Tea Tales

Our exploration of Kolkata's rich tea culture took us to the iconic tea stalls and boutiques, including Balwant Singh, Sharma Tea Stall, Druba Tea Centre, Nectar Tea, and Jay Shree Industries. The goal of this visit was to understand the city’s deep-rooted relationship with tea, how it influences daily life, and how diverse tea establishments contribute to its vibrant culture. The challenges we encountered included the fast-paced nature of Kolkata’s tea culture, where the experience often goes beyond just the drink. At local tea stalls like Balwant Singh and Sharma Tea Stall, the bustling crowds and constant demand for tea made it difficult to observe the intricate dynamics of tea preparation and interaction. On the other hand, at boutique tea centers like Druba Tea Centre and Nectar Tea, we faced a more relaxed atmosphere but had to navigate the complex world of premium blends and the art of tea tasting, which was an unfamiliar territory for many of us. We visited these locations to appreciate the spectrum of Kolkata’s tea culture, ranging from street-side chai stalls to high-end tea boutiques. Through these visits, we gained insights into how tea serves both as a social glue and a symbol of heritage in the city. We learned about the different varieties of tea, the local rituals surrounding tea consumption, and the economic significance of tea in Kolkata. The experience highlighted how tea culture not only reflects the city’s social fabric but also offers a platform for uniting people across all walks of life.