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{{Short description|Cafe-type business serving tea}}
{{Redirect|Tearoom}}
{{About||the Chinese play|Teahouse (play)|the help space for new Wikipedia editors|:Wikipedia:Teahouse|and|selfref=yes}}

{{more citations needed|date=February 2024}}
[[File:Tea room with interior decoration, Shantytown Historical Park, New Zealand.jpg|thumb|Tea served in a tea room at the [[Shantytown Heritage Park]] in New Zealand]]
[[File:Tea house in Moscow.JPG|thumb|Tea house in [[Moscow]], 2017]]
A '''teahouse'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/teahouse|title=Definition of 'teahouse'|work=collinsdictionary.com}}</ref> or '''tearoom''' (also '''tea room''') is an establishment which primarily serves [[tea]] and other light refreshments. A tea room may be a room set aside in a hotel, especially for serving [[afternoon tea]], or may be an establishment that only serves [[cream tea]]. Although the function of a tea room may vary according to the circumstance or country, tea houses often serve as centers of [[social interaction]], like [[coffeehouse|coffee house]]s.

Some cultures have a variety of distinct tea-centered establishments of different types, depending on the national [[tea culture]]. For example, the British or American tea room serves [[Tea (meal)#Afternoon tea|afternoon tea]] with a variety of small snacks.

==East Asia==
[[File:Yu Yuan.JPG|thumb|A teahouse at night in Yu Yuan Garden, [[Shanghai]]]]
[[File:Chaikhaneh (4268013549).jpg|thumbnail|A {{Transliteration|fa|chaikhaneh}} (teahouse) in [[Yazd]]]]
{{See also|Chinese tea culture|Hong Kong tea culture|Taiwanese tea culture|Chashitsu|Ochaya}}

Throughout [[China]] and [[Japan]], a teahouse ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: {{lang|zh|茶館}}, {{Transliteration|zh|cháguăn}} or {{lang|zh|茶屋}}, {{Transliteration|zh|cháwū}}; [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{nihongo||茶屋|chaya}}; [[Nepali language|Standard Nepali]]: ''chiya ghar'' ({{lang|ne|चिया घर}})) is traditionally a place which offers tea to its customers. People gather at teahouses to chat, socialize and enjoy tea, and young people often meet at teahouses for dates. The Guangdong (Cantonese) style teahouse is particularly famous outside of China, especially in Nepal's Himalayas. These teahouses, called {{Transliteration|zh|chálou}} ({{lang|zh|茶樓}}) serve [[dim sum]] ({{lang|zh|點心}}), and these small plates of food are enjoyed alongside tea.

Before tea was used as a social drink, Buddhist monks drank it to aid their meditation.<ref>Laudan, Rachel. ''Cuisine and Empire: Cooking in World History''. University of California Press, 2015.</ref> During the Chinese adaptation of Buddhism between 200 C.E. and 850 C.E., tea was introduced as a medicinal herb. It was then evolved to assist Buddhist monks in their meditation by providing the energy needed to stay awake (likely via the effects of caffeine as a stimulant on the brain). Soon after that, tea was popularized as a commonplace beverage, replacing the previously consumed milk- and water-based beverages and Chinese teahouses provided a new kind of social life for the Chinese during the 8th-9th centuries C.E.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Cuisine and Empire|last=Laudan|first=Rachel|publisher=University of California Press|year=2013|isbn=978-0-520-28631-3|location=Berkeley and Los Angeles, California|page=122}}</ref>

According to [[Japan]]ese cultural tradition, a teahouse ordinarily refers to a private structure designed for holding [[Japanese tea ceremony|Japanese tea ceremonies]]. This structure and specifically the room in it where the tea ceremony takes place is called {{nihongo3|literally "tea room"|茶室|chashitsu}}. The architectural space called {{Transliteration|ja|chashitsu}} was created for aesthetic and intellectual fulfillment.

