Tea vs Coffee: My Journey Through Global Beverage Cultures as an Expat

When I first packed my bags for life abroad, I never imagined that something as simple as my morning cup would become such a window into different cultures. Over the years, bouncing between continents, I’ve watched my own beverage preferences shift and evolve in ways that still surprise me. What began as a straightforward coffee addiction has blossomed into a genuine appreciation for both of the world’s favorite hot drinks.

My Morning Ritual Evolution

Before expat life, I was that person who couldn’t form a coherent sentence before my first cup of coffee. My trusty French press was practically an extension of my arm, and the morning ritual of grinding beans was sacred. Then I landed in the Dominican Republic, and wow – talk about a wake-up call. The coffee there? It’s like comparing a symphony to elevator music. Rich, complex, almost chocolatey. I remember sitting on my balcony in Santo Domingo, cradling that first perfect cup, thinking “So THIS is what coffee is supposed to taste like.”

Cultural Coffee Experiences

Each country I’ve called home has left its mark on my coffee habits:

• Belgium completely ruined me for chain coffee shops. Those cozy cafés with their perfect crema and little speculoos cookies? Pure heaven
• Italy taught me that coffee isn’t meant to be nursed for hours – it’s a quick shot of pure energy, best enjoyed while chatting with strangers at the bar
• In Canada, I developed an embarrassing addiction to Tim Hortons’ Café Moka (yes, I know it’s basically hot chocolate with a caffeine kick, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it on a -20°C morning)
• That coffee plantation visit in Boquete, Panama? Mind-blowing. Watching farmers hand-pick beans while mist rolled through the mountains gave me a whole new respect for my morning brew

The Tea Transformation

Here’s where things get interesting. The girl who once declared tea “just hot leaf water” slowly became… a tea person? Living in Asia will do that to you. My first proper green tea experience in Japan – no milk, no sugar, just pure, grassy goodness – was a revelation. I discovered:

• There’s something almost zen about the whole loose-leaf preparation process (who knew watching leaves unfurl could be so calming?)
• Green tea doesn’t give you the jitters like coffee sometimes does – it’s more like a gentle nudge awake
• Tea time isn’t just about the drink; it’s an excuse to slow down and actually talk to people
• Mixing your own blends with mint from the garden or dried fruits from the local market? Surprisingly addictive

I stumbled across this quote that perfectly captures my tea evolution: “If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, tea will cool you. If you are depressed, tea will cheer you. If you are excited, tea will calm you.” – Gladstone, 1865. Old Gladstone knew what he was talking about.

Finding Balance in Different Countries

One thing expat life teaches you quickly: when in Rome (or Beijing, or Mumbai, or wherever), drink what the Romans drink. I’ve been in business meetings where refusing tea would’ve been like slapping my host in the face. I’ve also been in Latin American homes where not accepting that tiny, potent cup of coffee would’ve been equally offensive. My survival strategy has become:

• Coffee in the morning – because let’s be real, some habits die hard
• Tea in the afternoon – perfect for those post-lunch meetings or catch-ups with friends
• Herbal tea before bed – chamomile has become my sleep signal
• Always, ALWAYS have both on hand for guests – you never know who’s going to show up at your door

Practical Tips for Beverage-Loving Expats

After years of trial and error (and some truly terrible instant coffee experiences), here’s what I’ve learned:

• Splurge on a good travel French press or collapsible pour-over – your taste buds will thank you
• That suitcase space for your favorite tea from home? Worth it. Trust me on this one
• Try the weird stuff – civet coffee, butter tea, whatever the locals swear by. You might hate it, but you’ll have a great story
• Coffee shops and tea houses are goldmines for meeting people. I’ve made some of my best expat friends over a cuppa
• Learn how locals take their drinks. In some places, asking for milk in your coffee marks you as a tourist immediately

The Social Aspect

You want to start a heated debate at an expat gathering? Just ask “tea or coffee?” and watch the fireworks. I’ve seen friendships tested over whether milk goes in first or last in tea. I know people who travel with their own coffee beans because they “can’t trust foreign coffee.” And then there’s my friend who strategically chugs espresso before tedious work calls – her secret weapon against boring presentations.

My Current Preference

So where do I stand now in the great tea vs coffee debate? Honestly? I’m a beverage chameleon. Rainy London morning? Earl Grey with milk. Sweltering afternoon in Bangkok? Iced Thai tea. Need to power through a deadline? Bring on the double espresso. Sunday brunch with friends? Flat white all the way.

I’ve tried going caffeine-free (lasted exactly three days), experimented with matcha lattes (not bad, actually), and even dabbled in mushroom coffee (let’s not talk about that). But at the end of the day, there’s something magical about both drinks. Coffee connects me to productive mornings and animated conversations. Tea links me to peaceful afternoons and thoughtful moments. Living abroad hasn’t made me choose between them – it’s taught me to appreciate both for what they bring to different moments of my expat journey. And really, isn’t that what this whole adventure is about? Expanding our horizons, one cup at a time.