When did tea first become a mainstream drink in Asia?

The history of tea drinking in Asia dates back to ancient times, with the earliest evidence of tea consumption in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Tea drinking became popular among the Chinese elite during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and spread to Japan during the Nara period (710-794 AD). Tea was introduced to India by the British in the 19th century and quickly gained popularity, becoming the national drink. In other Asian countries, such as Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, tea drinking has also been a part of the culture for centuries. Overall, tea has been a mainstream drink in Asia for over two thousand years.