Tea, the ubiquitous beverage, which wakes up most Indians, hasn’t got out of its own slumber. In the world’s second largest producer and consumer market, this common man’s beverage hasn’t got its due share of fame. But as the latest trends suggest, it is on the cusp of giving its celebrated cousin Coffee a run for its money. And there are few gladiators who are doing their bit to take tea to the center stage.
One such person is Founder & Director of Anandini Himalaya Teas and renowned Tea Sommelier Anamika Singh. A Tea drinker by birth and a Tea-Taster by profession, she has introduced new infusions with a mix of natural flowers and herbs to the Indian market. This incredibly warm and erudite tea connoisseur has been in the industry for over 18 years. Her love for all things tea and concocting infusions led her to start a store where her beautifully crafted and carefully sourced teas can be found under the label of Anandini Himalaya Tea Boutique, in the heart of Shahpur Jat. The tea is from the Manjhee Valley Tea Estate in Dharamsala, which is owned and run by her family.
We recently were invited for a tea tasting session with her over the new High Tea Menu at Chef Ritu Dalmia's Latitude 28. The session involved serving of various tea blends of Anandi Tea and with mini tartlets, sandwiches and desserts from Lattitude 28 ‘s High Tea Menu. Few of the blend which we loved were Indian Bouquet (Indian flowers infused in black tea with a hint of cardamom), First Flush (black with Lemongrass and Lavender), Humming Homeward (Oolong Tea, Rose Petals, Hibiscus with a hint of cardamom), Fairy Tale (Black Tea, Berries and flowers), Green Tea with Chamomile and Rosehip, Pine Wood Smoked Tea and Green Tea with Fire-Flame Bush & Mint. The tea blends were very refreshing, light and were perfect for summery afternoon.It was the first time I was meeting with Anamika Singh and I was in awe of her simplicity, childlike laughter and warm and inviting personality. It was an afternoon full of good food, brilliant tea blends, lots of laughter and knowledge. To sum up, I would quote former British PM William Gladstone:
“If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you. Thank God for tea! I am glad I was not born before tea.”About Lattitude 28: It is a small, cozy café, Latitude was especially created for food lovers that seek comforting classics from around the world with the occasional ‘Diva spin’. It offers an extensive variety of delicacies that promise delicious, honest taste in a modern ethnic environment – perfect for a date or an afternoon cup of tea.
