Recently had two similar experiences regarding tea. Most recently, I went to an upscale Afghan restaurant to try the fare, looking for new things to try. The food is decent and interesting and tried some new stuff, or at least Afghan versions of stuff.

Anyway, I like to try 'indigenous' food and they had Afghan tea (chai) on the menu. A little pricey but sounded good.

They didn't brew it. Came out of a carton. Not what I expected given the price. Remember this is somewhat upscale too. Disappointing at best.

I hate when they do this. Say it's from a carton on the menu instead of suggesting it's fresh brewed. I expect that of espresso and coffee. I expect that of tea as well. Must one really ask at every restaurant whether the coffee and tea is fresh brewed or instant?

Did you complain? Most really upscale restaurant will take if off your tab when you call their BS.

Didn't complain. But I will be inquiring whether the tea is fresh brewed at all restaurants now.

I won't be going back to that restaurant. If they can't brew something as easy as tea, what other short cuts are they taking in the kitchen?

I love it when they bring me a teabag and a metal container containing tepid water that'd be too cool for bathing.

I assume you ordered ice tea so they bring you something that's neither hot nor cold?

Still addicted to my adagio.com tea konata. Was a bit disappointed they were out of stock of my usual "sleeping dragon" so settles for gunpowder, its smeh compared to the latter.

One tea snob to another, I dont even bother drinking tea at restaurants anymore with the exception of 1 place in town.

That's too bad. Will they stock again soon?

I actually limit my premium tea drinking now. It was getting way too expensive to drink as frequently as I had been. So I drink in 50 gram bursts (5 batches at time; 50 gram bags) then not drink for a few weeks.