Our co-founder, Dr. Andrew Weil, always says he’d like to see more of a tea culture in the United States, but what does that actually mean? And how is tea culture different from coffee culture? Let’s find out!
Tea and coffee are more than just beverages- they’re cultural cornerstones steeped in centuries of human history. They both have passionate followings, but if you take a closer look, they represent two very different approaches to life.
A tale of two histories
Tea:
According to legend, tea originated in China around 2700 BCE when leaves from a wild plant drifted into Emperor Shen Nong’s pot boiling water. Tea became embedded in both Chinese society and traditional medicine. Around the 3rd century, tea became more widely used, and the processing and cultivation of tea really began.
Over time, tea made its way to Japan, where it became central to Japanese tea ceremonies, which were heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. In India, during British colonization, tea became a part of daily life, and Assam and Darjeeling plantations abounded.
Eventually, tea’s influence spread worldwide, and it is now the most consumed beverage after water.
Coffee:
Coffee’s origin story also begins with a legend. Around 850 CE in Ethiopia, a goat herder named Kaldi is said to have noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating berries from a nearby tree. Around the 15th century, coffee plants were transported to Yemen, where Sufi monks were among the first to brew coffee as a way to stay alert during long nights of prayer.
Coffee houses first appeared in the Islamic world, becoming centers of music, chess, storytelling, and political discourse. Coffee became especially popular in Turkey and from there spread to the Ottoman Empire. By the 17th century, coffee had reached Europe, where it became known as the “drink of enlightenment,” which fueled the intellectual revolutions of the time. This was the start of the coffee and café culture we know and recognize today.
How their cultures differ
Tea often symbolizes stillness, precision, and mindfulness. For example, in Japanese tea ceremonies, every act is deliberate, intentional, and born out of deep respect and awareness. Specific etiquette is required, tea ceremonies are calm and quiet, and each sip of matcha is meant to be savored and enjoyed. In China, gongfu tea ceremonies are an art of timing, temperature, and technique. Tea is brewed slowly and presented and prepared with practiced techniques. The goal is not speed, but rather to enjoy the nuances of fine tea. Even in the UK, afternoon tea has become a revered tradition and a moment to pause.
On the other hand, coffee is fast-paced, energizing, and stimulating. In Italy, espresso is consumed quickly at a bar and is meant to provide a quick jolt of energy, and lingering is discouraged. In the U.S., coffee is closely tied with “hustle” culture- think drinking coffee in a to-go mug on your morning commute.
However, this isn’t true everywhere. In Turkey, coffee is brewed and sipped slowly and enjoyed over conversation. In Scandinavian countries, drinking coffee is often used as a way to take a break and socialize.
Teahouse vs Coffeehouse
Traditional teahouses in China and Japan are often peaceful, quiet, and minimal. They’re meant to be a space of contemplation and are often surrounded by nature. Teahouses are meant to help you slow down and connect inward. Interestingly, they also served as a socially acceptable place for women to gather without their husbands.
Even in modern-day teahouses, the ambiance tends to favor more minimalism and calm.
Coffeehouses have long been hubs of creativity, debate, and revolution. From London to Paris to Boston, coffeehouses offered a space where artists, philosophers, and politicians could gather and exchange ideas. Coffeehouses became the unofficial headquarters for political unrest and intellectual rebellion, and, in part, fueled both the French and American revolutions.
What this means for us today
In today’s fast-paced world, drinking tea is almost a rejection of hustle culture. It’s slowing down, self-care, and living with intentionality. Tea embodies a preference for presence over productivity, almost as a rejection of capitalism. The rise of “wellness” has given new life to tea culture here in the U.S., where we’ve long favored coffee.
On the other hand, coffee culture still has a bit of an edge. People drink it late at night or early in the morning for a quick boost of creativity. Coffee pairs well with cigarettes, hangovers, and looming deadlines. It’s fuel for the restless.
Even in today’s coffee culture, with the rise of single-origin beans, sweetened lattes, and carefully curated roasts, coffee is still the beverage of momentum. It’s not about wellness; it’s about movement.
Embracing more of a tea culture in the United States could look like valuing rest as much as we do output. It could mean making time for small rituals and mindfulness practices. It’s a softer and more gentle way of interacting with the world.
Bottom Line:
It’s hard to escape the grip of our fast-paced world. One that’s always asking us to be more, faster, better. Coffee, in many ways, has become the mascot of hustle culture: all speed, drive, and stimulation. But embracing tea culture can offer something a bit different. Tea culture encourages slowing down, taking a breath, and gently untangling your self-worth from your productivity. It reminds us that rest is not laziness, and softness is not weakness.
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
