Let’s chai it this Sunday
If you are cold, it 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. It is nothing but a simple cup of tea.
The words that William E. Gladstone, the 19th century British prime minister, used to describe tea can be carried over into the 21st century as well. Tea continues to redefine interactions and palates as it is refined to include ever more exotic flavours.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the canapé-nibbling cliques and the elaborate Sunday brunch set. Whether it’s an aromatic White Tea or a Fortune Ball with Lotus, tea is moving in high society indeed. Says Sanjukthaa Roy of Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, “Tea culture and its appreciation is an art that the well-heeled have mastered. People discuss art, cultural happenings and books at tea soirees at our hotels — it’s all about intellectual stimulation.”
One reason why tea soirees are currying so much favour is because they are less stressful than elaborate luncheons, says design consultant Nisha Jamwval. On a personal level, she explains, “Many of the ‘tea set’ have obviously experienced the tradition at its finest at Claridge’s in London. Similarly, growing up in a very Western atmosphere with colonial influences, tea was the most important part of my day. Even today, it continues to be my time to unwind and meditate.” Nisha also attributes the newfound appreciation for tea to people’s concern with weight issues: “A lot of antiquated beliefs about tea have gone out the window, and now, it is generally considered to stimulate the metabolism — especially the green varieties and herb, ginger and lemon types.”
Shilpa Shetty, Mandira Bedi and Gucci promoter Reena Wadhwa are some of the popular ladies who specialise in exquisite tea parties. The food at these dos is light and bite-sized, ranging from mini bruchettas, petit pastries and savouries (from light, crusty scones with rich clotted cream, finger sandwiches and open sandwiches, freshly-baked raisin and chocolate scones with tea jam and Devonshire cream). Sweet and savoury dahi puri and other types of chaat are also part of the line-up. “Carrot cake, lemon meringues and shortbread with fruit are hot favourites,” says Jean Françoise Sebille, the owner of the Auroville boutiques.
The delicacies that go along with it aside, there are some, like writer Shobhaa De, who look at tea appreciation as a very private ritual. Shobhaa says, “I adore my teas, but love the privacy that goes with the ritual of drinking exquisite tea. I am neither a lady who lunches, nor a lady who teas! In any case, Mumbai socialites wouldn’t know a delicate leaf from a money plant.”
Does coffee still have a chance?
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