Eating in China
Generated illustration of brewed jasmine-scented green tea in a porcelain gaiwan.

Jasmine tea

茉莉花茶Mòlì huāchá

Tea leaves scented with jasmine, brewed into a fragrant drink. This version uses a green-tea base; it is not an infusion of flowers alone.

Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Let the tea cool slightly and sip, leaving the leaves behind.

A useful check

Contains caffeine. Check additions if avoiding particular ingredients.

How it may vary

Tea bases and leaf shapes vary; jasmine pearls are one form, not the whole category.

Know what you’re trying.

Prepared tea; no fixed brand, package size or strength.

Ingredients

Jasmine-scented green tea and water.

Origin & regional roots

Origin not yet established

A regional origin has not been established in this guide.

Explore related drinks

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有茉莉花茶吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

Flower fragrance in tea leaves

This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.

In Fuzhou’s scenting tradition, tea leaves absorb the aroma of jasmine flowers. A cup can smell floral without visible blossoms. The selected green-tea version combines tea flavour with jasmine fragrance.

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