If you love tea, chances are you love it best with the perfect accompaniment to your teacup, whether crumpet, scone, or biscuit. But what makes the ideal tea-and-food combination?
To find out, we talked to experts in the food industry and found out just what foods go best with some of the most popular kinds of tea!
With this handy guide to pairing your favorite teas with the right food products, you’ll always have something to eat when you sit down with your favorite drink!
Here is what to eat with tea. Enjoy!
- Sandwiches
- Brownies
- Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Florentines
- Cupcakes
- Victoria Sponge
- Banana Bread
- Muffins
- Macaroon
- Fairy Cake
- Danish Pastry
- Iced Bun
- Tea Loaf Cake
- Bundt Cake
- Scotch Eggs
- Lamingtons
- Honey toast
- Mousse
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Cheese Scones
- Chelsea Buns
- Carrot Cake
- Biscotti
- Sausage Rolls
- Battenburg Cake
- Whoopie Pies
- Crackers
- Chips
Sandwiches
When it comes to tea time and thinking about what to eat with tea, there’s nothing more classic than a sandwich. While enjoying a spot of Earl Grey or a refreshing green tea, sandwiches are the perfect complement.
From cucumber and cream cheese to smoked salmon and dill, there are endless possibilities when it comes to filling your sandwich. So, next time you’re enjoying a cup of tea, be sure to have a delicious sandwich by your side.
Brownies
When it comes to tea, there are endless possibilities for what to eat with tea. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there’s bound to be a perfect complement to your cuppa. Brownie is one of the options to go with. It has an excellent taste that makes it perfect with tea.
Lemon Drizzle Cake
One of the most classic British tea-time snacks is lemon drizzle cake. This zesty and sweet cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea. Lemon drizzle cake is made by mixing lemon juice and zest into a sponge cake batter. And drizzling lemon syrup over the top of the cake while it’s still warm. Serve this cake with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Florentines
A Florentine is a thin, crisp biscuit usually made with almonds, candied fruit, and chocolate. They’re the perfect size for dunking in your tea, and their delicate flavor won’t overpower your drink. Plus, they look pretty on a plate! When booking what to eat with tea, look no further.
Cupcakes
Delicious and moist, cupcakes are a classic treat that goes great with tea. Make sure to choose a light flavor cupcake so it doesn’t overpower the tea. Vanilla is always a good choice. To impress your guests, try making your cupcakes from scratch. They’ll be sure to enjoy them with their tea!
Victoria Sponge
Are you looking for what to eat with tea? Victoria sponge is the one for you. A Victoria sponge is a classic English cake perfect for afternoon tea. It is made with two layers of sponge cake, filled with jam and cream, and dusted with sugar.
A Victoria sponge is traditionally made with raspberry jam, but you can use any flavor. Serve your cake with a pot of tea, and enjoy!
Banana Bread
There’s nothing quite like a freshly brewed cup of tea. But what do you eat with it? If you’re looking for the perfect complement to your cuppa, look no further than banana bread. This delicious treat is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of teas.
Plus, it’s easy to make! Simply mix some ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking soda, and you’re good to go. So next time you’re craving tea, be sure to reach for some banana bread too.
Muffins
When it comes to what to eat with tea, there are endless possibilities for what to eat with it. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there’s bound to be a perfect pairing. Muffins are among the options available. They have this flavor and taste that makes them blend with tea.
Macaroon
A cup of tea is not complete without a delicious macaroon! These little French cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy with your tea. Macaroons come in various flavors, so they are sure to pair perfectly with your favorite tea. Whether you like your tea sweet or savory, there is a macaroon. So next time you sit down for a cup of tea, enjoy it with a delicious macaroon!
Fairy Cake
A fairy cake is a small sponge cake with icing and decorations, such as sprinkles. Fairy cakes are often served at children’s birthday parties or afternoon tea. They can be store-bought or homemade.
When choosing a fairy cake to pair with your tea, look for one with light flavors, such as vanilla or lemon. These complement the sweet taste of tea well. Choose an orange or lemon-flavored cake if you’re not a fan of sugar in your food but still want something sweet. It won’t make the taste of your tea too intense.
Danish Pastry
There’s nothing like a freshly baked Danish pastry to go with your tea. The flaky, buttery dough pairs perfectly with Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing your Danish with a cup of pu-erh tea. The earthy flavor of the pu-erh will complement the sweetness of the pastry perfectly.
Iced Bun
The iced bun is a classic accompaniment to tea when looking for what to eat with tea. They’re sweet, fluffy, and have that perfect crust that’s both crispy and chewy. Plus, they’re easy to eat on the go. I like to get mine from my local bakery, but you can also find them at most supermarkets.
Tea Loaf Cake
A classic English tea loaf cake is the perfect complement to your afternoon cuppa. This cake is usually made with black tea, but you can use any tea you like.
The key to a good tea loaf cake is to let the tea infuse into the cake overnight so that the flavors meld together. I like to serve mine with a dollop of clotted cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Bundt Cake
There’s nothing like a cup of tea and a slice of cake. But what kind of cake should you eat with your tea? We think bundt cake is the perfect complement to your cuppa.
Here’s why we love bundt cakes for tea time: They’re made for sharing, and not just because they’re in a handy shape that makes it easy to break them into equal pieces. They are rich in spices, nuts, fruits, chocolate, or other flavors that can be matched with any tea or coffee you might drink. Bundts can be made as big or small as desired. One large one will feed many people, while one small one will make just enough for two cups of steaming hot water–making them great for sharing!
