by Wega- Tea
An exotic drink at the royal court
The history of tea in Poland begins in the 17th century, an era when exotic goods were just beginning to reach Europe. The first mention of this beverage appears in 1662, when King John II Casimir wrote to his wife, Maria Luisa Gonzaga, asking how to prepare tea and how much sugar to add. This small testimony demonstrates how new and unknown tea was at the time. In Poland, it first appeared at the royal court, and only later in the homes of the aristocracy and wealthy nobility.
Tea was then treated as a medical curiosity and a luxury imported from distant lands. It was believed to strengthen health, improve well-being, and soothe the nerves. It was served in porcelain vessels imported from China, further emphasizing its exotic character. Its presence was associated with prestige – a cup of tea was not only a beverage but also a manifestation of social standing and openness to world news. However, it was not an everyday beverage – rather, it was a delicacy, a testament to the host's status and financial means.
Tea appeared on the tables of the nobility during social gatherings, feasts, and dinners, where, alongside wine and liqueurs, it constituted a new, fashionable addition. Memoirs from the era record how this novelty was met with curiosity, and sometimes with reserve. For many, their first encounter with tea was an extraordinary experience – the beverage's flavor differed from that of previously known beverages, and its preparation required new skills and accessories.
Noble manors and the first controversies
In the 18th century, tea slowly gained popularity among the wealthier nobility. The first regular deliveries began to appear, and trade with the Netherlands and England provided access to an increasing supply of the dried herb. In noble manors, tea was served as part of social gatherings, most often after dinner or in the evening. This was the moment when tea began to serve not only a health benefit but also a social function—it became a pretext for conversation and social integration.
Not everyone, however, was thrilled with the new trend. Some clergy called tea a "devilish invention" that caused laziness and distraction. Some doctors, on the other hand, warned that excessive drinking could be harmful to health. Despite this, tea's popularity grew, and controversy only added to its mystique and splendor.
19th century – bourgeois ritual and echo of Russian traditions
In the 19th century, tea became a permanent fixture in everyday Polish life, particularly among the bourgeoisie. The development of transportation and trade made it more accessible, and falling sugar prices encouraged its widespread use. Tea began to be served not only in palaces but also in merchants' homes, townhouses, and Warsaw salons. It increasingly accompanied daily meals and social gatherings, becoming a symbol of a modern lifestyle. The first cafés and teahouses began to emerge in larger cities, where writers, artists, and members of the intelligentsia gathered. Tea, alongside coffee, became a beverage that united people in discussions, inspired artists, and became a symbol of the bourgeois lifestyle.
Polish tea culture was significantly influenced by contacts with Russia at the time. It was from there that the samovar came into vogue – distinctive vessels in which a strong infusion was prepared and then diluted with hot water. Jams, honey, or lemon slices were added to the tea. This style of tea drinking, somewhat different from Western European tea, took root in Poland and is still associated with Eastern traditions. Over time, the samovar became a permanent fixture in many Polish homes, used both daily and for special occasions.
The interwar period – tea in the rhythm of modernity
The Second Polish Republic was a time when tea was already firmly entrenched in Polish everyday life. It was drunk in the morning, with lunch, and in afternoon meetings. Many cities boasted numerous teahouses and cafés, serving not only classic black tea but also the increasingly popular flavored teas. Tea imported directly from India and Ceylon was also increasingly popular during this period, demonstrating Poland's openness to global markets and new trends.
Tea drinking began to take on an elegant character. In many homes, great care was taken with the porcelain, cutlery, tablecloths, and small accessories needed to prepare and serve the beverage. Invited teas became an opportunity to demonstrate good taste and social decorum. By the 1920s and 1930s, tea was present in public spaces – served in boarding houses, sanatoriums, and restaurants, and drinking it became part of everyday customs and gatherings. It also appeared in the literature and culture of the era, where it was remembered as an integral part of social and sociable life.
PRL – simplicity and daily ritual
After World War II, tea became a common and everyday beverage in Poland, but the realities of a centrally planned economy meant that its selection was severely limited. Cheap blends, usually black teas, dominated, imported from Eastern Bloc countries. Store shelves were mostly stocked with popular brands in gray packaging, and access to higher-quality teas was a luxury afforded only by a few. The most characteristic way to serve it was strongly brewed tea with lemon, sweetened with a generous amount of sugar, served in glasses with a metal basket.
Tea was present literally everywhere: in homes, offices, company cafeterias, milk bars, and cafés. It was often brewed in a large kettle, then topped up with boiling water to provide enough for everyone in the household and guests. It was also consumed while traveling—metal thermoses are still associated with family trips, school trips, and long lines for groceries. Although the selection was limited, tea became a permanent part of the daily routine for Poles: it was served in almost every situation, during meals and family gatherings. It was a part of everyday life, a symbol of the warmth of home, and its taste and serving method still evoke childhood memories for many who grew up in that era.
Modernity – diversity and a return to tradition
After 1989, the Polish market opened up to the world. High-quality loose-leaf teas, including green, white, and red teas, appeared in stores, along with a wide selection of flavored and herbal teas. In the 1990s and 2000s, specialized tea shops began to emerge, not only selling tea but also offering tea-making instruction, organizing tastings, and promoting tea culture.
Today, tea is experiencing a renaissance in Poland. Increasing attention is being paid to the quality of the dried herb, temperature, and brewing time. Tea ceremonies inspired by Chinese and Japanese traditions are gaining popularity, although the love for "everyday" black tea with lemon, often drunk on the go, remains undiminished. Today, Polish tea culture is as diverse as ever—from simple home rituals to sophisticated tastings in atmospheric teahouses.
Tea has become an essential element of the modern lifestyle for Poles. For many, it represents a moment of respite from a busy schedule, a pretext for socializing, and a conscious, health-promoting choice, especially in the case of green and white teas, prized for their properties. Interestingly, herbal and fruit teas, once considered solely home-brewed, have also gained popularity, enriching the palette of flavors available both at home and in restaurants.
Tea as a mirror of the era
The evolution of tea drinking in our country is not only a history of the beverage but also a reflection of social, economic, and cultural changes. In noble manors, tea was a luxury and exotic curiosity; in the 19th century, it was a part of the bourgeois lifestyle; and in the times of the Polish People's Republic, it was a simple, everyday ritual. Each era added something new: the form of consumption, the method of serving the infusion, or its social role.
Every cup of tea carries a piece of this history. Reaching for it today, we evoke the traditions of ancient manors, literary salons, humble kitchens from the communist era, and contemporary cafés, where it is experiencing a great renaissance. It's a beverage that has evolved alongside Poland's history and remains a faithful companion. Perhaps this is why it so perfectly captures the essence of everyday life: it can be unassuming and simple, but it can also take the form of an elegant ritual. Every sip of tea contains not only flavor but also an echo of the past and a testament to the culture we are co-creating.
