Forget wine pairings—tea pairing is having a moment, and South Africans are fully on board! Just like wine, pairing tea with food is about matching flavours that enhance each other for a perfectly balanced tasting experience.
For example, Black teas pair wonderfully with hearty breakfasts, spicy meals, and chocolate desserts. Green teas are ideal with Asian cuisine, light dishes, and citrus-based sweets. Meanwhile, Herbal teas complement fruit-forward desserts and elegant cheese platters.
From the bold Tetley Premium Blend to refreshing Green teas, aromatic Chais, and soothing Pure Chamomile, Tetley has something for every taste. And what better way to enjoy your favourite brew than with a dish that brings out its best?
That’s why Tetley, one of SA’s most-loved tea brands, has teamed up with top lifestyle and wellness influencers to share their personal tea-and-food pairing favourites for you to try at home.
Candice Sessions
, Marketing Manager at Tetley, shares:
“At Tetley, our goal is to have a tea for every mood and moment. Whether you’re winding down with calming Chamomile or brightening your day with a zesty Lemon Green Tea, there’s a Tetley tea to enhance the experience – and a delicious dish to go with it. We’re excited to share some winter tea pairing ideas from our influencer community.”
Nikita Rwida
(@nikitarwida)
Health, Nutrition & Wellness Content Creator
“There’s something so comforting about a cup of Tetley Premium Black Tea—the rich aroma, the deep flavour. I love enjoying it with oat cookies for a simple, feel-good treat.”
Nikita’s favourite Tetley tea pairings:
- Tetley Lemon Green Tea + Lemon slice dessert — A zesty, refreshing match.
- Tetley Apple Green Tea + Apple crumble pie — A warm, fruity delight.
- Tetley Masala Chai + Honey & ginger cake — The ultimate cozy indulgence.
Tumi Nqoko
(@tumis_wellness)
Foodie, Fitness & Wellness Creator
Tumi blends healthy living with delicious food. She recommends these fresh and vibrant Green Tea pairings for a nourishing tea experience:
- Tetley Mint Green TeaPaired with: Ricotta, grilled peaches & honey sandwichWhy it works: Cooling mint complements sweet peaches and creamy ricotta.
- Tetley Lemon Green TeaPaired with: Cottage cheese, rocket & roasted tomato sandwichWhy it works: The citrusy tang contrasts beautifully with savoury earthiness.
- Tetley Mango Green Tea with Vitamin B5Paired with: Mango, chickpea, spinach & feta saladWhy it works: A tropical mix of sweet, salty, and fresh – a mini getaway in every bite!
Isma-eel Syce
(@ismaeel_syce)
Food & Lifestyle Digital Creator
Cape Town’s beloved foodie, Isma-eel brings joy through flavour. His tea-infused desserts take tea pairing to the next level!
🍫 Tetley Earl Grey Brownies with Chocolate Icing (Serves 12)
Rich, chocolatey brownies with a citrusy twist from Tetley Earl Grey.
Brownie Ingredients:
- 2 Tetley Earl Grey tea bags
- 115g butter
- 200g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 60g flour
- 40g cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla
Chocolate Icing:
- 1 Tetley Earl Grey tea bag
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup icing sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa
Instructions:
Steep tea in melted butter, then combine with other ingredients. Bake at 175°C for 20–25 minutes. Make icing by mixing steeped tea, melted butter, cocoa, and sugar. Cool, ice, and dust with icing sugar.
🍋 Tetley Lemon Tea Shortbread (Makes 20)
Buttery shortbread with a refreshing lemon tea twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tetley Lemon Tea bags (cut open)
- 225g unsalted butter
- 100g sugar
- 250g flour
Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar. Mix in flour and tea leaves. Shape and bake at 160°C for 12–15 minutes.
🥞 Chai Pancakes with Apple Green Tea Syrup (Serves 12)
Spiced pancakes paired with a fruity syrup for an unforgettable breakfast.
Pancakes:
- 1 Tetley Masala Chai tea bag (cut open)
- 250g flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tbsp melted butter
Syrup:
- 125ml brewed Tetley Green Tea
- 125ml apple juice
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions:
Mix dry and wet pancake ingredients separately, then combine and cook. For syrup, simmer all ingredients until slightly thickened and pour over warm pancakes.
Discover the Tetley Range:
Premium Black Teas: Premium Blend, Lemon, Earl Grey, Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai
Green Teas: Pure, Lemon, Mint, Apple, Mango with Vitamin B5, Peach & Orange with Vitamin C
Herbal Teas: Pure Chamomile
New: Instant Chai Lattes – Original & Vanilla
Explore more recipes and tea inspiration at www.joekels.co.za or follow @TetleyTeaSA on Facebook and Instagram.
Image credit: Tumi Nqoko / @tumi_wellness
