Black Tea Pairings: The Ultimate Guide for Tea Lovers

Black tea is one of the most widely consumed teas globally, known for its rich flavour, deep amber colour, and invigorating caffeine content. The history of black tea dates back to 17th-century China, where it was first developed and then exported to Europe. Today, it is cultivated mainly in India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, where the leaves are allowed to fully oxidize during processing, giving black tea its distinctive flavour and colour.

While tea enthusiasts often enjoy black tea on its own, pairing it with the right foods can transform the experience into something extraordinary. The robust flavour of black tea makes it versatile, lending itself well to a wide range of foods, from sweet to savoury.

In this article, we will explore some of the top food pairings to elevate your black tea experience, whether you're enjoying a morning cuppa or winding down with an afternoon brew.

No list of black tea pairings would be complete without the quintessential combination of scones and jam. Originating from the British tradition of afternoon tea, this pairing is a staple for a reason. The crumbly texture of scones, especially when served warm, complements the bold flavours of black tea perfectly. Add a dollop of fruity jam, such as strawberry or raspberry, and a smear of clotted cream for an indulgent treat that brings out the subtle sweetness in your brew.

The malty richness of English Breakfast or Assam tea stands up well to the sweet-tart flavour of jam and the buttery texture of scones. The combination of bold tea, fruity jam, and buttery scones creates a harmonious blend that makes for a delightful afternoon treat.

Suggested Black Teas:

• English Breakfast
• Assam

Cheese and wine are a well-known pairing, but cheese and black tea? Absolutely! The tannins in black tea act similarly to wine, cutting through the richness of cheese and balancing the flavours. Here are a few combinations worth trying:

Aged Cheddar: The sharp, nutty flavour of aged cheddar pairs wonderfully with the malty notes of Assam or Keemun. The tea's robust flavour cuts through the rich, fatty texture of cheddar, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

Brie or Camembert: These creamy cheeses are best with Darjeeling or Ceylon black tea, both of which have floral and fruity notes. The floral hints complement the earthiness of brie and camembert, while the tea's mild astringency cleanses the palate between bites.

Blue Cheese: For the adventurous, try pairing strong blue cheese with smoky Lapsang Souchong. The smoky aroma and flavour of the tea contrast beautifully with the intense saltiness and creaminess of blue cheese.

Experimenting with different cheeses can uncover surprising flavour combinations that elevate your black tea experience to new heights.

Suggested Black Teas:

• Assam
• Keemun
• Darjeeling
• Lapsang Souchong

Chocolate and black tea share similar tasting notes, such as hints of cocoa, spice, and malt, making them a natural pairing. Depending on the type of chocolate and tea, you can create a delightful tasting experience:

Dark Chocolate (70%+): Pairs well with full-bodied black teas like Assam and Ceylon. The bitterness of dark chocolate highlights the malty notes of the tea. This combination results in a robust, bittersweet flavour that lingers delightfully on the palate.

Milk Chocolate: Best enjoyed with fruity or floral black teas like Darjeeling or Nilgiri, which complement the creaminess of the chocolate. The mild sweetness of milk chocolate brings out the fruity notes of the tea, creating a balanced and delightful flavour profile.

White Chocolate: Try pairing with Earl Grey, as the citrusy bergamot flavour cuts through the sweetness of white chocolate. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate combined with the bright, citrus flavour of Earl Grey creates a uniquely refreshing pairing.

Whether you're a fan of dark, milk, or white chocolate, pairing it with black tea provides an indulgent, comforting treat.

Suggested Black Teas:

• Assam
• Ceylon
• Darjeeling
• Nilgiri
• Earl Grey

Given its stimulating caffeine content, black tea is a popular morning beverage. Pairing it with breakfast foods can set the right tone for your day. Here are a few pairing ideas:

Eggs: The richness of eggs is well balanced by a strong cup of English Breakfast while the tea's robust flavour cuts through the creaminess of eggs, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

Avocado Toast: The creamy texture of avocado toast is a delight when paired with citrusy Ceylon black tea or bergamot-infused Earl Grey. The tea's citrus notes complement the mild flavour of avocado while cleansing the palate between bites.

