Among young people today, there is a popular “pairing culture,” a new type of social relationship that is more than colleagues but less than friends, referred to as an intimate “alternative.” Pairings focus on companionship in specific scenarios, such as “meal pairing” for eating, “travel pairing” for trips, and also study pairings, photo-taking pairings, and even daydreaming pairings…

When Drinking Tea, many people look for “tea pairing partners,” making appointments to taste new teas they've acquired or going to teahouses together to drink and chat about tea. But today, the editor will introduce you to tea's own “snack pairings.” What types of snacks go well with the six categories of tea? Read on to find out~

01

Green Tea

Green tea has a fresh and natural aroma and a refreshing taste, but it can sometimes be slightly bitter. It pairs well with slightly sweet pastries, which enhance the character of the green tea.

◎Suitable Snacks: Rice cakes, mung bean cakes, Osmanthus cakes, lotus flower pastries, etc.

02

Yellow Tea

Yellow tea has a fresh and refreshing taste and a clear aroma. It differs from green tea by undergoing an additional yellowing process. Snacks paired with yellow tea should follow its characteristics, not being too rich; low-sugar snacks are just right.

◎Suitable Snacks: Melon seeds, walnuts, low-sugar cakes, etc.

03

Dark (Black) Tea

Dark tea belongs to the category of post-fermented teas. It has a rich and smooth taste and a steady aroma, effectively aiding digestion and reducing greasy feelings. Drinking too much can induce a sense of hunger. High-calorie snacks are suitable. With Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, mooncakes are high in calories, so after eating them, a cup of dark tea can help reduce the greasiness.

◎Suitable Snacks: Beef jerky, pork jerky, crispy biscuits, double-yolk mooncakes, fried dumplings, etc.

04

White Tea

White tea is a minimally processed tea with a subtle flavor, a fresh aroma, and a sweet and refreshing taste. White tea is quite elegant and does not suit strongly flavored snacks. Lightly sweet pastries and nuts are most appropriate.

◎Suitable Snacks: Rice cakes, fruits, nuts, etc.

05

Black (Red) Tea

Black Tea has a rich and robust taste with a lingering Sweetness. Pairing it with slightly sour snacks creates a harmonious blend and enriches the flavors.

◎Suitable Snacks: Dried fruits, hawthorn cakes, plum candies, etc.

06

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea leaves a lingering taste in the mouth. Its complex production process results in a rich taste, ranging from light to highly fragrant. Lighter oolong teas pair well with snacks that are low in salt and sugar, while highly fragrant ones are better with salty and fragrant snacks. Suitable snacks preserve the tea's aroma and do not spoil its original flavor when tasting.

◎Suitable Snacks: Seeds and nuts, savory pastries, etc.