When one of us has an “accident in the kitchen”, it might be the reason behind all the smoke and the alarms. But, not all food accidents have to be bad you know. In fact, tea, which just happens to be one of the most popular beverages in India, was actually an accident.
How Tea Came To Be
Quintessentially people believe tea to be a British drink; in fact, a number of British stereotypes involve a lot of tea. But actually, tea originated in China. There is a legend about the invention of tea which goes back to 2737 BC, to the time of the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Shen Nung was sitting under a tree, while his servant boiled up some water, when some leaves from this tree blew into the boiling water. Being a renowned herbalist, Shen Nung decided to try the infusion that was created. The tree was Camellia sinensis, and the drink was what we now call tea. No one knows how true this legend is, but it is a popular belief among many that this was how tea was invented.
How Tea Came to India
A lot of Portuguese traders lived in the eastern countries, where they were introduced to tea. This was how the drink came into conversations in Europe as well. However, it was the Dutch who were the first to commercially ship tea to Europe, making it one of the most fashionable drinks in the area. The British, suspicious about these new fangled continental trends, took their time, but did eventually fall in love with the drink as well. In India, it was the British that brought the drink.
Well, talking so much about tea does make one yearn for a cup full, and you know what would be perfect right now? Tea, of course! Here are some of the best restaurants and cafes that you can head to, for a refreshing cup of tea.
From a masala cutting chai to a cup of Earl Gray tea, from hibiscus to chamomile tea, this café has a hearty tea menu to choose from, and it’s well complemented by the number of delicious snacks that perfectly accompany your tea.
Where
G-38, 1st Floor,
Sector 18, Noida
A dainty little café that offers amazing food, the Amici Café is perfect for a relaxing tête-à-tête over nice tea. When you do order your tea, try some beetroot ravioli or cheese garlic bread with it.
Where
8, Main Market,
Defence Colony, New Delhi
Bohemian Brew — Bistro and Tea Room
This is a European style pub inspired restaurant that offers food to match the ambiance. With its rustic environment, this is a good place to try out Assam Golden Tips Tea with some Eggs Florentine or Baked Beans on Toast.
Where
Shop 1, Mahesh Apartment,
TPS III Road 5,
Khar, Western Suburbs,
Mumbai
One of the first all organic cafes in Mumbai, the Birdsong serves an amazing selection of teas, of which, the Saffron Kahwa Green Tea is a must try.
Where
Shop 1–5, Jenu-Jenai,
Hill road, Bandra West,
Mumbai
Tea is, and will always be one of the most popular drinks in our country, and once you know all the good places to grab your cup, it makes for the perfect outing for all those free evenings.
