Between Canals and Distant Shores. How Tea Came to Hamburg

Tea is a beverage made by infusing the leaves of the tea plant. In Hamburg, however, it was much more than just a hot drink.

As early as the 17th century, tea arrived in Hamburg from Asia through the port. From there, it was traded and distributed further. Especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, Hamburg developed into an important trading hub for tea.

The Speicherstadt played a central role in this trade. Large quantities of tea were stored, inspected and prepared there for resale. Tea remained an important part of Hamburg’s trade for many years and was even considered a particularly valuable branch of business in the Speicherstadt. This matched its reputation as a fine product from overseas.

Tea is still part of Hamburg’s identity today. It can be found, for example, at tea tastings and in specialized tea shops and trading companies in and around the Speicherstadt.