Vietnamese tea

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Traditionally, Vietnamese tea drinking is considered a hobby of the older, more learned members in households and in society in general, although currently it has been becoming more popular in younger demographics as well. Tea drinking would accompany aristocratic activities such as composing poems, tending flowers, or simply appreciating nature. Vietnamese people generally favor lighter teas with flower fragrance, such as green tea or floral-scented white tea. Vietnam has amongst the world's oldest trees, dating back to 1000 years.^[1]

Green tea is the most popular amongst Vietnamese people. In 2011, it accounted for over 63% of overall retail volume sales.^[2] Vietnamese green teas have been largely unknown outside mainland Asia until the present day. Vietnamese green teas have a lower content of caffeine compared to Chinese green teas but higher caffeine levels than Japanese green teas.^[3] Recent free-enterprise initiatives are introducing these green teas to outside countries through new export activities.

The Vietnam Tea Association (VITA) was founded on July 19, 1998, and their goal is to protect and inform growers, consumers, and business owners of Vietnamese teas.^[4] Of the different growing regions (mostly Northern and Central highlands), Thái Nguyên is considered to have the finest quality tea throughout Vietnam (and throughout Indochina by the French during colonization).^[5][6]