Falooda
Hot Summer Days call for Cold Falooda!
A selection of recipes from a bygone era when food was cooked over wood stoves.
Parsiana August 7, 2016 – A selection of recipes from a bygone era when food was cooked over wood stoves. By Farrokh Jijina. Pickled Lady’s Fingers, Daal Madrasi and Coffee Jelly. RE-Print of Original Gujarati Volumes available as a paperbacks in new glossy paper. Printed in USA. Click below to purchase: Check out ENGLISH Translations […]
The place of Tea in Indian Culture
The place of Tea in Indian Culture
Indians love tea, they are crazy about it – and they even have a special word for it – chai.
India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Tea is grown in the north and the south – in exotic places like Munnar in Kerala, Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri Mountains. The tea gardens are a sight to see. Beautiful terraces are carved into the earth and from far they look like manicured gardens. Tea from Darjeeling and Assam is world famous for its aroma and taste.
Tea was introduced in India by the British during early 1900’s, those were early days of the British Raj. Large swaths of land were converted for mass tea-production. Ironically, the British introduced tea in India to break the Chinese monopoly. Tea was originally consumed by the westernized Indians, but it became widely popular over time. Today, looking at the popularity of tea one cannot tell of its origins from China.
But the story of story of tea in India goes beyond the tea gardens in exotic mountains and valleys, covered with mist and lush greenery. Tea is woven intricately into the Indian social fabric.
Chai is the common equalizer in India – from the rich to the poor. No matter what their position in life, an Indian relishes a cup of tea. The rich ones have their tea served in fancy tea-pots, delicate porcelain cups on well laid out tables with cookies and pastries. The not-so-affluent have it in more humble settings. But the joy and satisfaction is the same.
No matter where you go in India, even the remote village, you are likely to find a tea-stall, with a Chai-walla brewing the concoction, squeezing every last flavor. There is always a crowd of eager and tired folks waiting patiently for their chai. Tea re-vitalizes your body. It is a great anti-oxidant.
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world. Every train station has tea-stalls. Hawkers carry tea-buckets doling out hot cups to weary travelers as the trains pull into the train stations. One of my enduring memories growing up in India is traveling on the train in the sleeper-coach and waking up to the lilting calls of the tea-hawkers.
There are many stories of how tea brings people together. When you visit friends – tea and snacks are probably the most common offering. A cup of tea bonds friendships and heals differences. A guest rejecting an offer of a cup of tea may even hurt their feelings. The ultimate bonding is sharing a cup of tea – between two people – albeit in different saucers. When you visit a commercial establishment, as a sign of respect for the customer, tea is offered. Read more in my cookbook for Tea.
Recently, I was invited to speak and present “The Place of Tea in Indian Culture and the Kerala Tea Gardens” at the Boston Athenaeum. Here is a short synopsis. I am delighted that my Cookbooks were displayed and showcased in the museum! Thanks Hannah Weisman! Hannah is the Director of Education at Boston Athenaeum.
The museum is a historical place and encourages historical books. The Boston Athenaeum is steeped in history. Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions in the United States.
Tea / Chai Recipes:
Ginger Tea
Masala Chai
Parsi Chai
Cardamom Tea
Teas of India Cookbook
More on The place of Tea in Indian Culture on ParsiCuisine.com
Kadha
Kadha Drink for a sore throat
Frothed Coffee
Coffee & Milk frothed
Parsi connection with the soda and aerated water industry
I am Dinyar Patel, a professor of history at the University of South Carolina, currently based in Mumbai on a Fulbright fellowship where I have been researching some aspects of Parsi history. I would like to ask my readers for assistance with one topic of interest: the Parsi connection with the Indian soda or “aerated […]
Almond Milk
If you have lactose problems, this milk will help. Easy to make at home. Almond Milk is very easy to make and it is so much better than the supermarket versions. Much tastier and NO SUGAR. Almond Milk Recipe Ingredients 1/2 Cup Almond Flour * 2 cups water Method To make Almond Milk follow these […]
It’s time to play Kick the Can—of soda, that is.
leukemia and lymphoma risk
Risks and Benefits of Tukmaria Seeds
Tukmaria Seeds (ocimum basilicum) are also known as tukham malanga. They are holy seeds in many Asian countries, due to their exceptional qualities. Precautions Tukmaria seeds should not be given directly to children, since they can choke on it. A word of caution. In case of pregnant women, these seeds are known to lower down […]
Risks Of Basil During Pregnancy
Risks Of Basil (Tulsi) During Pregnancy
Kharvas, Bali, Bari, Colostrum – Milk pudding
Kharvas, Bali, Bari, Colostrum – Milk pudding
Yazdani Bakery
There are many Irani Bakeries in Mumbai, India. You must have heard of the Kayani Bakery, but have you heard of the Yazdani Bakery? Yazdani Bakery is an Irani cafe or Persian style bakery in Mumbai, India. The bakery was opened in 1953 by Meherwan Zend, an Irani baker. All products in the bakery are handmade, and baked in diesel ovens. The bakery draws […]
Some interesting tips for mothers – before and after pregnancy
Household tips before and after pregnancy by Thrity Tantra A few tips – Pre and post Delivery of the baby……These tips are traditional from personal experience only. In case of any medical conditions, please consult your doctor without fail……Click Here to view and download A few recipes – Pre and post Delivery of the baby……(including […]
Salted Lassi with Coriander and Cumin
Drink Indian Cumin Lassi without sugar. Great for Diabetics. Salted Lassi is healthy and nutritious for your body. This drinks is like the indian chaas which is very good for the digestion. Enjoyed as a breakfast drink to cleanse the body of toxins. Ingredients: Plain Yogurt 1 cup Water 1 cup Coriander leaves 3 Cumin […]