Tea--what's the best?

Even though most Americans aren't tea drinkers, I love my tea! I'm currently reading a book called Finding George Orwell in Burma, by Emma Larkin (pseudonymn), and the author talks so much about the ritual of tea and how important it is to Burmese people (yes, even moreso than Starbucks in America).

A Chinese friend of ours as a wedding gift gave me a collection of various imported Chinese teas, and I already have quite a few of my own.

So, now I'm asking all of you, from all different parts of the globe--what do you think is the best tea? How do you like it and why?

I love Long Jing Cha the most - perhaps of its elegant taste - like the molten diamonds falling from sunshine. That's what that tea gives me such feeling and aesthetism.

At the moment I'm a bit hung up on Peppermint, but I love Cinnamon and Rooibos tea as well!!! Mmmm, tea good. Must go make some now to drive away this cold....

Cinnamon and Rooibos tea

Oooooo...

My personal favorites are Russian Caravan and Lapsang souchong. I love the smoky flavor of the Lapsang tea and the Russian Caravan does contain a bit of the Lapsang in it. Next in line come Earl Grey and Lady Grey, the second have a hint of lemon in it. I really like strong black teas.

I have also been getting into the Rooibos or African Bush teas, which have become quite popular after the release of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith.

I like mine with two sugars all the time, a squeeze of lemon occasionally and never milk.

I enjoyed the mint tea in Morocco and even found myself getting 'addicted' to the sugar. I think after a week I was adding as much as the locals.

If I'm in the mood I'll go for a cup of Earl Grey.

I've never seen the point of fruit teas - a crazy hippy invention I think - always served in 'alternative' cafes.

At the end of the day though you can't beat a cup of PG Tips. Hits the spot every time!!

....and always with milk. Tea without milk is just soooo uncivilised

Quoting Mikey B

....and always with milk. Tea without milk is just soooo uncivilised

Well, you know us pilgrims - anything to buck the old world traditions!

Sencha Lime Green Tea or Bora Bora fruit tea ~ sorry Mikey

I do like an Earl Grey or a Dilmah too on occasion, with milk & 2 sugars.. especially good on arrival home mid morning after a big night out, accompanied by a bikkie

Quoting Isadora

Next in line come Earl Grey and Lady Grey, the second have a hint of lemon in it.

A "Lady" of my own heart! That is my favorite just-make-a-fast-cup tea. Lady Grey is the best tea ever invented.

Have to agree with Mike, though. If it's black, give me my milk!

And thumbs up on the Moroccan mint. Really great when my asthma acts up. Doesn't do anything medically, but it just feels good, and I'm all about the placebo.

There is a tea I tried in an Afghan restaurant in Denver once. I know it was supposed to be some kind of a traditional tea, but I haven't been able to find it, not even at the global food store. Anyone with better luck or know what I'm talking about? Know how to make it?

Drinking some Tian Mu Qing Ding (Chinese Green) right now. I have no idea what this means, so feel free to let me know if it's anything bad. It's great tea, though!

Dilmah--where's that from?

[ Edit: Fixed quote ]