There's no single inventor of adding milk to tea. The practice developed independently across different cultures and regions over time.
Early Origins in Tibet
Evidence suggests that adding dairy to tea might have originated as early as 781 AD in Tibet. Tibetans traditionally added yak's butter to their tea. Adding Milk to Tea - Té Company Milk in tea: the origin story | Arla UK History of Milk Tea | That's Mandarin
Spread and Evolution
- China and Mongolia: Tea's introduction to Mongolia from China in 781 AD may have involved early forms of milk tea.
- Europe: While the British are often associated with milk in tea, their adoption occurred much later, in the 17th century. A Dutch traveler, Jean Nieuhoff, observed tea with milk at a banquet in Canton in 1655. Who Adds Milk to Tea and Why In France, Madame de la Sablière is credited with popularizing tea with milk in 1680. Tea History: Adding Milk To Tea A common belief among some is that British women added milk to reduce the bitterness of the tea, a practice that eventually became common. Where does milk tea come from? : r/AskUK
- India: While chai (tea with milk and spices) is incredibly popular in India, it wasn't invented there. It's a result of the adoption and adaptation of tea-drinking practices. When did the British start putting milk in tea? - Quora
It's important to note that various forms of milk tea exist, including bubble tea (a Taiwanese invention) which is a distinct variation. Who invented bubble tea? - Taipei Times Milk tea - Wikipedia
Conclusion
The addition of milk to tea wasn't a singular invention but a cultural evolution with multiple origins and regional adaptations.
