Nio Tea's Tea Expert's Top Five Food Pairings To Go With Every Type Of Tea

Now you can elevate the taste of your brew with these complimentary snacks!

Key Points:

Tea expert Arthur Gautier matches five teas with their perfect food pairing

Expert discusses how to match black and iced tea, as well as matcha, green tea and gyokuro

Expert explains how to match tea profiles, including examples of foods that shouldn’t be paired with these teas

Just as with wine, a good tea tastes even better when paired with the right meal or snack. “The complimenting or contrasting flavors enhance both the tea and the food,” says Arthur Gautier of Nio Teas, a premium brand specialising in high-quality Japanese green teas.

Here, Arthur pairs five teas with the snack or meal that best compliments them.

Black Tea With A Kick

Pairings:

Hearty Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and sausages

Rich Meats: Roast beef or lamb

Decadent Desserts: Chocolate cake or scones with clotted cream

Spicy Dishes: Thai curries or spicy pasta

Fruity Treats: Lemon cake or fruit tarts

Why It Works: Black tea's robust flavors beautifully complement rich and savory foods, providing a balance that enhances both. Its strong tannins cut through the richness of meats and desserts, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next bite. The slight bitterness in black tea contrasts wonderfully with sweet desserts, highlighting their sweetness without overpowering them.

Ice Cold Flavour

Pairings:

Light Salads: Greek salad with feta and olives

Grilled Meats: Burgers or BBQ chicken

Heavy Pasta Dishes: Creamy fettuccine Alfredo

Spicy Snacks: Nachos with jalapeños

Fruity Desserts: Peach cobbler or berry tart

Why It Works: Iced tea is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a wide range of foods. Its refreshing qualities cool you down, especially after heavier dishes or spicy flavors. “The subtle sweetness of iced tea complements salads and grilled meats,” says Arthur. “It’s a perfect counterbalance to rich, creamy pasta dishes, cutting through the heaviness.”

Matcha Magic

Pairings:

Sweet Treats: Mochi or wagashi (Japanese sweets)

Creamy Desserts: Frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream

Fruity Combos: Bananas or citrus fruits like oranges

Subtle Chocolates: White chocolate or cocoa powder

Nutty Enhancements: Black sesame seeds

Why It Works: Matcha’s unique bitterness pairs beautifully with subtle sweetness, creating a delightful balance that enhances both elements. The tea's earthy notes bring out the best in sweet companions; pairing matcha with soft, sweet treats like mochi or wagashi provides a satisfying contrast. 

Meanwhile, citrus fruits heighten matcha's natural flavors, elevating the tea’s natural taste.

A Touch Of Green

Pairings:

Seafood Dishes: Sushi or sashimi

Japanese Fare: Ramen or tempura

Spicy Meals: Thai chili vegetable rice

Light Grains: Quinoa or brown rice salads

Vegetable Medleys: Grilled asparagus or sautéed spinach

Why It Works: Green tea’s grassy and slightly bitter profile pairs exquisitely with umami-rich foods, particularly seafood. The tea’s refreshing taste enhances the natural flavors of lighter dishes, making it a staple in Japanese cuisine. 

Green tea’s balance of acidity and sweetness works in harmony with spicy meals, offering a refreshing contrast. “It’s also often used as a palate cleanser between courses,” says Arthur. 

The Art Of Pairing Gyokuro

Pairings:

Shellfish: Sake-steamed oysters or shrimp cocktails

Savory Cheeses: Parmesan or goat cheese

Fresh Vegetables: Tomatoes, peas, or spinach

Decadent Sweets: Dark chocolate desserts

Delicate Soups: Miso or vegetable broth

Why It Works: Gyokuro’s deep umami flavor and sweet notes make it a luxurious pairing for sophisticated dishes. Its rich complexity shines alongside savory foods, highlighting the freshness of vegetables and the delicate flavors of seafood. The tea’s naturally sweet and grassy tones can enhance the savoriness of cheeses and decadent chocolates, creating a delightful contrast. “With its refined profile and rarity, gyokuro is perfect for special occasions,” says Arthur.

Arthur Gautier of Nio Teas commented: “Pairing tea with food is all about finding that sweet spot where both shine. Start by considering the tea’s profile, its aroma and taste, to guide your choices." 

Arthur went on to explain: ""Each tea has distinct characteristics, like the floral notes in oolong or the earthy richness of pu-erh. Oolong’s complexity makes it a great partner for savory dishes like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, while the boldness of pu-erh can stand up to hearty dishes such as stews or barbecued meats.

“In contrast to the perfect pairings we’ve covered above, some pairings really just don’t jive. For instance, pairing black tea with super sweet desserts is really not a good idea; the bitterness of the tea can clash with the dessert and confuse your taste buds. 

"Similarly, pairing green tea with heavy, greasy foods can mask its subtle flavours. Pairing delicate teas with spicy or heavily seasoned dishes can overwhelm their lighter notes, and creamy foods can mute the crispness of green tea.”

You can learn  more and order your teas here https://nioteas.com.

Savouring Tradition: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Tea Culture Across the Globe

Tea, an apparently humble beverage with a storied past, has woven itself into the very fabric of cultures around the world. 

From its origins in ancient China to its ceremonial significance in Japan and its quintessential place in British society, tea has traversed continents and epochs, leaving an indelible mark on history and culture. Join me on a journey as we delve into the fascinating history and cultural significance of tea across the globe.

The Origins of Tea:

The story of tea begins in ancient China, where, according to legend, the Emperor Shen Nong discovered its invigorating properties over 5,000 years ago. Initially consumed for its medicinal benefits, tea gradually evolved into a cultural symbol, celebrated for its delicate flavours and calming effects. By the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE), tea had become an integral part of Chinese society, with elaborate tea ceremonies and rituals flourishing among the aristocracy and scholars.

Tea Spreads Across Asia:

From China, tea cultivation and consumption spread across Asia, taking root in countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Each culture infused tea with its own unique traditions and customs, giving rise to diverse tea ceremonies and brewing techniques. In Japan, the ritualized preparation and serving of matcha, a powdered green tea, became central to Zen Buddhism and the Japanese way of life. Meanwhile, in Korea, tea culture embraced simplicity and elegance, with a focus on preserving the natural essence of the tea leaves.

The British Love Affair with Tea:

Tea's journey westward took a pivotal turn in the 17th century when Portuguese and Dutch traders introduced it to Europe. However, it was the British who would ultimately embrace tea with unparalleled fervour, making it an integral part of their national identity. 

In the 18th century, tea became a symbol of refinement and social status among the British aristocracy, with lavish tea parties and afternoon tea rituals becoming de rigueur. The East India Company's monopoly on tea imports further fueled Britain's tea craze, leading to the rise of tea gardens and tea houses across the country.

Tea Today:

Today, tea continues to be cherished and celebrated around the world, transcending boundaries of culture and geography. From the bustling streets of Mumbai, where chai wallahs serve steaming cups of spiced tea, to the tranquil tea plantations of Sri Lanka, where the delicate aroma of Ceylon tea fills the air, tea remains an integral part of daily life for millions of people. Moreover, the global popularity of tea has led to a renaissance of tea culture, with specialty teas and artisanal blends gaining popularity among connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

In an ever-changing world, tea stands as a timeless symbol of tradition, community, and connection. Its rich history and cultural significance serve as a reminder of the enduring power of simple pleasures and shared rituals. So, the next time you brew a cup of tea, take a moment to savor not just the taste, but the centuries of history and culture that are infused within every leaf. Cheers to tea, a beverage that continues to unite and delight us all.