Hi-Tea Gastronomical Drama at Tea Center

Our avid foodie & trotter Vijaya Das Panicker explores the swanky Tea Center in Mumbai - a haven for all chai lovers. Here's what she says:

"The beautiful expanse of Marine Lines in Mumbai is sure to tempt one to take a break from his/her busy business schedule. And, when on a whimsical break do take a detour to the Tea Center at Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate where the simple “TEA” is a gastronomical hospitality business enterprise.

Build around 1953; this place was opened by the Tea Board of India as a tea promotion initiative and has over the years become the most happening hangouts for the eloquent. The ambiance is characteristically elegant and has a quaint charm, with wooden furniture and Victorian lamps, creating a déjà vu of a distinguished bygone era. And, to add to its grandeur, one can even catch a live piano performance. The place is highly exhilarating to a creative sensibility.

The cozy setting and the bell-system for table service brings out a whole new experience of ordering a tea from the exotic tea menu, which includes the Maharani of Darjeeling (Rs.125/270) and the Maharaja of Darjeeling (Rs.120/250) full-bodied co-pins cup with muscadine grapes characterized with honeydew, the Rose Tea (Rs.80) a blend of black teas and sun-dried rose petals to give a clear soft taste of tea with the sweet fragrance of rose, the Kulhad Masala Chai (Rs.50), a tea liquor and milk with select aromatic spices served country style, to our local favourite Masala Chai. There is also the Kashmiri Kahwa (Rs.75), also called Bombay chai, a favourite amongst the Kashmiris, is a fine blend with cardamom and cinnamon sticks, enriched with almonds, pistachio and saffron, and is brewed in a samovar with an overdose of sugar without milk. A tea connoisseur can also enjoy sipping the famous Earl Grey Tea (Rs.90), a fine tea with bergamot. And, if one prefers the cold concoction, they can pick from the selection of iced teas, all priced between Rs60-75. There is also the Spicy Tea (Rs.50), a choice of spicy tea, which can be savoured with hot Indian samosas, pakodas and vadas. There is also a varied choice for enjoying a crispy snack. For the refined palate there is the crisp fish and chips platter (Rs.150) and the Chicken Pasta with white sauce (Rs.175).

The tea drinking experience at Tea Center turns one into a fan of an exotic tea. So, when in Mumbai, do as the Mumbaikars do and don’t wait for a rainy day to visit the Tea Center to enjoy a good cup of tea with crunchy and spicy snacks."

Trip to Munnar - South India Trail: Part I

As the long road winds around the green hills, my thought is – this must be what heaven looks like. I feel like a 12 year old again, as I attempt catching the clouds that float past. The strong fragrance of cardamom and tea rents the air. Munnar, Here I come…

Munnar is definitely a wonder that God must have carved out at leisure. With rolling green hills and cottage-like settlements in between, it’s simply breathtaking. I am already in love! There’s so much I want to do here and time just seems so less. I check into the Club Mahindra Lake View Resort, with its warm hospitality and beautiful rooms that offer splendid views of the region. 30 minutes later, I am geared up to take a tour of the region. Since I am around for 2 days, it’s relatively easier to plan and visit the numerous sights I’ve read all my life about.

My visit of Munnar starts with Mattupetty, which houses the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, a dam and lakes. Moving on to Lock Heart Gap, which is another natural wonder. The tea plantations are obviously a part of my explore-Munnar plan and after a much winding path I reached the Kundala Tea Plantations, where it was interesting to watch the entire tea making process. Highlight of plantations that you visit – you can sample some of the world’s finest teas and carry packets home too! :-)

The next day was a relatively relaxed one and along with my guide, I visited the famous Rajamala & Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for the rather endangered Nilgiri Tahrs. Munnar has quite a few churches too, which are noteworthy for their stained glass windows, from where the sun rays stream in and cast a rather ethereal picture. As we move down the hill path again, I ask my guide what other splendor I must not miss out. Prompt comes the reply, ‘Neelakunrinji flowers that cover the mountain in blue. But you are 2 years late. You must come back after 10 years again’. I simply nod.

As I watch the sun dawn over the hills and the river water sparkles endlessly, I realize that the journey is just about beginning. I’ll be back with more details of my South India Trail, so keep following…