We’ve put together a list that contains the most popular Chinese teas found around the world. If you are just getting into the exquisite world of Chinese teas why not take a look and see what kind of teas others are drawn to?
Some of these teas are so popular nowadays that they can be found many places, from local coffee shops to grocery stores. We always recommend buying loose leaf tea from a trusted source over bagged tea. Buying loose leaf saves you money and brings forth a much better tea experience.
Drinking tea that is simply labeled “green tea”, “black tea” etc. is a start, but there is so much variety within a single tea type where one can actually taste like the other. Always try to inquire about exactly what kind of tea you are drinking and by doing so you will learn to broaden your tea tasting palette.
The World’s Most Popular Chinese Teas:
1. Pu-erh
Pu-erh is a whole tea type so there is a lot of exploration that can be done within this tea type alone. However, most pu-erh is quite unusual to the inexperienced palette. To some pu-erh may taste like dirt or dry leaves after the rain. This is the beauty of it. Dare to explore further, and you will find the sweetness hiding behind the somewhat pungent tastes. It is no wonder that aged pu-erh is prized like aged wine and is often sold for thousands.
2. Bai Hao Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) White Tea
Silver Needle is arguably the most exquisite type of white tea, for this reason, it is also the most popular one. The tea is delicate, refreshing and sweet. It is best to drink this tea by not mixing with pungent foods as the flavor is quite soft.
3. Long Jing (Dragon Well) Green Tea
A crowd favorite as well as one of the personal favorites amongst Chinese green teas. Refreshing, unmistakably sweet, with a soft chestnut aroma. This tea has been presented as a tribute to emperors and notable visitors to China for many generations.
4. Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail of Spring) Green Tea
When of good quality, this green tea is highly prized. Not only does it have a fantastic taste, but the “snail-like” shape is also a treat for the eyes. It’s mellow, smooth, sweet, floral, and fruity. All in one tea!
5. Wuyi Rock Oolong Teas
The history of this tea dates back many centuries, and it is produced only in small quantities each year. You will most likely not find this tea in your local shops. However it is a favorite amongst many tea connoisseurs. Tasting the roasted, mineral taste, you will have no question why.
6. Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess) Oolong Tea
This particular tea is named after one of the famous Buddhist deities. Producing it requires a difficult and sophisticated process, yet the end product is an exquisitely sweet and floral tea.
7. Lapsang Souchong Black Tea
Black teas are known as “red tea” in China and many people trying a Chinese black tea for the first time are surprised that it doesn’t have the characteristic bitter taste of most Black teas we find in the west (a majority of which come from India). Lapsang Souchong, also known as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, is the oldest black tea in the world. The brew is continuously smooth with notes of honey and caramel, and without the slightest hint of astringency.
Did we miss some teas that are now easy to find around the world? And do you agree with why these are the world’s most popular Chinese teas? Or do you have some favorites of your own? Let us know in the comments below!