AZE.US
A cup of tea in Azerbaijan can cost dramatically different amounts depending on where it is served. While in Baku a teapot of tea can reach 7 to 10 manats, in some regional districts customers can still drink plain herbal tea for as little as 50 qapiks.
Tea house owners in the regions say they have no plans to raise prices, even though low-cost tea brings in little profit. According to them, preparing one samovar of tea costs around 12 to 15 manats, and expenses rise further when lemon, jam or sweets are added.
In districts such as Ismayilli and Tovuz, vendors say they still offer simple tea without lemon for 50 qapiks. More expensive options depend on the size of the teapot and what is served alongside it. One teapot may cost 1 manat, while a larger one can go for 3 manats or more.
Tea sellers say the quality of the water plays a major role. In their view, good tea should be brewed not with ordinary tap water, but with spring water. In many regional areas, they also use natural herbs collected from the mountains during brewing, giving the drink a distinctive aroma and flavor.
Customers say the contrast with the capital is obvious. Some noted that in Baku an ordinary tea can cost around 3 manats, while in the regions it may be just 1 manat – and, in their opinion, taste better because of both the water and the preparation.
The comparison shows that the price of tea in Azerbaijan depends not only on the drink itself, but also on where and how it is served. In Baku, the bill often reflects location and service. In the regions, simplicity, local ingredients and hospitality still keep prices low.