For many of us, tea is the magic key to the vault where our brain is kept. India is home to some of the most exquisite and premium teas, cherished globally for their unique flavors and craftsmanship. Know more about the best kind of teas
By Namrata Kohli
Chai is always a friendly common denominator that binds us together amidst all of the chaos. An editor’s day is incomplete without it, says Moutushi Mukherjee, Commissioning editor at Penguin Random House India, “Quite a lot of editors are coffee people but quite a lot more are chai people. It’s the universal choice of beverage for conversations with authors. Equally, it’s the choice of beverage for sticky discussions with Sales and other editors. Nothing quite gets the conversation going as a strong cuppa, and more often than not, it’s the glue that sticks together many such uncomfortable conversations. If you have critical feedback on a manuscript, you rely on that brew heavily. If you want to fight over that dreaded thing called budgets, bring a cup along with you.”
Tea is such an equalizer and cuts across economic classes and all barriers. From a dhaba to a hotel, everyone serves tea. And Indian hospitality majors are flooded with requests for masala chai. Says Chef Simran Singh Thapar, Executive Chef at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, “At The Leela, our Indian Masala Tea with ginger and cardamom remains a beloved choice, especially during breakfast and evening hours." He shares some quick tips saying- "To brew the perfect cup, ensure you’re using high-quality tea leaves, not tea dust, and avoid over-brewing. The key is simmering the water, adding crushed ginger and cardamom, then gently boiling the milk.”
Some of the bestselling brands include Tata, Goodricke, Red Label, Lipton while the boutique brands that sell premium teas include Teabox, Vahdam, Teacupsfull, Tea Culture of the world, Tea Trunk, Tea Monk Global.
Tea can be classified as white, oolong, green and black, but they all come from one plant, namely Camellia Sinensis. Even though all kinds of teas are manufactured from the same plant, camellia sinensis, the way it is processed, fermented and oxidised contributes massively to the difference. Even its origin makes all the difference- such as the region the tea is plucked from, the harvest (first flush, second flush, autumn flush), the quality of the leaves plucked, altitude of the tea garden, growing conditions, geography.
Tea veteran Atul Asthana, former Managing Director of Goodricke Group enumerates some of the bestselling teas include Goodricke Chai; Goodricke Roasted; Goodricke Castleton; Goodricke Thurbo; Goodricke Khaas. But the luxury brands include all single estate teas such as Castleton Muscatel, Margret’s Hope Single Estate; Amgoorie, Borbam, Harmutty and Dejoo. Says Asthana- “These teas are made from special leaves from the same tea estate without being blended with any other teas. That’s why these teas are premium. Amongst the Single estate teas, Darjeelings are in the range of Rs 6,000 to 7,000 per kg while the Assams at Rs 5,000 per kg. These teas which are special and premium should be brewed (not boiled) for 4/5 mins and should be had without milk and sugar. Maybe a dash of lime is allowed as it enhances the taste. Milk and Sugar are known as white poison and not at all advocated for adding to tea. Black tea ( without milk & sugar) has a lot of medicinal properties as it contains polyphenols, antioxidants, amino acids, and flavonoids. The traditional method of boiling water with tea leaf, milk and sugar is unhealthy and should be avoided.”
Miraj Group is a processor and exporter of premium quality tea. Their bestselling tea is Miraj Classic Tea and Miraj Red Tea and their luxury offering is Miraj Gold Tea. Busting certain chai myths, Vikas Purohit, Promoter, Aacharan Enterprise, Miraj group says- “The first myth about tea is that it is dehydrating. However, that’s not true. The water content that is used in your tea contributes to hydrating your entire body and helping you get through your day. You might hear people say that they need a cup of tea before starting their day. It’s because of the hydrating factor of the water content in your tea. Another popular myth about tea is that it is high in caffeine. However, true tea lovers would be able to distinguish between these two drinks. Tea has less caffeine in it compared to coffee. This can also vary according to your brewing method, as different households prefer different methods.” He also shares that some people overemphasize the goodness of tea like tea can kill cancer cells. This statement is one of the most easily believable myths. The gravity of this myth is immense. Green tea has been studied very carefully by scientists and has been suggested to provide the body with a perfect space to improve cellular function. One of the studies published in PubMed Central, National Center for Biotechnology Information (PMC, NCBI) infers that tea could play a role in delaying cancer onset and reducing cancer incidence. However, medical science doesn’t support any claim of tea curing cancer.
It's also a myth that tea can cure all ailments. Tea can help you, offer some protection against cancer, and improve your immune system, which would enhance your chances of coping with illness, but it won’t keep the doctor away.
