In this corner of the world, tea isn’t just a drink - it’s a cultural obsession. And I promise you won’t find a Pakistani who doesn’t have a ‘chai story’....
world tea day
Every year, on World Tea Day, which occurs on December 15th, tea lovers around the world unite to celebrate this humble, yet extraordinary, beverage. Now, if you ask someone from Pakistan about tea, their eyes will light up like they’ve just been asked about their first love. Because in this corner of the world, tea isn’t just a drink - it’s a cultural obsession. And I promise you won’t find a Pakistani who doesn’t have a ‘chai story’.
It all starts with the comforting chaiwala bustling on every corner of the city, brewing up that sweet, milky tea that Pakistanis swear by. It’s not just about the taste - oh no, it’s about the ritual, the feeling of anticipation as the tea is poured into your glass with that satisfying shlupp sound, steam rising in delicate swirls.
In Pakistan, tea is the ultimate multitasker. It’s there for the morning chai to kick-start the day. It’s there for midday chai to act as the official break time signal. It’s there for the evening chai when the workday ends, and, of course, it’s there for the night-time chai, because let’s be real - no visit to a relative’s house is complete without one. You enter, and within moments - sometimes even before a proper greeting - you’ll be offered chai and find yourself sipping a steaming cup, being told, “Thora aur piyen,” (Have some more). There’s no escaping it. Even at 10 PM, if you’re at a relative’s house, they’ll serve you tea like a ritual. The best part? The tea is never served solo. It’s always accompanied by delectable samosas, pakoras, or mithai - all of which are equally important to the experience.
But let’s talk about the tea itself. Now, the process of making tea in Pakistan is an art form. It’s not just about boiling water and adding tea leaves - oh no, that’s amateur hour. It’s a carefully curated ritual. You begin with the chai patti, a blend of rich tea leaves. Add some milk, because, let’s be honest, if it’s not a shade of beige, it’s not tea. Then comes the all-important sugar (you don’t want to risk any grumpy faces here). The tea must be brewed just long enough to get that deep, satisfying colour but not too long that you offend your mother with the burnt taste.
And let’s not forget the chai debates: Is doodh patti better than kali patti? What about elaichi chai? No one ever reaches a conclusion, and that’s okay - because with tea, you don’t need to agree, you just need to sip and smile. On this On World Tea Day, let’s raise our cups and toast to the timeless charm of tea.
Tea is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, but did you know it comes in all shapes, colours, and benefits? From boosting energy to calming your nerves, tea does it all. So grab your favourite mug as we dive into the wonderful world of teas...
Green tea is the wellness queen of the tea world. It’s packed with antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to boost metabolism and help in weight management. But that’s not all. It also promotes healthy skin, fights inflammation, and gives your immune system a nice little upgrade. And for those who need a pick-me-up, green tea has just the right amount of caffeine to keep you feeling energised without the jittery feeling of a coffee overdose.
If you’re looking for bold flavour and a stronger caffeine kick, black tea is your go-to. Not only does it get you through those sluggish mornings, but it also improves heart health and lowers cholesterol levels. The tannins in black tea are packed with benefits that help with digestion, and it’s perfect for those mid-afternoon slumps. Plus, black tea blends wonderfully with spices, making it a key ingredient in masala chai - a true fan favourite.
Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger have been trusted for centuries for their calming and medicinal properties. Chamomile is perfect for winding down before bed, helping with insomnia and stress relief. Peppermint tea is a go-to for those who want to ease stomach discomfort or freshen their breath naturally. And let’s not forget ginger tea, which is known for its ability to boost immunity, fight inflammation, and soothe a sore throat.
If you’re the type who enjoys the lighter side of life, white tea is where it’s at. With its delicate flavour and high levels of antioxidants, this tea helps with skin hydration and anti-aging. It also packs a punch when it comes to promoting healthy digestion and detoxifying the body. Its subtlety makes it a perfect tea for moments when you need a calm, refreshing break from the chaos of life.
Not too strong, not too weak, oolong tea is a perfect balance between black and green tea. It’s known for aiding weight loss, boosting brain function, and improving fat metabolism. Whether you’re sipping it for the health benefits or just enjoying its rich, floral notes, oolong tea is a lovely middle ground in the world of teas.
