Russian Culture: Drinking Tea

When American and Western people think of Russians and their drinking habits, 9 out of 10 people immediately think “vodka”. Many are surprised to find out that Russians are very passionate about tea-drinking and are drinking more tea than British people. So if you go to Russia to visit your Russian bride, expect to have a lot of tea with her, her family and her friends.

Tea was brought to Russia from China in the 17th century and since then Russian people fell in love with this drink. Believe it or not, tea is the most popular beverage in the country and is closely associated with Russian traditions and culture.

Many Russians still use Samovar (a metal urn with a spigot at the base) to boil water and brew tea. So if you see a strange looking urn-shaped object on your Russian bride’s table, don’t freak out. It is just samovar. Make sure you show her your knowledge on Russian culture and tell her what you know about Russian’s tea drinking habits.

When Russians drink tea, they are rarely having just tea. No, I have to disappoint you; they don’t add vodka to it. If someone invites you to drink tea, expect to have some kind of pastry, cake or appetizers with it.

Also, if somebody invited you for “tea”, it is a good idea to bring something with you. A cake or a box of chocolates will do. It is expected that you bring something, so impress your Russian bride with your knowledge of customs and traditions. If both of you are going to visit her friends for “tea”, tell her that you would like to buy something for the hosts. It is expected that you do that. Also, remember that she expects that you pay for it. Feminism is not appreciated in the Russian culture, so Russian women expect that man always pays for them.

If you don’t like tea, unfortunately, you have to suck it up and drink it anyway. If you refuse to have tea, it will show lack of respect to the hosts. Make sure you finish it also. Good manners are crucial when you are dating a Russian lady.

Relax, you will not have to drink tea all your life if you get married to a Russian. She will never force you and she will not get offended if you don’t like tea (after you are married or if you’ve been dating for a long time). But remember that teas have many health benefits, so it is not a bad idea to start a new habit.