The best teas in the world
The top 3 according to 440 votes from people: Darjeeling first flush (India) · Matcha (Japan) · Gyokuro (Japan). (Updated Dec 3, 2023.)
The world's most celebrated teas, from Darjeeling, the 'champagne of teas', to Taiwanese oolongs and Chinese pu-erh, based on tea guides and specialist tea merchants.
Top 15
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1
Darjeeling first flush (India)
The 'champagne of teas' from the Himalayan foothills, with a muscatel note; first and second flush are prized.
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2
Matcha (Japan)
Shade-grown green tea ground to powder, whisked in the tea ceremony; Uji is the classic origin.
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3
Gyokuro (Japan)
Shaded Japanese green tea, sweet and full of umami.
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4
Taiwan high mountain oolong (Alishan)
Creamy, floral oolong grown above 1,000 m.
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5
Dong Ding oolong (Taiwan)
Roasted Taiwanese oolong from Nantou.
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6
Da Hong Pao (China)
Roasted rock oolong from the Wuyi mountains, with legendary mother bushes.
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7
Longjing / Dragon Well (China)
Pan-fired flat green tea from Hangzhou's West Lake.
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8
Keemun (China)
Smooth Chinese black tea with a hint of smoke and cocoa.
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9
Pu-erh (China)
Fermented and aged tea from Yunnan, sold in pressed cakes.
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10
Assam (India)
Malty, strong black tea, the base of English breakfast blends.
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11
Tieguanyin (China)
Floral oolong from Anxi, Fujian.
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12
Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Bright, brisk black tea from highland estates like Nuwara Eliya.
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13
Silver Needle (China)
Delicate white tea of downy buds from Fujian.
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14
Sencha (Japan)
Japan's everyday steamed green tea, grassy and fresh.
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15
Earl Grey
Black tea scented with bergamot oil, the British classic.
Candidates
They don't make it into the top 15… yet. Vote for them to move them up.
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16
Jasmine pearls (China)
Green tea rolled into pearls and scented with jasmine blossoms.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (4)
Darjeeling first flush at #1 is a classy choice. Muscatel notes, so delicate.
Gyokuro brewed at low temperature is a revelation if you've only had cheap green tea
Earl Grey in a list of the world's best teas? It's a flavored blend lol
Da Hong Pao is my favourite, that roasted rock oolong taste