STiR coffee and tea magazine

STiR coffee and tea 41 A kyusu crafted by Czech artisans. Czech tea house culture maintains close ties with local ceramic craftspeople. Photo credit: Alena Šumová Traditional Gong Fu Cha preparation, typical of many tea houses in the Czech Republic. Photo credit: Mykola Osmachko Tea and ceramics expert Jiri Melzer is deeply rooted in Czech tea house culture. Photo credit: Jiri Melzer "What sets OXALIS apart is our direct involvement at the source," he adds. "We're investors. OXALIS is a shareholder in Tea Studio in Nilgiri, India. This allows us to work closely with producers and ensure supply chain transparency." Tea and Clay: The Aesthetics of Experience In Czech tea culture, the vessel is part of the experience. A strong community of ceramicists has developed, specializing in wood-fired teaware inspired by East Asian traditions. These artists produce cups and teapots fired in traditional kilns over several days. Each piece bears unique marks of ash and flame, widely used in Czech tea houses where teaware choice is as deliberate as tea selection. "The type of ceramic plays a crucial role in the tea experience," says Melzer. "It significantly influences the taste of the tea. "After the revolution, tea houses had little money for imported goods," he ex- plains. "So they commissioned local ceramicists to produce teaware. Wood was afford- able, and many artisans already had experience with traditional kilns." A Small Market With a Distinct Identity While modest in scale with relatively low consumption and retail volume, the Czech Republic's specialty tea sector is remarkably well-developed. Direct sourcing, small- batch imports, and a strong emphasis on education and preparation methods define the Czech scene. Tea houses often serve rare teas, which are difficult to find elsewhere in Europe. What sets the Czech Republic apart is not volume but depth. The community is tightly connected, and knowledge-sharing is central to growth. Looking Ahead: A Culture Still in Bloom The Czech specialty tea scene continues evolving through growing expertise. New tea houses, festivals, and studios emerge while established players refine sourcing and education. Importers focus on trans- parency and producer relationships while consumers seek quality, origin, and context. "Education is the key to growth," says Zelík. "That's why we opened the Tea Center in Prague — to host work- shops and lectures that deepen people's understanding of tea. Only informed consumers can truly appreciate the nu- ances of origin and terroir." "My biggest hope is that people will work together more," reflects Mithra. "Tea, in my opinion, is about connection. I hope the community becomes more supportive and united. "The quality of tea here is outstand- ing," she emphasizes. "Most tea houses don't just serve any tea; they care deeply about sourcing and quality. Each tea house has its own style, and that diversity and authenticity deserve more recogni- tion globally." In an increasingly connected tea world, the Czech Republic stands out — not for its size, but for the richness and depth of its tea culture. The Czech Republic's specialty tea market features a consumer base that is highly educated and discerning, with classes and tea tastings like this one at OXALIS's newly opened Tea Center in Prague in high demand. Photo credit: OXALIS, spol. s r.o.

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