One of my earliest memories is set in our cozy living room as evening settled in, the light outside fading softly. My mom and I would sit together, a steaming cup of tea in hand, while the hum of soap operas drifted from our boxy television. I suppose that’s when my lifelong love affair with tea began. Every evening, our whole family would gather, cups in hand, discussing politics, gossiping about nosy neighbors or simply enjoying each other’s company. Tea became the glue of our evenings, binding us in warmth and conversation.
My tea recipe
My mom had a love-hate relationship with tea. She enjoyed drinking it — at least three cups a day — but always complained about making it. She’d joke that tea tasted better when someone else made it, and we’d smile and sip along.
But her tea wasn’t exactly perfect. Eventually, at ten years old, I decided to take over and make tea for everyone, secretly aiming to improve her reluctant brew. My version was simple but delicious: I’d heat milk with a little extra sugar until it bubbled over, then add tea leaves and let it simmer on low heat for ten minutes, coaxing out the perfect, rich brown color. And so, my little tea ritual began — a recipe with a dash of extra milk, a hint more sugar and a lot of pride in each cup.
A family tradition
In South Asian households, tea preparation is deeply personal, a ritual as unique as the families themselves. Some add fragrant spices like cardamom or cloves, while others keep it simple with ginger and tea leaves. A few go for black coffee, but nothing quite compares to a creamy, sweet milk tea, especially when paired with Marie biscuits or Parle-G for dunking. With every sip, I felt a warmth that transcended the drink itself. It was the comfort of tradition and family, a ritual that brought us all closer.
The historical journey of tea
The story of tea in South Asia dates back to British colonial rule when tea was introduced to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — at the time, one vast territory. In the mid-1800s, British rulers brought tea saplings from China to India, aiming to challenge China’s tea monopoly. They planted these saplings in northern Indian highlands with ideal conditions: temperate weather, humidity and heavy rainfall.
The venture thrived, especially in regions like Assam and Darjeeling in India and Sylhet in Bangladesh, where tea plantations still flourish today. As a result, tea became embedded in South Asian culture, growing into an essential daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality and connection. Today, India alone is among the world’s top tea exporters, with exports valued at $687.9 million.
The bonding power of tea
In South Asia, tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s a cultural bridge tethering people across generations and backgrounds. Whether at a roadside stall or a family gathering, tea provides the backdrop for conversations, debates and quiet moments. Tea stalls in crowded markets are often filled with laughter and discussion, as friends, neighbours and strangers gather to share stories. Within homes, tea represents warmth and care, as well as the comfort of tradition passed down through generations.
The essence of family
In my family, tea was more than a drink; it was a way for us to bond, a ritual that brought us together each day. Every evening, as we reached for our cups, we reconnected, unwinding from our separate routines. It was a moment to pause and simply enjoy each other’s company. Those evenings became more than a daily habit; they became a cherished tradition. Even now, each time I make myself a cup of tea, I’m reminded of those moments, of laughter, comfort and connection, woven into the aroma of every sip.
A lasting tradition
Today, my love for tea endures, and whenever I find myself reaching for a cup, it’s a gentle reminder of those family evenings. The familiar taste of milky sweetness and the scent that fills the room brings me back to that cozy evening, where tea wasn’t just a drink but a bridge to shared memories. A tradition lives on in each cup, a ritual that links me to my roots, my family and the warmth of those cherished evenings.
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