just leave the bag alone until the drink is ready!

When it comes to milk and sugar, this is a matter of personal preference. However, it's worth noting that in Britain, where tea is a beloved national institution, milk is typically added after the tea to avoid cracking delicate porcelain cups. Additionally, low-fat milk is preferred over high-fat milk or cream, and white sugar is the sweetener of choice.

The best tea shops in Vienna

Tea lovers, unite! While Vienna is known for its coffee culture, there are still plenty of spots to find a good cuppa in Austria's capital. Here are some of the best tea shops to check out:

Rami Tea

This cute, new teahouse in the heart of the 8th district is a haven for tea purists, with most of its teas containing no added aromas. Those that are flavoured use only fresh flowers or real fruit. You can even create your own mug in their on-site ceramics studio!

Mother of Pearl

If you're on a quest for authentic bubble tea, look no further than Mother of Pearl. This female-owned business uses original bubble tea methods, so you won't find the typical westernised versions here.

Tea House Channagasse

Combine the best of Viennese coffee house culture with fine Chinese tea culture at this hidden gem in the first district. An oasis for tea lovers, Tea House Channagasse also offers traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.

Matcha Komachi

For all things matcha, head to Matcha Komachi. They take their matcha tea as seriously as the Viennese take their coffee. This teahouse also adheres to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Cha no ma

Part teahouse, part shop, Cha no ma (meaning "living room" in old Japanese) is a cosy spot near the Naschmarkt. Choose your own chawan (tea bowl) and witness a mini tea ceremony when you order a traditional matcha.

Sir Harly's Tea

Tucked away in one of the courtyards off of Mariahilfer Straße, Sir Harly's Tea offers over 150 varieties, from English Breakfast to exotic blends like the Tansania Golden Flowerly Luponde. Enjoy your brew with traditional English scones and toasts.

Haas & Haas

Set under arched ceilings in an old building in Vienna's city centre, Haas & Haas offers a cosy atmosphere and a wide selection of high-quality teas, including rare varieties delivered from distant corners of the world.

Jägertee

The oldest teahouse in Vienna, Jägertee has been serving fancy oriental teas since 1862. All teas are mixed in-house, and they're the only Viennese teahouse that does so. Their 'secret' backroom is where the magic happens, creating blends that sometimes include up to 9 different types of tea.

Theehandlung Schönbichler

A magnificent shop in Wollzeile, Theehandlung Schönbichler has been a long-time favourite of the rich and elite. They offer a wide range of teas, from black and green to white, ayurvedic, and seasonal varieties, as well as spirits from Destillerie Freihof.

The history of herbal tea

Ancient Origins

According to historical records, the Sumerians were among the first to use herbs for various purposes, including tea, approximately 5,000 years ago. A millennium later, records indicate that China and India also began incorporating herbals into their cultures. One legendary tale claims that the Chinese emperor Shennong, regarded as the founder of Chinese medicine, accidentally discovered the delights of tea around 2737 BC. While boiling water for a drink, a few leaves from the Camellia Sinensis tree drifted into his water, infusing it with restorative properties.

Ancient China

Around 2,000 years ago, a renowned Chinese herbal book, the "Shen Long Ben Chao Jing," documented 365 different herbals used by the Chinese in their daily lives, including tea. In China, herbals are known as "yao chao cha" or "hua chao cha," meaning "herbal and flower tea." The ancient Chinese considered tea-making an important skill and even an art form, as evidenced by the Ch'a Ching, a comprehensive guide to tea and its etiquette by the Chinese writer Lu Yu.

Merchants, either Portuguese or Dutch, are credited with bringing tea to Europe, along with a novel way for Europeans to harness the nutritional and medicinal benefits of plants. However, the concept of herbal tea has evolved over time, and today, the term typically refers to infusions without the unique qualities of traditional tea, such as caffeine and specific antioxidants.

Global Popularity

Herbal teas have gained immense popularity worldwide due to their gentle and mild flavours, and they are almost always caffeine-free. They are made from various plant parts, including leaves, flowers, roots, or branches, depending on the desired effect on the body. Different herbs are associated with different seasons, and individuals choose specific herbals based on their needs and health conditions.

Frequently asked questions