Why Silicon Valley Is Quietly Turning to Chinese Tea
Tea Helped Me Pause — And That Changed Everything
I used to drink coffee like it was fuel.
Two cups before 10AM. Maybe another one by 3PM.
Fast, strong, get-it-done energy.
But somehow, the more I rushed, the more I felt stuck.
Then I discovered Chinese tea — not the tea bags you dunk and forget — but real tea. Leaves that open. Aromas that change. A ritual that forces you to slow. down.
Let me explain.
Chinese tea isn’t just a drink. It’s an experience.
You boil water.
You pour.
You wait.
You smell.
You sip.
You breathe.
For five minutes, you’re not checking your phone.
You’re not thinking about meetings.
You’re just… there.
Why Are So Many Creatives and Founders Turning to Tea?
Because burnout is real.
Because not everything needs to be faster.
Because some things — like inspiration, like focus — only show up when you’re still.
I read that Steve Jobs drank oolong tea every day.
He loved its simplicity, its quiet clarity.
Even at the peak of Apple’s chaos, he made time to sit and brew.
Now, in 2025, I see more of that mindset coming back.
In co-working spaces.
In minimalist homes.
On the desks of people who are building the future — but want to stay human while doing it.
What’s So Special About Chinese Tea?
It doesn’t hit you like espresso.
It invites you. Gently. Slowly.
- White tea is like a cool breeze on a busy day.
- Pu-erh is earthy, deep — it feels like reading an old book in silence.
- Dragon Well (Longjing) is fresh and green, like spring in a cup.
It’s not about caffeine. It’s about rhythm.
It’s not about productivity. It’s about presence.
Final Thought:
Maybe you don’t need a new planner.
Or another productivity hack.
Maybe…
All you need is a quiet ritual that reminds you who you are before the world gets loud again.
And sometimes, that ritual is just a warm cup of tea.