During the [[Edo period]], the term "teahouse" came to refer to the place where [[geisha]] would entertain their clients or as a place where couples seeking privacy could go.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} In this case, the establishment was referred to as an {{Transliteration|ja|ochaya}}, literally meaning "tea house"; however, these establishments only served tea incidentally. Though the usage of the term {{Transliteration|ja|chaya}} for teahouses in the modern sense is now considered archaic - with modern tearooms known as {{Transliteration|ja|[[kissaten]]}}, serving tea as well as coffee - the term {{Transliteration|ja|ochaya}} is still used in [[Kyoto]] to refer to the establishments where geisha perform and entertain clients.<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Crihfield |first=Liza |date=1976 |title=The institution of geisha in modern Japanese society |type=book |page=304 |publisher=University Microfilms International |oclc=695191203}}</ref>

==Southeast Asia==
[[File:Myanmar Tea House Food.jpg|thumb|Burmese tea house accompaniments]]
In Myanmar, teahouses known as {{Transliteration|my|laphetyay saing}} ({{lang|my|လက်ဖက်ရည်ဆိုင်}}), formerly known as {{Transliteration|my|kaka saing}} ({{lang|my|ကာကာဆိုင်}}), are a staple of urban centers throughout the country. These teahouses, which first emerged during the British colonial era, serve [[milk tea]] and a variety of delicacies ranging from native dishes like {{Transliteration|my|[[mohinga]]}} to Indian fritters (such as {{Transliteration|pa|[[paratha]]}} and {{Transliteration|sa|[[Puri (food)|puri]]}}) or Chinese pastries (such as {{Transliteration|zh|[[baozi]]}} and {{Transliteration|zh|[[youtiao]]}}).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/tea-shops-yangon.html|title=Tea shops IN YANGON|work=The Myanmar Times|access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref> Tea shops have traditionally served as venues akin to conversational [[salon (gathering)|salon]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freemuse.org/news/myanmarburma-music-under-siege/|title=Myanmar/Burma: Music under siege - Freemuse|website=freemuse.org|access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref>

==South Asia==
In [[Pakistan]], the prominent [[Pak Tea House]] is an intellectual [[Tea in Pakistan|tea]]–[[café]] located in [[Lahore]] known as the hub of [[Progressive Writers' Movement]].

==Central and West Asia==
In Central Asia, the term "teahouse" refers to several variations on teahouses found in different countries; these include the {{Transliteration|kk|shayhana}} in [[Kazakhstan]], {{Transliteration|ky|chaykhana}} in [[Kyrgyzstan]] and {{Transliteration|uz|choyxona}} in [[Uzbekistan]], all of which translate as "a tea room". In [[Tajikistan]], the largest teahouses are the Orient Teahouse, Chinese Teahouse, and Orom Teahouse in the city of [[Isfara]]. On the 15th anniversary of the independence of Tajikistan, the people of Isfara presented the Isfara Teahouse to the city of [[Kulyab]] for its 2700th anniversary in September 2006.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} Teahouses are present in other parts of West Asia, notably in [[Iran]] and also [[Turkey]]. Such teahouses may be referred to, in [[Persian Language|Persian]], as {{Transliteration|fa|chai-khaneh}}, or in [[Turkish language|Turkish]], {{lang|tr|çayhane}} - literally, the "house of tea". These teahouses usually serve several beverages in addition to tea.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

In [[Arab countries]] such as [[Egypt]], establishments that serve tea, coffee and [[herbal tea]]s like [[hibiscus tea]] are referred to as {{Transliteration|ar|ahwa}} or {{Transliteration|ar|maqha}} ({{lang|ar|مقهى}}) and are more commonly translated into English as "[[coffeehouse]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hummusisyummus.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/my-life-in-the-ahwa/ |title=Ahwa's in Egypt |publisher=Hummusisyummus.wordpress.com |date=2007-10-31 |access-date=2012-03-08}}</ref>

