A Guide to Tea Brewing:
Varieties & Ceremonies in Czech Republic
From the ancient traditions of Chinese gongfu cha to the cozy cajovny of Prague, discover how tea culture found a unique home in the heart of Europe.
The Czech Republic's Hidden Tea Tradition
While the Czech Republic is widely known for its beer culture, a quieter revolution has been brewing for over three decades. Since the opening of the first modern cajovna (tearoom) in Prague in 1993, the country has developed one of Europe's most vibrant and distinctive tea scenes.
Today, over 250 tearooms operate across Bohemia and Moravia, offering everything from traditional Chinese gongfu service to Japanese matcha ceremonies. The Czech approach to tea is uniquely eclectic, blending Eastern ritual with Central European warmth and hospitality.
With annual per-capita tea consumption of approximately 270 grams, Czech tea enthusiasts have built a culture that values mindfulness, quality, and the simple pleasure of a perfectly brewed cup.
Longjing green tea steeping in a gaiwan - a staple in Czech tearooms
Your Tea Journey Starts Here
Czech Tea Culture
Discover how the cajovna movement transformed Czech social life, from the Velvet Revolution origins to the modern tearoom renaissance across Prague and beyond.
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Tea Varieties Guide
From delicate white teas to robust pu-erh, learn about the six major tea categories, their flavor profiles, and which ones Czech tea lovers prefer.
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Brewing Techniques
Master the art of tea preparation with our detailed guides covering water temperature, steeping times, and the equipment used in Czech tearooms.
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The Cajovna Tradition
Czech tearooms, known as cajovny, are unique in Europe. Unlike British or Asian teahouses, Czech cajovny blend multiple tea traditions under one roof. You might enjoy Chinese pu-erh tea served gongfu style, followed by Japanese sencha with traditional wagashi sweets, all in a single visit.
Many cajovny follow a distinctive ritual: guests remove shoes, choose between table or floor-cushion seating, and ring a small bell to summon their server. The atmosphere is intentionally meditative, with dim lighting, soft music, and a strict no-phone policy in some establishments.
The most famous chain, Dobra Cajovna, started in Prague in 1993 and has since expanded to dozens of locations across the Czech Republic and even internationally, spreading Czech-style tea culture around the world.
Explore the Full StoryGetting Started with Tea
Start with Green Tea
If you are new to loose-leaf tea, begin with a mild Chinese green tea like Longjing (Dragon Well). It has a sweet, nutty flavor that appeals to most palates and is forgiving with brewing temperature.
Water Quality Matters
Always use filtered or spring water for brewing. Tap water with high chlorine content can significantly alter the taste of delicate teas. In Prague, local spring water is preferred by many tea enthusiasts.
Visit a Local Cajovna
The best way to learn about tea is to visit a Czech tearoom. Staff at places like Dobra Cajovna are knowledgeable and happy to guide beginners through their first gongfu-style session.
Invest in a Gaiwan
A gaiwan (lidded bowl) is the most versatile piece of tea equipment. It works for any tea type and allows you to control steeping time precisely. Many Czech tea shops carry affordable options.
Ready to Deepen Your Tea Knowledge?
Explore our detailed guides on tea varieties, brewing methods, and the fascinating history of Czech tea culture.