Teahouse facts for kids
A teahouse or tearoom is a place where people go to drink tea and enjoy small snacks. It can be a special room in a hotel for afternoon tea, or a shop that only serves tea and treats like cream teas. Teahouses are often places where people meet, chat, and spend time together, much like coffeehouses.
Different countries have their own unique tea traditions and types of teahouses. For example, in Britain or America, a tearoom often serves afternoon tea with small cakes and sandwiches.
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Teahouses in Asia
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In countries like China, Japan, and Nepal, a teahouse is a traditional spot where people gather to drink tea. People go there to chat, meet friends, and enjoy their tea. Young people often meet for dates at teahouses too.
The teahouses in Guangdong (a region in China) are very famous. These teahouses, called chálou, serve small dishes of food called dim sum along with tea.
Long ago, Buddhist monks drank tea to help them stay awake during meditation. Tea became popular in China between 200 C.E. and 850 C.E. It was first used as a medicine. Later, it helped monks stay focused. Soon, tea became a common drink for everyone, and Chinese teahouses became important places for social life.
In Japan, a teahouse usually means a special building or room for Japanese tea ceremonies. This room is called chashitsu (茶室, literally "tea room"). It is designed to be a beautiful and peaceful space.
During the Edo period in Japan, the word "teahouse" also referred to places where geisha would entertain guests. These places were called ochaya. Today, modern teahouses are known as kissaten, and they serve both tea and coffee. However, in Kyoto, ochaya is still used for places where geisha perform.
In Myanmar, teahouses are called laphetyay saing. They are very common in cities. These teahouses started during the British colonial time. They serve milk tea and many different foods. You can find local dishes like mohinga, Indian snacks like paratha, or Chinese pastries like baozi. Teahouses have always been places for people to talk and share ideas.
In Central Asia, teahouses have different names, like shayhana in Kazakhstan or choyxona in Uzbekistan. These names all mean "a tea room." In Tajikistan, some of the biggest teahouses are the Orient Teahouse and the Chinese Teahouse in Isfara. Teahouses are also found in Iran and Turkey. In Persian, they are called chay-khaneh, and in Turkish, çayhane. These places often serve other drinks besides tea.
In Arab countries like Egypt, places that serve tea, coffee, and herbal teas are called ahwa or maqha. These are usually translated as "coffeehouse" in English.
In Pakistan, the famous Pak Tea House in Lahore was a popular meeting spot for writers and thinkers.
Teahouses in Europe
Britain
Drinking tea is a very important part of English culture. The first public tearoom in London was opened in 1864 by a woman manager of the Aerated Bread Company. This became a very successful chain. Tearooms offered new opportunities for women in the Victorian era.
Today in the UK, a tearoom is a small restaurant that serves drinks and light meals. They often have a calm and quiet atmosphere. The food can be a simple cream tea (a scone with jam and clotted cream) or a fancy afternoon tea with tea sandwiches and small cakes. In Scotland, teas often come with different kinds of scones, pancakes, and other cakes. Many hotels in London, like Brown's Hotel, have been serving tea in their tearooms for over 170 years. Beautiful tea sets, often made of decorated china, add to the experience.
Sometimes, a "tea room" can also mean a room in a workplace where employees relax and eat during their tea breaks.
Commonwealth Countries
Tearooms are also popular in Commonwealth countries, especially Canada. In Canada, where winters can be cold, afternoon tea is a popular activity. The food served is similar to the UK, but might also include local treats like butter tarts or nanaimo bars.
Other European Countries
In France, a tearoom is called a Salon de thé. They also serve pastries and cakes. Many European countries used to have separate teahouses as a tradition.
In the Czech Republic, teahouse culture has grown a lot since 1989. Today, there are almost 400 teahouses (called čajovny) in the country. More than 50 of them are in Prague alone. This is thought to be the highest number of teahouses per person in Europe.
In Kosovo, teahouses are known as "çajtore".
Teahouses and the Temperance Movement
In the 1800s, teahouses became popular in the UK and US as an alternative to pubs. This happened during the temperance movement, which encouraged people to drink less alcohol. In the 1880s, fancy hotels started offering tea service. By 1910, they even hosted afternoon tea dances. Teahouses were very common in Britain until the 1950s. After that, coffee shops became more fashionable, and teahouses became less common.
Other Meanings of "Tea Shop"
The term "tea shop" can also mean a store that sells dry tea leaves or teabags for people to take home. In the past, tea was sold at grocery stores. Now, it's mostly found in supermarkets. One of the oldest shops that still specializes in selling tea to take home is Twinings in central London. It has been open since 1706.
In South Africa, "tearoom" can also mean a small local grocery store or café.
In a workplace, a "tea room" (or "break room" in North America) is a room where employees can relax during their work breaks.
Tea is a very important part of British culture. For centuries, Britain has been one of the biggest tea drinkers in the world. On average, people in Britain drink about 1.9 kilograms (4.18 pounds) of tea each year.
See also
In Spanish: Casa de té para niños
