Recently, I was invited to speak and present “The Place of Tea in Indian Culture and the Kerala Tea Gardens” at the Boston Athenaeum. Here is a short synopsis.
Indians love tea, they are crazy about it – and they even have a special word for it – chai.
India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Tea is grown in the north and the south – in exotic places like Munnar in Kerala, Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri Mountains. The tea gardens are a sight to see. Beautiful terraces are carved into the earth and from far they look like manicured gardens. Tea from Darjeeling and Assam is world famous for its aroma and taste.
Tea was introduced in India by the British during early 1900’s, those were early days of the British Raj. Large swaths of land were converted for mass tea-production. Ironically, the British introduced tea in India to break the Chinese monopoly. Tea was originally consumed by the westernized Indians, but it became widely popular over time. Today, looking at the popularity of tea one cannot tell of its origins from China.
But the story of story of tea in India goes beyond the tea gardens in exotic mountains and valleys, covered with mist and lush greenery. Tea is woven intricately into the Indian social fabric.
Chai is the common equalizer in India – from the rich to the poor. No matter what their position in life, an Indian relishes a cup of tea. The rich ones have their tea served in fancy tea-pots, delicate porcelain cups on well laid out tables with cookies and pastries. The not-so-affluent have it in more humble settings. But the joy and satisfaction is the same.
No matter where you go in India, even the remote village, you are likely to find a tea-stall, with a Chai-walla brewing the concoction, squeezing every last flavor. There is always a crowd of eager and tired folks waiting patiently for their chai. Tea re-vitalizes your body. It is a great anti-oxidant.
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world. Every train station has tea-stalls. Hawkers carry tea-buckets doling out hot cups to weary travelers as the trains pull into the train stations. One of my enduring memories growing up in India is traveling on the train in the sleeper-coach and waking up to the lilting calls of the tea-hawkers.
There are many stories of how tea brings people together. When you visit friends – tea and snacks are probably the most common offering. A cup of tea bonds friendships and heals differences. A guest rejecting an offer of a cup of tea may even hurt their feelings. The ultimate bonding is sharing a cup of tea – between two people – albeit in different saucers. When you visit a commercial establishment, as a sign of respect for the customer, tea is offered. Read more of my travels and get recipes in cookbook titled Tea of India.
I am delighted that my Cookbooks were displayed and showcased in the museum! Thanks Hannah Weisman! Hannah is the Director of Education at Boston Athenaeum.
The museum is a historical place and encourages historical books. The Boston Athenaeum is steeped in history. Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions in the United States.
Chai is the common equalizer in India – from the rich to the poor. No matter what their position in life, an Indian relishes a cup of tea. The rich ones have their tea served in fancy tea-pots, delicate porcelain cups on well laid out tables with cookies and pastries. The not-so-affluent have it in more humble settings. But the joy and satisfaction is the same.
A good cup of chai is the answer to body aches, headaches and the morning blues.
Call it “Chai” or “Choi” or “Cha” or “Tea” the joy of having chai is awesome.
Many Tea / Parsi Chai recipes are in our cookbook
Tea of India: Parsi Cuisine
I am just amazed how people from Japan and India enjoy in their tea ceremony, there is something special about tea preparation and whole process of connecting people with the help of single cup of tea! Isn’t that great!
Yes it is a bonding experience.
Tea is definitely a soothing experience!
It is a experience every time you drink it. -Rita
Ahhh, I’m a coffee drinker but if I’m tired then it’s always tea- it definitely makes me feel better! Last week we actually researched tea trees to see if they would grow in the UK… we might get one soon! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday.
Ha, ha, easier to buy the tea than grow it. But then I do grow a version of tea plant and add to my tea. It is called “Lemon Grass” or “leeli-chai” and has healthy properties. You can find it in chinese markets in water containers. Here is on article on the benefits of Lemon Grass, you may find interesting – https://parsicuisine.com/lemon-grass/
I still fancy having a tea tree though! Just for something different! 😀 I never thought of growing lemon-grass – what an interesting article! Thank you!
Sipping a cup of hot Tea is always so pleasant experience.!