Tea tasting with Ramiz Raja at t-Lounge by Dilmah
Tea tasting couldn’t get any more star studded! Owing to the lovely Ancy Alexander I got the pleasure of a meet and greet opportunity with renowned cricket commentator and former star cricketer Ramiz Raja at his co-owned venture in Dubai – t-Lounge by Dilmah.
Sourcing tea directly from the Dilmah fields in Sri Lanka, t-lounge by Dilmah offers a fine Ceylon tea variety along with food pairing that’s designed to bring out the aroma and flavors of each blend along with helping you understand the unique characteristics of different tea leaf types. Their one and only Dubai branch, which has been around for a year now, is located at the Egypt Court in Ibn Batuta. As much a tea enthusiast as is his passion for cricket, Ramiz Raja shares his love for tea with his fans, followers and tea connoisseurs alike through this medium.
Read on to take a walk through my four-part tea journey at t-Lounge by Dilmah.
Round 1
Let’s start with Round 1 of my tea tasting experience at t-lounge by Dilmah.
Name: White Litchee hand rolled tea
Type: White Tea
Caffeine Level: Low
Accompaniment: Cheesecake
This rare, and rather expensive form of tea – White Tea – consists of the bud of the tea leaf. This is what makes it so unique. The buds are all handpicked and offer a light and subtle flavor which makes them ideal for those who prefer low caffeine content and a smooth texture. To create this particular White Litchee blend, the tea buds are hand rolled into a large pearl that unfurls into a beautiful flower when infused in warm water. This tea should be consumed as is, without the addition of sugar or other sweeteners. It makes a good accompaniment to sweet pastries and cakes which balance out the strength of the tea leaves with their creaminess.
Round 2
Moving on to Round 2 of my tea tasting at t-lounge by Dilmah.
Name: Supreme Ceylon Single Origin
Type: Black Tea – Broken Orange Pekoe (B.O.P.)
Caffeine Level: Medium
Accompaniment: Spicy chicken waffle & Mini samosa
The next on the tea list was this full bodied Ceylon tea that is commonly brewed in South Asian homes as the morning or evening chai. It possesses a strong flavor and structure that makes it an ideal accompaniment with spicy savory treats like fritters, samosas and more. Ever craved for chai and pakoda? This is the perfect blend for those cravings. This tea brews beautifully when infused with herbs and spices like mint leaves, ginger, lemon and honey. Pick this one if you’re a fan of masala chai.
Round 3
Here’s what Round 3 of the tea tasting menu at t-lounge by Dilmah had in store for us.
Name: Prince of Kandy Tea
Type: Black Tea
Caffeine Level: Medium
Accompaniment: Cheese & Tomato Sandwich
Flaunting a beautiful golden hue, this princely blend displays a touch of the prized Ceylon seasonal character. It offers a light and delicate taste. While the broken leaf carries tones of medium dark brown and green, the infused leaves fall more on the spectrum of khaki, red and dark green. A complete aromatic experience in itself, this medium bodied blend carries notes of honey, mango, molasses, cashews, hay and dried grass. Perfect with light sandwiches or vegetable bites, this tea does well without milk and can be enhanced whey honey or lemon. The Prince of Kandy brew makes a great choice for Sulaimani chai.
Round 4
Let’s take a look at the final round of my tea tasting experience at t-lounge by Dilmah.
Name: Natural Rosehip with Hibiscus
Type: Floral Tea
Caffeine Level: Caffeine free
Accompaniment: Chocolate Sin
More like a dessert tea, and absolutely free of caffeine, this herbal rosehip blend infused with hibiscus flowers is known for its fruity aroma and deep red hue. Thanks to its rich antioxidant and Vitamin C content, it makes for a perfect detox beverage. Although it is recommended to consume this without any sugar, characterized by a natural tart flavor, this tea mingles well with the raw sweetness of honey. An ideal drink to balance out the sweetness of your guilty dessert indulgence.
t-lounge by Dilmah
Location: Shop 206, Egypt Court, Ibn Batuta Mall, Jebel Ali Village, Dubai
Contact: 04 2731196
