Culture in Every Sip
Chris Isidore
| 30-08-2024
· Information Team
In Europe, the French love of coffee and the British love of tea form a sharp contrast.
This phenomenon is not just a simple difference in beverage preferences but also a reflection of deep history, culture, and national character.

The Historical Background

Tea originated in China and became a popular drink in China as early as the Western Jin Dynasty(266–316). With the development of global trade, tea was gradually introduced to Europe through Asia.
In the 16th century, Europeans first heard about the magical effects of tea. Although Portuguese and Italian scholars were the first to introduce tea to Europe, it was the Dutch who successfully brought tea to Europe.
In 1602, the Netherlands established the East India Company and introduced tea to Europe. By the mid-17th century, tea had become a common drink in the Netherlands and gradually spread to Britain.
In contrast, coffee entered Europe relatively late. Coffee was first popular in the Arab world, where it was promoted for medicinal purposes. At the end of the 16th century, Venetian merchants began introducing coffee to Europe.
This mysterious oriental drink quickly became popular among the European upper class. Although coffee was expensive, its unique aroma and refreshing effect gradually made it popular throughout Europe, especially in France.

The Deep Connection Between Franch and Coffee

The relationship between France and coffee can be traced back to the end of the 17th century. At that time, the Turkish ambassador Suleiman Agha promoted coffee in France and successfully introduced the drink to French aristocratic society.
Over time, coffee became a part of daily life in France and formed a unique coffee culture. Parisian cafés became important places for social, cultural, and political exchanges.
Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot often discussed ideological and political issues in cafés. Cafés even played an important role in the French Revolution, becoming centres for revolutionaries to gather and communicate.
The French love for coffee is not only reflected in their drinking habits but is also integrated into their lifestyle. French coffee culture emphasizes mood and environment, and many cafés in Paris are historical sites. Whether during festivals or in daily life, coffee symbolizes the French pursuit of quality life.

Britain's Deep Connection with Tea

Tea was introduced to Britain in the mid-17th century and was initially popular only among the aristocracy. Because tea was expensive, only a few could enjoy it.
However, as the tea trade expanded and prices fell, tea gradually became popular in Britain. By the early 18th century, tea had permeated British society and became as popular as coffee. The emergence of teahouses provided the British with a place to socialize and relax, and British afternoon tea culture gradually took shape.
The British love for tea is not only due to its taste but also because tea is closely related to British social etiquette and culture. British tea culture emphasizes elegance and calmness, and tea is seen as a drink that brings tranquillity and comfort. British afternoon tea culture has become an international symbol, reflecting the British attention to the details of life.

The Influence of National Character

The difference between France and Britain in the choice of drinks is also closely related to the national character of the two countries. The French are known for their romance, passion, and enthusiasm, which make them more receptive to coffee, a drink that refreshes and inspires.
Coffee not only keeps people awake but also stimulates creativity, fitting the French lifestyle. Whether in thought, culture, or social occasions, coffee is an important medium for the French to express themselves and pursue a quality life.
The British, on the other hand, are more calm, introverted, and conservative. These characteristics make them more inclined to choose tea, a drink that brings calmness and relaxation.
British tea culture emphasizes etiquette and order, and tea is considered a drink that helps people stay calm and rational. The way the British drink tea also reflects their unique personality, as they often add milk and sugar to make the taste milder and more layered.
This difference is not just a matter of beverage preference but also a deep reflection of the national character of the two countries. The calmness and elegance of tea align with the calm British character, while the intensity and passion of coffee complement the enthusiasm of the French.
Whether it is coffee or tea, these two drinks have become deeply integrated into their respective cultures, making them an indispensable part of France and the United Kingdom.