☕️🥪Tea Time in the UK: A Unique Tradition

Living in the UK as an expat with my family some years ago introduced me to the unique tradition of “tea time.”

One particular aspect that stood out was "high tea," often misunderstood outside the UK and frequently confused with "afternoon tea." Traditionally, high tea in the UK refers to a hearty early evening meal enjoyed by working-class families after a day’s work, typically featuring substantial dishes like meat pies, cold cuts, cheese, bread, pickles, and of course, a strong pot of tea. I noticed that many families, especially those with young children, referred to this as simply “tea” and often enjoyed it as their main evening meal.

In contrast, "afternoon tea" is a lighter, more elegant affair served in the late afternoon, featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries. (Fun fact: depending on where you are in the UK, you may spread the clotted cream on your scone first and then the jam, or vice versa!) Afternoon tea is usually reserved for special occasions, but if you get the chance, it’s a must-try experience to fully appreciate British culture!

💡 Have you ever experienced tea time or a similar tradition in a different culture?