==Europe==
===Britain===
{{Main|Tea in the United Kingdom}}

Tea drinking is a pastime closely associated with the English.<ref name="miaminewtimes2002">{{cite web |author=Pamela Robin Brandt |date=2002-10-17 |title=Restaurant Reviews {{!}} Tea for View, View for Tea |url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2002-10-17/restaurants/tea-for-view-view-for-tea/ |access-date=2012-03-08 |publisher=Miaminewtimes.com}}</ref> A female manager of London's [[Aerated Bread Company]] is credited with creating the bakery's first public tearoom in 1864,<ref name="victorian">[[Alfred Rosling Bennett|Rosling-Bennett, Alfred]]. ''London and Londoners in the 1850s and 1860s''. 1924. As quoted in Jackson, Lee. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=GEswrOisKB0C&dq=%22A+Dictionary+of+Victorian+London:+An+A-Z+of+the+Great+Metropolis%22&pg=PP1 A Dictionary of Victorian London: An A-Z of the Great Metropolis]''. Anthem Press. 2006. p. 288. {{ISBN|1-84331-230-1}}</ref> which became a thriving chain.<ref>{{cite book|last=Chrystal|first=Paul|title=Tea: A Very British Beverage|date=2014|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited|isbn=978-1445633497}}</ref> Tea rooms were part of the growing opportunities for [[women in the Victorian era]].

In the UK today, a tea room is a small room or restaurant where beverages and light meals are served, often having a sedate or subdued atmosphere. [[Tea (meal)|The food served]] can range from a [[cream tea]] (also known as Devonshire tea), i.e., a [[scone (bread)|scone]] with [[jam]] and [[clotted cream]]; to an elaborate [[tea (meal)#Afternoon tea|afternoon tea]] featuring [[tea sandwich]]es and small cakes; to a [[high tea]], a savoury meal. In [[Scotland]], teas are usually served with a variety of scones, [[pancake]]s, [[crumpet]]s, and other cakes. There is a long tradition of tea rooms within London hotels, for example, at [[Brown's Hotel]] at 33 [[Albemarle Street]], which has been serving tea in its tea room for over 170 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/browns-hotel/restaurants-and-bars/english-tea-room/ |title=Brown's Hotel|publisher=Brown's Hotel |access-date=2012-03-08}}</ref>

In a related usage, a tea room may be a room set aside in a workplace for relaxation and eating during [[break (work)|tea breaks]]. Traditionally this was served by a [[tea lady]], not to be confused with a [[dinner lady]].

====Commonwealth====
Tea rooms are popular in Commonwealth countries, particularly [[Canada]], with its harsh winters when afternoon tea is popular. The menu will generally have similar foods to the UK, but with the addition sometimes of [[butter tarts]] or other small desserts like [[nanaimo bars]] or [[pets de sœurs]]. Tea is commonly consumed in other Commonwealth countries alone or in the British fashion.

===Elsewhere===
[[File:Tea house in winter. Machiko, Madeira, Portugal.jpg|thumb|Tea house in winter. Machiko, Madeira, Portugal]]
[[File:Berlin belvedere schlossgarten charlottenburg 01 20080423.JPG|thumb|[[End view]] of the teahouse "belvedere" of the [[Charlottenburg Palace]], Berlin]]

In France, a tea room is called [[:fr:Salon de thé|Salon de thé]], and pastries and cakes are served. It seems that having a separate teahouse was a tradition in many European countries.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}

In the Czech Republic, the tea room culture has been spreading since the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and today, there are nearly 400 tea rooms<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cajik.cz/#start|title=ajk – seznam ajoven a obchod ajem|work=cajik.cz|language=Czech}}</ref> (čajovny) in the country (more than 50 just in Prague), which is according to some sources<ref>{{cite web|url=http://life.ihned.cz/cestovani/c1-48492650-cesko-je-zemi-s-nejvetsi-koncentraci-cajoven-na-svete-kam-na-dobry-caj-zajit|title=esko je zem snejvt koncentrac ajoven na svt. Kam na dobr aj zajt?|work=Hospodsk noviny|date=7 December 2010|language=Czech}}</ref> Europe's largest concentration of tea rooms per capita.

