The first thing that comes to one’s mind, when thinking of Russians most favourite drink is vodka. But number 1 on the list of the Stuff Russians Like is much more important drink for the nation. It’s more than just a drink, it’s a cause to start a long conversation or to eat something delicious (cookies for some people and a sandwich for other), and it is the culture! Foreigners should be cautious when they are invited for Russian tea or Russian chai, if they are not ready to spend hours with a host.

In the rest of the world there is a stereotype about this kind of tea. It’s believed that Russians are crazy about black tea with lemon and sugar. And it’s partly true. This tea recipe is quite famous among the people, who also agree to drink tea with milk or honey. The only thing the majority doesn’t accept is cold tea - in American way. 

Where did all of this lemon-thing come from? Well, there is an opinion, that the reason is famous Russian roads, their notoriety even. When a poor Russian got sick while travelling around the biggest country, they couldn’t eat, but they could drink tea… with lemon, because lemon helped them to put down the sickness, while again travelling around the country and its “flawless” roads. 

Another trait concerning Russian tea tradition is having a spoon in a cup while drinking tea. And there is a good story that illustrates that habit. During the WWII an Austro-German Wehrmacht revealed a Russian spy, who was drinking tea having a spoon in a cup. Nowadays it’s considered to be impolite, but lots of Russians still have this habit. 

Another feature of Russian tea drinking, which is sadly fading out these days (sadly, because less of national identity remains) is Russian tea cup holders. But you can still find them at the trains in Russia. So, isn’t it a good reason to go for adventure?