English breakfast tea is a generic blend which takes in black teas from Assam, Ceylon and Kenya.

Like all breakfast teas, English breakfast tea is a black tea blend that is full-bodied, robust and rich. It is blended to go well with milk and sugar. The details of the blend vary between brands. Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan teas are most common but Keemun can sometimes be found in more expensive blends.

Like the blend details, accounts of the origin of English breakfast tea vary. The term breakfast tea has been applied by vendors since at least the late 18th century and originated in America. It dates back to around 1843 and a tea merchant named Richard Davies. This tea blend sold well and its success led to imitators, helping to popularize the name.