In Kosovo, there are teahouses known as "çajtore".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prishtinainsight.com/guide-tea-time-prishtina-mag/|title=A guide to teatime in Prishtina|work=Prishtinainsight.com|date=21 February 2018 }}</ref>

==Relationship to 19th-century temperance movement==
The popularity of the tea room rose as an alternative to the pub in the UK and US during the [[temperance movement]] in the 1830s. The form developed in the late nineteenth century, as [[Catherine Cranston]] opened the first of what became a chain of ''Miss Cranston's Tea Rooms'' in [[Glasgow]], Scotland, and similar establishments became popular throughout Scotland. In the 1880s, fine hotels in both the United States and England began to offer tea service in tea rooms and tea courts, and by 1910 they had begun to host afternoon tea dances as dance crazes swept both the US and the UK. Tea rooms of all kinds were widespread in Britain by the 1950s. In the following decades, cafés became more fashionable, and tea rooms became less common.

==Other meanings and related words==
[[Image:Vantaa Viinikka - ForsmanTea - 2m.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Forsman Tea, the largest tea shop in [[Finland]] in terms of sales volume, located in [[Vantaa]].]]

The term "tea shop" may also refer to a retail shop selling dry tea to take home. Dry tea (first, as loose leaves, and then in [[teabag]]s) used to be sold at [[Grocery store#Early history|grocers' shops]], and now mainly at supermarkets. One of the oldest shops that still specialises in selling tea for consumption at home is [[Twinings]], which has been operating from the same premises in [[central London]] since it opened in 1706. In South African English, "tearoom" is a synonym for "café" or small local grocer's shop.<ref>{{cite web|title= tearoom, noun|url=https://dsae.co.za/entry/tearoom/e07097|publisher=Dictionary Unit for South African English}}</ref>

In the workplace, the term ''tea room'' ("break room" in North America) is a room set aside for employees to relax, specifically a [[break (work)|work break]] refreshment. Traditionally, a staff member serving hot drinks and snacks at a factory or office was called a [[tea lady]], although this position is now almost defunct.

Tea is a prominent feature of [[British culture]] and society.<ref>{{cite news|title=A very British beverage: Why us Brits just love a cuppa|url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/food/529175/Why-Brits-love-a-cup-of-tea|agency=Express|date=23 September 2016}}</ref> For centuries, Britain has been one of the world's greatest tea consumers, and now consumes an average ''per capita'' of 1.9&nbsp;kg (4.18&nbsp;lbs) per year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Food Balance Sheets|url=http://faostat3.fao.org/home/index.html#DOWNLOAD|publisher=Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of tea houses]]
* [[Public house]]
** [[List of public house topics]]

===Eating establishments===
* {{Transliteration|zh|[[Cha chaan teng]]}}, Hong Kong eating establishments (literally "tea restaurant")
* [[Coffeehouse]]
* {{Transliteration|ko|[[Dabang]]}} (Korea), the Korean word for such establishments
* {{lang|bi|[[Nakamal]]}}, a traditional meeting place in [[Vanuatu]], where [[kava]] is drunk

===Other===
* Tea garden, see [[pleasure garden]]
* [[Teahouse scam]], a type of fraud
* ''[[The Teahouse of the August Moon (disambiguation)|The Teahouse of the August Moon]]'', a novel and works derived from it
* {{Transliteration|zh|[[Yum cha]]}} - "going for dim sum", a sort of [[Cantonese people|Cantonese]] brunch
* [[Tea ceremony]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Whitaker, Jan (2002), [https://books.google.com/books?id=76c_H0QMIrAC&q=Tea+at+the+Blue+Lantern+Inn:+A+Social+History+of+the+Tea+Room+Craze+in+America ''Tea at the Blue Lantern Inn: A Social History of the Tea Room Craze in America'']. St. Martin's Press.

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Tea houses}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tea House}}
[[Category:Central Asian cuisine]]
[[Category:British cuisine]]
[[Category:Restaurants by type]]
[[Category:Tea ceremony]]
[[Category:Tea culture]]
[[Category:Tea houses| ]]
[[Category:Tea in East Asia]]
[[Category:West Asian cuisine]]
[[Category:Zen art and culture]]