Tea plantations appeared in Azerbaijan around 1880 in the most suitable region, i.e. the south of Azerbaijan, just off the border with Iran (the city of Lenkeran and the surrounding area).

According to research, Azerbaijan is in the first place among tea producers in terms of its consumption, the average inhabitant consumes about 2.5 kilograms of it every year (for comparison, the average Pole consumes about one kilogram every year). Its not a posobility to talk about Azerbaijan or understand this country, leaving aside such a basic fact as tea.

Drinking tea is elevated to the status of a sacred. There are many proverbs about this almost holy drink, one of the most popular is “When you drink tea, you don’t count the glasses” (Çay nədir, say nədir). This saying also reflects the very family life of the people of Azerbaijan. From morning to evening they spend time with friends in tea rooms called “chaykhana / çayxana”. This shrine, however, is reserved only for men.

If someone would go to Azerbaijan for matrimonial purposes, it will definitely be useful to know the marriage acceptance ceremony. If you will recive tea without sugar, means that the dream about maried is over allready.

In addition to the case mentioned above, sugar cubes or candies are always served in a glass of tea (usually both sweets are served). Tea cubes and sweets are consumed a lot. Very often we have witnessed one cube of sugar for one sip of tea.

Azerbaijani cuisine is a great Turkish and Persian influence. On the tables you can find mutton, poultry and fish in delicious oriental spices. This is where we ate the best sheep skewers and fried catfish. The most popular vegetables are eggplant and red paprika.