An evolving culinary art, pairing tea with food is the perfect way to enhance the taste of both the dish and the drink itself, and picking the right tea can turn any mealtime into an exciting dining experience.
Unlike wine pairing, tea pairing can take place during any period of the day and fits all occasions – with traditional blends such as English Breakfast tea perfectly complementing hearty dishes like porridge, to Green blends delicious served with street-food style wraps or noodle dishes.
Working in partnership with Lee Maycock, Vice President of the Craft Guild of Chef’s, we have devised a series of dishes that perfectly complement our diverse range of tea solutions, designed to inspire and excite the taste buds.
Lee says “These recipes are reflective of some of the hottest food trends of the moment – from super-grains to street-foods. Each dish is simple to create and a delicious accompaniment to a cup of Tetley Tea.’’
Lee says: “Almost half of all adults eat out for breakfast*, and although established breakfast foods remain popular, customers are increasingly seeking out twists on classic dishes. This healthy Chilli and Avocado Breakfast Pot will make a fantastic addition to any breakfast menu, and is really simple to create. Pair this with Tetley’s English Breakfast Tea - its full bodied flavor packs a real punch first thing in the morning!”
Lee says: “Almost half of all adults eat out for breakfast*, and although established breLee says: “Breakfast spend is higher with tea than coffee, and this hearty porridge is delicious with the classic flavour of the best-selling Tetley’s Original Tea. This recipe uses teff, a small grain packed full of calcium, iron, protein, and amino acids. Teff provides a naturally gluten-free breakfast alternative, which appeals to customers looking to start the day the healthy way.’’
Lee Says: “The process of smoking food has been around for centuries, however the trend has truly ignited over the last few years, with tea smoked foods becoming increasingly popular, but very time intensive.”
“This comforting dish is inspired by smoking techniques used in Japan, where tea is regularly used as a base to broths. For a super-fast alternative, pair with Tetley’s refreshing Green Tea Blend for an authentic taste of Asia.”
Lee says “Hand-held snacks like sandwiches and wraps remain the most popular choice at lunch-time, and new fast-food style dishes like this Kimchi wrap are really something special, embracing the street-food revolution currently sweeping the globe. Originating in Korea, kimchi is made by fermenting a range of vegetables and seasonings, creating a sweet and sour taste sensation. I’d recommend serving this with a Peppermint blend, which will refresh the taste buds and cleanse the palette, making each mouthful a masterpiece!”
Lee says: “Tea is a key driver to increasing overall revenue, and cake is one of the most popular dishes to enjoy with good cuppa. With it’s delicate aroma and golden colouring, Earl Grey’s classic flavour is perfect paired with this peachy tea loaf, and provides a sweet treat for a true afternoon tea experience.”
Lee says: “Diners are becoming increasingly interested in the provenance of their food, often opting for local or at the very least British ingredients that can be tracked to source. These delicious Granola Bars can be packed full of whole foods including seasonal fruits, seeds and nuts, providing a healthy snack solution. Tetley’s Summer Berry Blend, with its hibiscus base provides a variety of flavour sensations, including rosehip, berries and apple, and hint of cinnamon which perfectly complement the Granola’s nutty base.”
Lee says: “This delicious chocolate pot provides an indulgent treat, with the added benefit of being packed full of quinoa, a natural super-food, which has seen an insurgence in popularity over the last few years due to its extensive health benefits. Eaten after dinner, this dessert works perfectly with soothing Camomile Tea, its delicate colour, floral and apple hints, and natural earthiness provide the ideal pairing with this sweet delight.”
