Russians Trade Coffee for Tea as Tensions with the West Deepen

In Moscow and beyond, a cultural shift is steeping. Once fueled by espresso and lattes, Russia’s coffee culture is giving way to an old favorite — tea.

The change isn’t just about taste; it reflects a broader turn inward as relations with the West sour. For some, coffee has come to symbolize Western consumerism and globalization, while tea, brewed in ornate samovars (traditional metal urns), represents something authentically Russian.

Teahouses like Nitka are leading this revival, channeling pre-Revolutionary traditions that disappeared under Soviet rule. Their minimalist spaces and locally blended teas appeal to a generation seeking comfort and identity in familiar rituals.

While sanctions complicate imports from Western-aligned suppliers, Russia’s trade with China and Georgia has ensured steady tea flows.