Tea like at Chinese Restaurants?

[Lady TS]

I had the yummiest tea at a Chinese restaurant last weekend, but didn't want to ask them what kind it was because of the language barrier. :shifty

I don't think it was green tea--it was darker than that, but I also don't think it was black tea either. It had some smoky tones in it and lots of depth of flavor.

Any ideas what it could have been?

[3boysforme]

Can you look up the menu online? Maybe that will help.

[mellifera]

Oolong? Or lapsang souchong? That one is actually smoked. :think

[Lady TS]

Hmmm...can't seem to find a menu online.

I might have to try to pick up some oolong and see if it compares. Not sure I've seen lapsang souchong anywhere locally...



edited to add: googled the l.s. kind and looks like Twinings has a variety of that...if I can find it!

[expatmom]

Many Chinese restaurants serve Jasmine tea. I'd start with that. Don't buy bagged western brand tea if you can help it. Try and find a tea store with loose tea & ask if you can smell it. They shouldn't be horrified by this request as it is pretty normal to smell loose tea before buying it. :)

[3boysforme]

Mmmmm, jasmine tea. I need to add that to my collection.