About the Author

Helen Saberi is a London-based food historian and writer. She is the author of a number of books on food, including Noshe Djan: Afghan Food and Cookery (2000), The Road to Vindaloo: Curry Cooks and Curry Books (2008), co-authored with David Burnett, and Tea: A Global History (2010) in Reaktion’s Edible series.

Reviews

China or Indian? Black or green? Oolong or lapsang? Milk in first or last – or avoid controversy with a slice of lemon? These and all other questions relating to the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, raw material of the world's most venerable refreshment, are addressed in appropriate elegance by culinary historian Helen Saberi in Teatimes. Scholarly text, gorgeous illustrations, high production values and a handlful of classic recipes make this is a proper teatime treat.
*The Oldie*

Helen Saberi has created a wonderful collection of facts and fancies, as well as a few fantasies, covering all aspects of Tea and tea drinking that will be treasured by, not just lovers of tea, but anyone who has an interest in history and all the quirky bits and pieces that somehow end up becoming a tradition.
*Blue Wolf Reviews*

Pop the kettle on and immerse yourself in the rich history of one of the world’s most enduring and endearing commodities: tea. The hardcover tome covers tea’s global journey into the hearts and homes of many; from literature’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to historical newspaper advertisements and the rising popularity of bubble tea. The final chapter is filled with recipes to accompany your favourite cuppa, including Victoria sponges, cucumber sandwiches, tea buns and samosas.
*Brisbane News*

This is a great read for anyone into the cultural aspects of food and travel. If you’ve previously bought or read books on the history of tea as a beverage this is a refreshing approach to the subject. I wouldn’t call myself a tea lover (coffee is far more my thing) but I really enjoyed this book.
*ComfortablyHungry.com*

Teatimes isn't just about the beverage itself but the many associated traditions, ephemera and cultural differences. It's a fascinating insight into how tea and teatimes have become an integral part of everyday lives as well as a special event and way of socialising around the world.
*VisitVineyards.com*

Elegantly written, this book provides a sparkling and affectionate evocation of tea, its social nuances and mouth-watering accompaniments in all their manifold glory. A book for anyone who loves a good cuppa.
*Laura Mason*

The book is a delightful and colourful romp through time and around the world to celebrate all things Camellia Sinensis. This volume proves that there is so much more to tea than leaves in boiled water . . . It is clear that Saberi is a passionate tea drinker because this warmth appears in her prose. She has put time and care into researching different cultures and the way they consume their tea. While some readers may be familiar with the drink, they will also learn and appreciate some more obscure customs and facts . . . a highly readable and informative look at one of life’s most enjoyable pastimes–afternoon tea.
*100 Per Cent Rock Magazine*

What I found particularly interesting were the varied types of tea preferred in different parts of the world and the differing foods traditionally associated with tea drinking or teatimes in those places. The author also provides helpful and appealing recipes of some of these tea drinks and foods . . . This is a handsome, well-produced book with extensive illustrations, both black and white and in colour. It also contains some amusing quotations and anecdotes related to tea drinking and associated meals . . . an enjoyable and informative book at a reasonable price. I recommend it.
*Asian Affairs*

Book covers are rarely commented upon in reviews, yet they may offer potential readers a wealth of signification. The front cover of Teatimes: A World Tour catches the eye with a sketchy teacup and saucer and a fluid “spontaneous” script, all superimposed on a world map. The colours – black, brown, and green – are those of tea. The overall impression is one of playfulness, a promise of teatime entertainment . . . [the book is] nicely produced with 130 in-text illustrations . . . it is designed to help the reader “enjoy your own memories of teatimes and take pleasure in reading about teatimes, past and present, from all over the world, in the comfort of your armchair while sipping a cup of your favourite tea”. It has an engaging, sometimes anecdotal style, which works well for this purpose . . . many
marvelous images
*Food, Culture and Society journal*