The world’s largest producer of Tea, India is a country where tea is popular all over as a breakfast and evening drink. It is often served as masala chai with milk and sugar, and sometimes scented with cardamon (elaichi)/ Black Pepper (kali mirch).
Offering tea rather than alcoholic drinks to visitors is the cultural norm in India. Tea has also entered the common idiom so much so that the term "Chai-Panii" ( Tea and Water ) usually refers to wages, tips or even bribery.
During British Rule tea became so popular in the subcontinent that it is now a common breakfast and all-day drink. English speaking commonwealth countries, opened Tea Houses and Tea Rooms / Tea Centers throughout the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Africa and New Zealand although in most of these places it is an antiquated, and no longer daily routine.
One such treasure of a tea house is Tea Centre resides just next to the churchgate station in Mumbai.
One gets to experience near colonial feel in the restaurant, specially when you call the waiter with a silver bell, which is placed on each table of the restaurant.
One can experience the best variety of teas, ranging from the Orange Tea Peacoi (Orange coloured light fragrant tea) to the good old masala tea. And if there is too much of summer heat, you can try the lovely ice tea.
One can also have a selection of platters to choose from for a nice snack.
And if you are lucky, you might get to hear a live piano recital, as you sip your favourite cup of tea with fresh muffins.
I wish, every tea lover visit this place. Though a regular tea drinker may feel a slight pinch on the pocket. Yet, if you compare this with the fast coffee culture, then it is surely a class apart.
Time goes slow, the moment you enter this wonderful restaurant.
Cheers for a healthy cup of tea!