Indian chai ka nukkad or street tea stall is a social hub. A quick break spent here is sometimes the best part of an Indian's day.
More glorified versions of the corner tapri-wallah are the tea rooms that existed and still exist in the big metros of India.
Like India, chai is a ceremony in many places across the world -- dedicated spaces where tea takes centre stage. Especially in China and Japan. And Britain invented The Afternoon Tea.
Set in the heart of Yu Garden, Huxinting offers a glimpse into old-world China. With intricate wood carvings, lattice windows, this unique structure is perched above a pond. It is reached via the zigzagging Jiuqu Bridge. The tea house is even more magical at night when the garden glows with lanterns.
Tea at The Ritz is a venerable London tradition. Daintily bite into wee crustless sandwiches, nibble on scones with Cornish clotted cream and have piping hot tea in the timeless, elegant Brit way.
Adhering to Japan's belief in the sophisitication of simplicity, the 17th century chashitsu or tea house is a quiet masterpiece of Japanese tea culture.
Another very classy British Mayfair chai experience, they take pride in their mostly unchanged menu, featuring Scottish salmon, fruit tarts, scones, a bewildering array of tea and much ritual. A champagne afternoon tea will set you back £ 115.
This snobby Taj lounge, facing the gracious Gateway of India, has seen so much since it opened at least 70 years ago. A top Bombay address to have tea, cake, Indian snacks, Viennoise ice cream, while a piano tinkles in the background, it has colonial allure.
In its new avatar, its all glass and pinkness. Originally it was easily one of India's most atmospheric tea rooms, offering olde world charm, where amongst simple surroundings you could have a cup of tea, pastries and watch the world go by.
The Taiwanese tea house looks like a scene from a movie. It sits on a hill with beautiful views of the coast and mountains. Red lanterns, wooden decor, oodles of cosiness, come here for your most memorable cup of Taiwan’s local oolong tea.
Reached by a scenic mountain hike, the tea house named for Canada's first First Lady sits by a glacial lake at 2,135 m. It's rustic, and completely off-the-grid. Serving over 100 types of tea, it’s the best reward for adventurers looking to enjoy a hot cup along with breathtaking alpine views.
Tea has been served here for 300 plus years, first to the Fortnum family (it was their apartment) along with egg 'n' cress finger or smoked trout or ham or coronation chicken sandwiches, patisserie cakes, scones topped with jam/clotted cream/lemon or orange curd. Choose between Afternoon Tea, Savoury Afternoon Tea and High Tea.