Definition of tea shop

The term "tea shop" refers to a business establishment that primarily sells and serves tea-based beverages, including traditional teas, infusions, and herbal tisanes. The origins of this term can be traced back to early times when tea did not enjoy widespread consumption outside of China and other East Asian countries. However, the word "chayan" (茶宴)—meaning "tea gathering" or "tea party"—was used as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) in reference to social events where tea-drinking was the focal point. The first tea shops as we know them today emerged during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in China, where tea was increasingly consumed as a beverage and "tea houses" (茶屋) became popular gathering places for literati and scholars. Similar establishments also emerged during the same time in Japan, where tea culture was deeply intertwined with Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony became an art form in its own right. The term "tea shop" gained popularity in the Western world during the 19th century, as tea became increasingly fashionable among the upper classes of Europe and North America. Early tea shops in places like London, Paris, and New York City doubled as social hubs, especially for women who were not allowed in coffee houses, and often featured new and exotic tea blends from emerging global trading networks. In contemporary times, the concept of the tea shop has expanded beyond traditional tea to include a wide variety of tea-based drinks and incorporating a broader range of ingredients such as fruit, herbs, and milk. Today, tea shops are found in almost every city around the world, catering to a diverse range of tastes and cultures.