Pancakes and Maple Syrup: A sweet treat like pancakes deserves a full-bodied black tea like Assam or a floral tea like Darjeeling. The tea's astringency balances the sweetness of maple syrup, while its robust flavour complements the buttery pancakes.

These breakfast pairings with black tea can help start your day with an exciting burst of flavour.

Suggested Black Teas:

• English Breakfast
• Earl Grey
• Ceylon
• Assam
• Darjeeling

Given that India is one of the largest producers of black tea, it's no surprise that Indian cuisine pairs beautifully with black tea varieties like Assam and Darjeeling. Here are a few pairing suggestions:

Samosas: The crispy exterior and spiced filling of samosas are complemented by the boldness of Assam or a spiced Masala Chai. The tea's robust flavour cuts through the spices, leaving a refreshing taste on the palate.

Chicken Tikka Masala: The creamy, spiced sauce of this dish pairs well with the floral notes of Darjeeling. The tea's floral aroma contrasts beautifully with the rich, tomato-based sauce, enhancing the overall flavour.

Biryani: The rich, fragrant flavours of biryani are best matched with the smoky aroma of Lapsang Souchong or the maltiness of Assam. The tea's bold flavour complements the spices in the biryani, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.

Pairing black tea with Indian cuisine is a flavour-packed journey that tea enthusiasts must experience.

Suggested Black Teas:

• Assam
• Darjeeling
• Masala Chai
• Lapsang Souchong

Seafood can be a delicate food to pair, but black tea can accentuate its flavours in a delightful way. Here are some recommended pairings:

Smoked Salmon: The smoky notes of Lapsang Souchong or Russian Caravan are a perfect match for smoked salmon. The tea's bold smokiness enhances the salmon's rich, salty flavour, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.

Shrimp Cocktail: The light, floral notes of Darjeeling or Nilgiri bring out the sweetness in shrimp. The tea's mild astringency cleanses the palate between bites, while its floral aroma adds an extra layer of flavour to the shrimp.

Grilled Fish: Pair grilled fish with Ceylon black tea, which has a refreshing, slightly citrusy flavour. The tea's bright, citrus notes complement the mild, smoky flavour of grilled fish, creating a refreshing and harmonious pairing.

Suggested Black Teas:

• Lapsang Souchong
• Russian Caravan
• Darjeeling
• Nilgiri
• Ceylon

Fruity desserts offer a delightful contrast to the astringency of black tea. Here are a few pairings to try:

Apple Pie: The spiced filling of apple pie goes well with the cinnamon and clove notes found in Masala Chai. The tea's warm spices mirror those in the pie, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the flavour of both.

Lemon Tart: Pair this zesty dessert with the citrus notes of Earl Grey or the crisp flavour of Ceylon. The tea's bright, citrus aroma complements the tart's zesty lemon flavour, creating a refreshing and balanced pairing.

Berry Cheesecake: The fruity, creamy flavours of cheesecake are best enjoyed with the floral notes of Darjeeling or the boldness of Assam. The tea's astringency balances the richness of the cheesecake while highlighting its fruity flavours.

Suggested Black Teas:

• Masala Chai
• Earl Grey
• Ceylon
• Darjeeling
• Assam

Pastries and biscuits are classic companions to a good cup of black tea. Here are a few combinations:

Butter Croissant: The buttery, flaky layers of a croissant pair well with the malty notes of Assam or Keemun. The tea's bold flavour contrasts beautifully with the croissant's buttery richness, creating a satisfying flavour combination.

Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies complement the citrus notes of Earl Grey or the floral notes of Darjeeling. The tea's astringency balances the sweetness of the cookies, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.

Almond Biscotti: Enjoy this crunchy treat with a cup of Lapsang Souchong or Ceylon black tea. The tea's bold flavour contrasts with the biscotti's nutty sweetness, creating a delightful pairing.

Suggested Black Teas:

• Assam
• Keemun
• Earl Grey
• Darjeeling
• Lapsang Souchong

Black tea offers a versatile canvas for pairing with a wide range of foods. By carefully selecting the right foods, you can enhance the flavours of your tea and elevate your overall tasting experience. Whether you're new to tea or a seasoned connoisseur, these top food pairings will help you discover new and exciting ways to enjoy your favourite black teas. So brew a pot, pick a pairing and savour the symphony of flavours that black tea has to offer