What Tea Do Chinese Restaurants Use? 5 Minutes Easy Chinese Restaurant-Style Jasmine Tea Recipe

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If you’ve ever sipped that warm, fragrant tea served in Chinese restaurants and wondered what this delicious brew is, you’re not alone. Chinese restaurant tea isn’t just a beverage — it’s a subtle yet essential part of the dining experience. From the earthy aroma of Pu-erh to the floral notes of Jasmine, the teas served in Chinese restaurants are chosen not only for taste but also for their digestive and cultural benefits. In this guide, we explore the most popular teas found in Chinese dining, the best tea to pair with Chinese food, and how to enjoy this soothing tradition at home. This simple, fragrant brew is more than just a complimentary drink — it’s a deep-rooted tradition in Chinese cuisine. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Chinese restaurant-style Jasmine tea at home, complete with expert tips and traditional flair.

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Notes

📋 Chinese Restaurant Tea Recipe Card (Jasmine Tea)

tea chinese

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cup
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: Chinese

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 to 1.5 tsp jasmine green tea leaves (or 1 tea bag)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) filtered water
  • Optional: Dried jasmine flowers or a sliver of orange peel for aroma

🍳 Instructions

  1. Heat Water
    Warm water to 80–85°C (175–185°F). Avoid boiling to preserve the tea’s floral notes.
  2. Warm the Teapot or Cup
    Pour a little hot water into your teapot or cup, swirl, and discard. This helps with temperature retention.
  3. Add Tea Leaves
    Place 1 to 1.5 tsp of loose jasmine tea leaves in the pot (or use one tea bag per cup).
  4. Steep
    Pour the hot water over the tea. Let it steep for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Serve
    Strain the tea or remove the tea bag. Serve plain — no sugar or milk.
  6. Optional
    Add a few dried jasmine flowers or orange peel for extra aroma.

☑️ Notes

  • Re-steep tea leaves 2–3 times, increasing steep time slightly with each brew.
  • Loose-leaf tea gives a more authentic flavor than tea bags.
  • For variations, try Oolong or Pu-erh tea.

🧾 Why Chinese Restaurants Serve Tea

H2: Cultural Roots of Chinese Restaurant Tea
Tea is traditionally offered in Chinese restaurants as a symbol of hospitality and a way to aid digestion before and after meals. The most common varieties — Jasmine, Oolong, and Pu-erh — are chosen for their ability to complement oily or spicy dishes, creating a balanced dining experience.

tea chinese

🍵 Chinese Restaurant-Style Jasmine Tea Recipe

📝 Ingredients:

ingridents

  • Jasmine green tea leaves – 1 to 1.5 teaspoons per cup (or 1 tea bag)

  • Filtered water – 1 cup (240 ml) per serving

  • Optional: A few dried jasmine flowers (for stronger aroma)

🍳 Instructions:

tea chinese

🔥 Step 1: Boil the Water (Gently)

  • Heat water to 80–85°C (175–185°F) — not boiling.

  • Too hot and it turns bitter.

☕ Step 2: Warm the Teapot or Cup (Optional)

  • Swirl hot water inside your teacup or pot.

  • Discard the water before brewing.

🌱 Step 3: Add Tea Leaves

  • Place 1 to 1.5 tsp of loose jasmine tea leaves into the pot or infuser.

  • Use one tea bag per cup if you prefer.

💧 Step 4: Pour & Steep

  • Gently pour hot water over the leaves.

  • Steep for 2 to 3 minutes only.

🍵 Step 5: Strain & Serve

  • Strain tea or remove bag.

  • Serve plain — no sugar or milk.

✨ Optional Touch:

  • Add a few dried jasmine blossoms or orange peel sliver.

1. Introduction

  • Hook: Ever wondered why the tea in Chinese restaurants tastes so unique?

  • Brief mention of how tea plays a cultural and culinary role.

  • Introduce what the article will cover: types, benefits, pairings, and how to enjoy it at home.

2. Why Tea Is Served in Chinese Restaurants

  • Cultural significance of tea in Chinese hospitality.

  • Digestive and palate-cleansing properties.

  • The tradition of offering tea as a welcoming gesture.

3. Most Common Types of Tea Served in Chinese Restaurants

Target keyword: tea served in Chinese restaurants

  • Jasmine Tea – Fragrant, floral, popular in dim sum spots.

  • Oolong Tea – Semi-fermented, robust flavor, great with fried foods.

  • Pu-erh Tea – Earthy, fermented; often served in upscale or traditional spots.

  • Chrysanthemum Tea – Caffeine-free herbal tea, cooling effect.

  • Green Tea – Often used in fusion or modern Chinese restaurants.

4. Best Tea With Chinese Food: Pairing Tips

Target keyword: best tea with Chinese food

  • What to drink with spicy Szechuan dishes vs. Cantonese cuisine.

  • Pairing green teas with steamed dishes, oolongs with fatty meats.

5. Can You Make Chinese Restaurant Tea at Home?

Target keyword: Chinese restaurant tea

  • How to recreate that restaurant-style tea at home.

  • Tea brands to look for.

  • Brewing tips for authentic taste.

6. Health Benefits of Traditional Chinese Teas

  • Antioxidants, digestion, weight support.

  • Caffeine content comparison.

7. Final Sip: Why It’s More Than Just a Beverage

  • Recap the experience and cultural depth of drinking tea with Chinese cuisine.

🔍 Tips for Authentic Flavor

H3: Getting That True Chinese Restaurant Tea Taste

  • Always opt for loose-leaf over bagged teas.

  • Re-steep tea up to 3 times with slightly longer steeping each round.

  • For a twist, explore Pu-erh or Oolong teas, brewed at 90–95°C.

❓ FAQs About Chinese Restaurant Tea

Q: What kind of tea do Chinese restaurants use most?
A: Jasmine green tea is the most common, followed by Oolong and Pu-erh.

Q: Why is the tea free at many places?
A: It’s part of the traditional dining experience and hospitality.

Q: Can I sweeten the tea?
A: Traditionally, it’s served unsweetened, but you can add honey if you prefer.

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