07 September,2015 08:12 AM IST | | Suprita Mitter
With a host of delicious teas, Tapri Tea Lounge is a great stopover for tea lovers in Mumbai. However, we wished for more options in their food menu
The white tea is said to be rich in antioxi-dants
Tea: Good
Service: Helpful
Ambiance: Relaxed
When we walked into the Tapri Tea Lounge, we were the only guests there. The small open space with its cane furniture, false brick walls and small glass tables, reminded us of a relaxed verandah. Opened in July this year, the tea lounge offers a wide variety of both international and desi teas.
The white tea is said to be rich in antioxi-dants
We started off with the Chinese Blooming Tea (Rs 212), also called the flowering tea. This is a combination of tea leaves and Jasmine flowers skillfully tied together into small bundles that unfurl when brewed. Delicate and mild, this may require an acquired taste but is one we really enjoyed. It is also lovely to watch the flowers bloom when brewed in warm water right in front of you. The Japanese Genmaicha (Rs 152), which we tried next, is a Japanese green tea brewed with nutty propped rice and known for its cooling properties. This tastes similar to many of the branded green teas in India.
The White Tea (Rs 127) is the one we would recommend. This tea, known to be the least processed of all teas and one with the least amount of caffeine, but high on antioxidants, was refreshing. We were told that unlike other teas, the leaves of the white tea are harvested before they are fully open. The tea is also known to have medicinal properties like reducing chances of strokes and helping cholesterol control. Of the cold teas, we tried the Black Currant Ice Tea (Rs 64), which we thought was a bit too sweet.
For those who like their tea with milk, the menu has many options like Masala Chai served in a Kulhad, Pudina tea and one called Truck Driver's chai, a strong clove ginger tea which claims to keep you alert. There are also spiced teas, herbal teas and Ayurvedic teas to choose from.
On such a heady note, we hoped the food menu would compliment our tea party. We spotted instant noodles and pastas, sandwiches and pizzas. We chose Nachos served with a melted cheese dip (R51), French Fries (R76) that were air-fried to reduce our guilt, and a Veg Burger with cheese (R51), all of which were average. If you're a serious and experimental tea drinker, it's worth a visit.
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
At: 2B-50, Phoenix Paragon Plaza, LBS Marg, Kamani, Kurla (W).
Call: 9619851379
Tapri Tea Lounge didn't know we were there. the guide reviews anonymously and pays for its meals.