Bundts are also simple to bake since they don’t require fancy piping work (you can find out how!). And, once cooled, bundts are easier than sheet cakes to transport home from bakeries. This is because they have fewer crumbs.
Scotch Eggs
A Scotch egg typically consists of a soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried. While the dish is commonly associated with a pub lunch, it can also be a delicious accompaniment to afternoon tea.
When pairing Scotch eggs with tea, look for a light, refreshing blend like Earl Grey or Darjeeling. The tea will help cut through the richness of the dish and leave you feeling satisfied.
Lamingtons
Lamingtons are the perfect complement to your cup of tea when thinking about what to eat with tea. They are light and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness in the icing. Plus, they are easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Lamingtons also go well with ice cream for an added dessert option.
Honey toast
Or yeasted toast, as it’s called in some regions. Yeasted toast is usually served warm, so you want to devour it before it cools down too much. And while you’re at it, why not add some jam?
Mousse
When it comes to what to eat with tea, there are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing what to eat with it. First, think about the type of tea you’re drinking. Is it light and delicate green tea? A rich and robust black tea? A fruity herbal blend? Once you’ve considered the type of tea, you can then move on to thinking about complementary flavors.
For example, a light and delicate green tea would pair well with something like a lemon mousse. At the same time, a rich and robust black tea would be delicious with a chocolate mousse. So, keep these tips in mind next time you’re planning on having tea. Choose the perfect food pairing for your cuppa!
Chocolate Fudge Cake
When it comes to what to eat with tea, there’s nothing quite like a chocolate fudge cake. This rich, decadent cake complements your cuppa and will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed any day. So go ahead and indulge yourself with a delicious chocolate fudge cake. Your taste buds will thank you!
Cheese Scones
Scones are a delicious and classic accompaniment to tea. They are quick and easy to make and can be enjoyed either savory or sweet. Cheese scones are delicious and pair perfectly with a cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea.
To make cheese scones, combine self-rising flour, grated cheese, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and knead into a soft dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, and use a biscuit cutter to cut out scones. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm with butter and jam.
Chelsea Buns
There’s nothing like a freshly-baked Chelsea bun to enjoy with your tea. The sweet, sticky buns are loaded with fruit and spices. This makes them the perfect complement to a cup of Earl Grey or Darjeeling. Plus, they’re easy to make at home – so you can enjoy them any time you like!
Carrot Cake
When it comes to tea pairings, there are endless possibilities. But one of our all-time favorite pairings is carrot cake with black tea. The sweetness of the cake pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the tea, and together they create a delicious and comforting experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a good slice of cake as what to eat with tea?
Biscotti
Biscotti are the perfect tea pairing because they are not too sweet and have a crunch that pairs well with the tannins in tea. They are also easy to eat with one hand. You can keep holding your cup of tea with the other.
Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are the perfect complement to your cuppa. They’re savory, filling, and have just the right amount of flaky crust. Plus, they’re easy to eat with one hand, so you can keep holding your teacup.
When choosing a sausage roll, look for one with a good ratio of meat to pastry. And be sure to get one with a bit of spice. It’ll bring out the flavor of the tea.
Battenburg Cake
Battenburg cake is the perfect complement to your cuppa. Its light, fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the tea. Plus, the cake’s colorful layers add a touch of whimsy to your afternoon tea break.
To make your Battenburg cake, bake a pound cake and cut it into four equal pieces. Then, use food coloring to tint two pieces, pink and two blue.
Next, stack the four pieces on top of each other, alternating between pink and blue. Finally, enjoy your lovely cake with a cup of Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea.
Whoopie Pies
A whoopie pie is the perfect complement when looking for what to eat with tea. The sweetness of the cake offsets the bitterness of the tea, and the creamy filling ties everything together.
Plus, whoopie pies are just plain delicious. Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect whoopie pie to pair with your tea:
- Consider the flavor of your tea. If you’re drinking a floral or fruity tea, look for a whoopie pie with similar flavors. For example, try a lavender-lemon whoopie pie with Earl Grey tea.
- Think about texture.
Crackers
Crackers are the perfect complement to tea. They are light and airy, and they don’t compete with the delicate flavor of the tea. Plus, they have a neutral taste that allows the tea’s flavor to shine. And best of all, crackers are easy to find and usually inexpensive.
Here are some different types of crackers you can try out when you drink your next cup of tea:
- -Saltines -Triscuits -Wheat Thins -Ritz -Animal Crackers
Chips
While tea is delicious on its own, sometimes you want a little something to nibble on with your cuppa. And what could be better than a nice plate of chips? Salty, crunchy, and savory chips are the perfect complement to a piping hot cup of tea.
Plus, they come in such wide varieties that you’re sure to find one (or several) that you love. So next time you’re enjoying a cup of tea, don’t forget the chips!
Yes! You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee and have an excellent breakfast too! Many people drink their morning tea with toast or cereal.
Absolutely! If you’re not looking for an extra caffeine boost. Drinking black or green tea will give you some much-needed energy. But if you’re looking for more caffeine and flavor, try making your favorite coffee blend. Add a splash of milk and sugar before drinking it alongside your lunchtime cuppa.
Conclusion
When it comes to tea, there are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing what to eat with tea. The first is the type of tea you’re drinking. Black teas pair well with hearty foods, while green teas best enjoy the lighter fare.
Secondly, consider the time of day you’re drinking your tea. A morning cup of tea calls for something energizing, while an afternoon cup might be best enjoyed with a sweet treat.
And lastly, don’t forget about your personal preferences! If you love chocolate, there’s no reason not to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate tea. So experiment until you find the perfect pairing for your cuppa.