Did you know there’s a seaside region in Germany that sips more tea than anywhere else in the world — even more than Britain? Yes, we’re talking about East Frisia, nestled in the northwest of Lower Saxony.

This peaceful area isn’t just famous for its North Sea coastline — it’s a tea lover’s heaven, with a tea culture that has been brewing for over 300 years.

Where Tea Is a Way of Life

In East Frisia, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a daily ritual. Each year, locals here consume an average of nearly 300 liters of tea per person. That’s 100 liters more than the average Brit! What’s even more amazing? This makes them the biggest tea drinkers in the world, per capita.

So, what kind of tea are they drinking? Their signature brew is a bold blend, mostly Assam tea, mixed with some Sri Lankan varieties. It’s strong, aromatic, and always served with a touch of tradition.

Brewing the Perfect Cup

The East Frisian tea ritual is almost ceremonial. The loose-leaf tea is brewed and kept warm in porcelain teapots that sit over a small candle — yes, like a personal hot pot! But here’s the twist: they don’t stir their tea. First, a rock sugar cube (called kluntje) is placed at the bottom of the cup. Then, the tea is poured in, followed by a gentle splash of cream. The cream slowly sinks and then floats back up, creating beautiful white clouds on the tea’s surface. This cloud effect is the pride of the local tea ceremony — so important that it’s now part of Germany’s intangible cultural heritage.

The First Sip: A Cloud of Flavors

As we raise the cup for a sip, we taste layers: the cream first, then the tea, and finally, the sweet sugar as it starts to dissolve. Each sip tells a story — smooth, creamy, and gently sweet. It’s not about mixing everything all at once; instead, we let time do the blending. The tea becomes sweeter as we reach the bottom, giving every cup a unique rhythm and flavor. It’s a bit like China’s “Three-Course Tea” tradition from Yunnan — full of surprises.

Second and Third Cups? Absolutely!

Since the sugar cube doesn’t melt completely after the first cup, we’re encouraged to go for a second — and even a third — refill. Each pour restarts the flavor journey. The teacups are smaller than usual (around 100–150 ml), making it easy and enjoyable to savor multiple cups without rushing.

What Time Is Tea Time?

Traditionally, tea is served at 3 PM. But in East Frisia, we can enjoy tea anytime from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visiting a local home? Get ready — it's considered polite to drink at least three cups. Refusing or stopping early might be seen as impolite. Locals proudly host their guests with these lovingly prepared brews.

The Secret of the Spoon

You’ll notice something curious when sipping tea here — every person has a little spoon placed in their saucer. But if we’re not supposed to stir, what’s it for? The answer is charmingly simple: after we’ve had enough tea (usually after the third cup), we place the spoon in the cup. That’s the signal to our host that we’re done. No need for awkward words — the spoon says it all.

Discover Tea History at the Local Museum

Want to dive even deeper? The East Frisian Tea Museum (Ostfriesisches Teemuseum) is the perfect stop. Here, we can explore how tea arrived in Europe via Dutch ships in the 17th century, and how this quiet German corner created its own deeply rooted tea tradition — even before afternoon tea became a thing in Britain!

Why We Should Visit This Hidden Gem

East Frisia isn’t just about tea — it’s about slowing down, enjoying traditions, and appreciating the little things. Whether we’re savoring a steaming cup on a rainy afternoon or learning about tea’s journey through history, this place offers a cozy, enriching experience unlike any other.

Let’s Share a Cup Together!

So Lykkers, would you visit a place where every sip of tea tells a story? Where hospitality is measured by how many cups you’ve enjoyed? Next time you dream of Europe, skip the crowds and head to East Frisia. Let’s toast with a cup of creamy, sweet, strong tea — and maybe even learn the art of reading the “clouds” in our cups.

We’re always up for another round. Are you?