Kuan Tea House

Tea Culture

Tea Culture

Tea is prepared and shared differently everywhere — a Chinese gongfu session, a Japanese tea ceremony, a British afternoon tea are all tea, and all different. These articles explain what each tradition involves and what a guest can actually expect.

A traditional tea ceremony setting with a ceramic teapot and cups

Chinese Tea Ceremony vs Japanese Tea Ceremony

One is a craft built around the leaf, the other a ritual built around the moment — what each involves and what to expect as a guest.
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Bright green matcha powder being whisked in a tea bowl

What Is Matcha and How Is It Different From Green Tea?

Whole leaf, whisked, drunk — what makes matcha different from steeped green tea, and why not every green powder qualifies.
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A tiered afternoon tea stand with scones and small cakes

British Afternoon Tea vs High Tea: What's the Difference?

One is a delicate social ritual; the other is dinner. The history behind the mix-up and what to expect at each.
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