South Africans Share Their Favourite Tea Pairings for Today’s Most Popular Dishes!

Move aside wine pairing – tea pairing is the new kid on the block and South Africans are loving it! Tea and food pairing, much like wine pairing, involves understanding how different types of tea and food flavours interact to create a harmonious taste experience. For example, teas with a Black tea base usually complement hearty breakfast foods, chocolate desserts, and spicy dishes; while Green teas work well with Asian cuisine, light meals and citrusy desserts, and Herbal teas generally pair well with fruit desserts and cheese plates.

From the full-bodied Premium Blend tea, to a range of light and refreshing Green teas, aromatic Chais and delicate Pure Chamomile, Tetley Tea has a flavour for everyone – and what better way to enjoy a favourite brew than with a perfectly paired dish? As one of South Africa’s favourite tea brands, Tetley has teamed up with some of the country’s top lifestyle and wellness influencers to share their go-to tea and food pairings to try at home.

“Tetley’s mission is to offer a tea for every taste” says Candice Sessions, Tetley Marketing Manager. “All of our variants are crafted for flavour and enjoyment, and they pair so well with a variety of different dishes. Whether you’re winding down with a calming Chamomile or improving your mood with a zesty Lemon Green Tea, there’s a Tetley tea to enhance every moment – and to pair with every dish. That’s why we’ve asked some of our influencer partners to share their favourite tea and food pairings to try this winter.”

Nikita Rwida (@nikitarwida): Health, Nutrition, Wellness & Fitness Content Creator

“There’s something about a warm cup of Tetley Premium Black Tea that just feels like love – the rich aroma, the deep, comforting taste,” she says. “And what’s tea without a little sweet treat? Oat cookies are my favourite. It’s a quiet moment of self-care, packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that make every sip meaningful.”

Nikita’s other favourite Tetley Tea and dessert pairings:
• Tetley Lemon Green Tea: Best enjoyed with a tangy lemon slice dessert for a burst of citrusy goodness.
• Tetley Apple Green Tea: A smooth, fruity blend that pairs perfectly with a warm apple crumble pie.
• Tetley Masala Chai: Enjoy it with honey and ginger cake for the ultimate cosy treat.

Tumi Nqoko (@tumis_wellness): Foodie, Fitness & Wellness Content Creator

Tumi is passionate about sharing her health and wellness journey to inspire and connect with like-minded individuals. She’s shared her inspired Tetley Green Tea Pairings which are perfect for a fresh, vibrant tea experience.

1. Tetley Mint Green Tea paired with Ricotta, Grilled Peaches & Honey Sandwich
The cooling mint enhances the sweetness of peaches and the creaminess of ricotta – finished with a drizzle of honey and a hint of fresh mint.

2. Tetley Lemon Green Tea paired with Cottage Cheese, Rocket & Roasted Tomato Sandwich
Zesty Lemon Green Tea pairs beautifully with savoury, earthy flavours. A healthy, satisfying pairing for any time of day.

3. Tetley Mango Green Tea paired with Mango & Chickpea Salad with Spinach & Feta
A tropical combination that sings with the sweetness of mango, balanced by hearty chickpeas and tangy feta. Every sip of Tetley Mango Green Tea with Vitamin B5 takes you on a tropical escape!

Isma-eel Syce @ismaeel_syce: Food & Lifestyle Digital Creator

Cape Town’s Isma-eel Syce aims to entertain and bring joy to as many people as possible through his content. Renowned for his great taste and love of Tetley Tea, Isma-eel has shared his 3 favourite Tetley Tea pairings for readers to try. He’s taken tea and food pairing to the next level with these delicious desserts infused with a range of Tetley’s signature blends.

Earl Grey Tea Brownies with Chocolate Icing (Serves 12)

Rich, indulgent, and infused with the fragrant citrus notes of Tetley Earl Grey Tea, these brownies are an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Brownie Ingredients:
• 2 Tetley Earl Grey Tea bags
• 115g butter
• 1 cup 200g sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup 60g flour
• ? cup 40g cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Icing Ingredients:
• 1 Tetley Earl Grey Tea bag
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup icing sugar
• heap tbsp cocoa
Brownie Instructions:
1. Melt butter and steep the Tetley Earl Grey tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.
2. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Then mix in flour, cocoa, and salt.
3. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 175°C for 20-25 minutes.

Chocolate Icing Instructions:
1. Boil a small amount of water (about 2-3 tbsp). Place the tea bag in the water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Once steeped, remove the tea bag and set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, melt the butter until smooth (you can microwave it for about 20 seconds or melt it over low heat).
3. Add cocoa powder and mix until combined.
4. Gradually sift in the icing sugar to the mixture, stirring to combine.
5. Slowly add the brewed tea, a teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency (you may not need all the tea).
6. Let them cool before slicing. Once cooled, dust with icing sugar and enjoy

Tetley Lemon Tea Shortbread (Makes 20)

Delicate, buttery shortbread cookies with a refreshing hint of Tetley Lemon Tea. Perfect for an afternoon treat.

Ingredients:
• Tetley Lemon Tea bags (cut open and use the tea leaves)
• 225g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g sugar
• 250g flour
Instructions:
1. Beat butter and sugar together until smooth. Add flour and tea leaves, then mix into a dough.
2. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes or form a log and slice into rounds.
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden.
4. Let them cool before serving.

Chai Pancakes with Apple Green Tea Syrup (Serves 12)

Fluffy pancakes infused with Tetley Chai, drizzled in a warm, lightly spiced Apple Green Tea syrup. A delicious fusion of sweet and spice!

Pancake Ingredients:
• 1 Tetley Masala Chai Tea bag (cut open and use the tea leaves)
• 250g flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp oil for frying
Apple Green Tea Syrup Ingredients:
• 125ml brewed Tetley Green Tea
• 125ml apple juice
• ½ cup white sugar
Pancake Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and the tea leaves.
2. Add milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat. Pour small amounts of batter and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another minute.

Syrup Instructions:
1. In a small pot, combine apple juice, brewed Tetley Green Tea, and white sugar.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
3. Drizzle the syrup over warm pancakes and enjoy!

Tetley Tea has a range of delicious teas for all tastes:
• Tetley Premium Black teas: Premium Blend, Lemon, Earl Grey, Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai
• Tetley Herbals: Pure Chamomile
• Tetley Green teas: Pure Green Tea, Lemon Green Tea, Mint Green Tea, Apple Green Tea, Mango Green Tea with Vitamin B5 and Peach & Orange Green Tea with Vitamin C
• New! Tetley instant Chai Lattes in Original and Vanilla
For recipes, advice and tips, visit the Joekels website at www.joekels.co.za or follow @TetleyTeaSA on Facebook and Instagram. For more recipe inspiration and to explore the full Tetley range, visit www.tetley.co.za

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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Joekels.

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Ope Adetayo: Ope Adetayo is a Nigerian journalist who has worked for the BBC World Service and the Voice of America. He is
known for his reporting on the African continent.