There is no one way to have tea. “To each their own way,” says tea scientist Gurmeet Singh, who has 25 inventions of the brew to his name. He personally has different teas at different points of day. Says Singh – “I start my day with our good old boiled chai with milk, ginger, elaichi in morning and evening. I take it without sugar. Green tea is mid-morning and herb and orthodox blends are hot brewed and chilled with meals. -so many ways. With milk, Without milk, With lemon, With herbs, spices, botanicals etc. All good ways. Boiling, hot brew, cold brew - many ways to make. Try to reduce sugar - not from a tea perspective, but from a general health perspective. I also savour Kombucha very frequently that I make from my lab.”
Finally as the saying goes, life is like a cup of tea. It’s all in how you make it. But it’s also about how you present it. Tea presentation is another big art and science. What is the best way to present tea? Tea presentation has evolved from simple servings to a more mindful and sensory experience. Today, it’s not just about taste but also about the visual and aromatic appeal. Chef Ashish Singh, COO and Culinary Director, Ikigai by Cafe Delhi Heights shares some tips- “I believe all teas should be served decanted and hot. Before steeping loose-leaf tea, it’s essential to warm the teapot by filling it with hot water and then discarding the water. This prevents the teapot from cracking due to sudden temperature changes and creates the ideal environment for brewing. Once the teapot is warmed, add the loose tea leaves and pour hot water over them. Allow the tea to steep for the right amount of time based on the type of tea, ensuring optimal flavor extraction. This method enhances the tea-drinking experience, making it as much about the process as the final sip.”
Organic teas like Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Saffron have seen a significant surge in demand, driven by the growing preference for wellness-focused choices. These teas not only offer unique flavors but also come with a host of health benefits, making them a popular pick among tea enthusiasts.
As Chinese tea connoisseur Lu Yu, The Classic Art of Tea said- “Tea tempers the spirit, harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens the thought and prevents drowsiness.” It is indeed a potent combo of wellness, delight and convenience.
PRICING:
India is home to some of the most exquisite and premium teas, cherished globally for their unique flavors and craftsmanship. Here are the most premium teas in India:
· Makaibari Silver Tips Imperial (Darjeeling)
Region: Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Description: Harvested during full moon nights, this is one of the rarest and most luxurious teas in the world.
Price: Up to ₹1.12 lakh per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Delicate floral and muscatel notes with a smooth finish.
· Badamtam Moonlight White Tea (Darjeeling)
Region: Badamtam Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Description: Known for its limited harvest and delicate processing, this tea is an epitome of luxury.
Price: ₹2 lakh per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Sweet, mellow, and fragrant with hints of stone fruits.
· Assam Silver Needle White Tea
Description: A rare and exquisite white tea made from young, unopened tea buds.
Price: ₹15,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per kilogram (depending on the batch and quality)
Flavor Profile: Light, delicate, with floral and fruity undertones.
Specialty: Rich in antioxidants, minimally processed for a fresh taste.
· Manohari Gold Tea
Description: Known for fetching record-breaking prices at auctions, this tea is a luxury offering from the Manohari Tea Estate.
Price: ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per kilogram (auction price)
Flavor Profile: Smooth, malty, and aromatic with a golden liquor.
Specialty: Limited production makes it highly sought after.
· Golden Tips Tea (Darjeeling)
Region: Darjeeling
Description: Handcrafted and sun-dried, these teas are produced in small
quantities for a refined experience.
Price: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Aromatic with complex muscatel flavors.
· Assam Golden Tips
Description: A luxurious tea made from the finest golden tips (unopened leaf buds) of the tea plant.
Price: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Rich, malty, and smooth with a hint of sweetness.
Specialty: Handpicked and processed delicately for a superior flavor.
· Halmari Gold Tea
Description: One of the most celebrated teas from Assam, known for its consistently high quality and rich flavor.
Price: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Bold and brisk with malty undertones and a hint of honey.
Specialty: Premium CTC and orthodox variants available.
· Assam Orthodox Tea
Description: High-grade orthodox teas from Assam are known for their refined flavor and exquisite aroma.
Price: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Rich, malty, with notes of spices and dried fruits.
Specialty: Made using traditional methods for a premium taste.
· Dinjoye Premium Gold Tea
Description: A high-quality Assam tea known for its bold flavor and golden tips.
Price: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per kilogram
Flavor Profile: Strong and robust with a malty finish.
Specialty: Favored by tea connoisseurs for its full-bodied character.
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