Teahouse

Although the function of a tearoom may vary according to the circumstance or country, teahouses often serve as centers of social interaction, like coffeehouses.

These teahouses, called chálou (茶樓) serve dim sum (點心), and these small plates of food are enjoyed alongside tea.

It was then evolved to assist Buddhist monks in their meditation by providing the energy needed to stay awake (likely via the effects of caffeine as a stimulant on the brain).

These teahouses, which first emerged during the British colonial era, serve milk tea and a variety of delicacies ranging from native dishes like mohinga to Indian fritters (such as paratha and puri) or Chinese pastries (such as baozi and youtiao).

[6] In Pakistan, the prominent Pak Tea House is an intellectual tea–café located in Lahore known as the hub of Progressive Writers' Movement.

[citation needed] Teahouses are present in other parts of West Asia, notably in Iran and also Turkey.

[8] A female manager of London's Aerated Bread Company is credited with creating the bakery's first public tearoom in 1864,[9] which became a thriving chain.

The menu will generally have similar foods to the UK, but with the addition sometimes of butter tarts or other small desserts like nanaimo bars or pets de sœurs.

In France, a tea room is called Salon de thé, and pastries and cakes are served.

One of the oldest shops that still specialises in selling tea for consumption at home is Twinings, which has been operating from the same premises in central London since it opened in 1706.

In South African English, "tearoom" is a synonym for "café" or small local grocer's shop.

Traditionally, a staff member serving hot drinks and snacks at a factory or office was called a tea lady, although this position is now almost defunct.