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Vandana Vishwanath

Golden Tips in Chennai is every tea connoisseur's paradise, where there are varieties of tea from the best tea producing regions like Darjeeling and Sri Lanka.

We cannot argue with Julia Andrews when she calls tea "a drink with jam and bread". Only that here in India, it is not just that. Tea is a good beginning to every day, a vital piece of the famed Indian hospitality and, of course, a non-clichéd gift idea!

While the mellow sun of the high ranges caresses it by day, the mountain-mists do so by night. The glistening waters of hill streams and the fertile red earth pamper it. Nature is silently busy — perfecting the regal drink to suit the royalty. The colour is golden and the aroma unmistakable. The flavour enlivens as you swish a sip on the tongue. Tea is, of course, the tang of life that many love to arise to. Indian luxury is hardly complete if the breakfast table does not have this golden brew, served in pots of well-crafted silver. And if you are one who counts happiness by the varieties of good tea you've tasted or if you are looking for a novel corporate gift for tea-loving associates, Golden Tips, in Chennai, could be worth a dekko. Here, you would find exquisite teas in equally exquisite packs that could add to the pride of the giver and the joy of the recipient.

The Nathmulls of Darjeeling, who established the Golden Tips Tea Company (GTTC) in 1933, operates tea showrooms called `Golden Tips' in Chennai and `Tea Cosy' in Kolkata, besides one in Darjeeling. The aroma of some of the best teas in the world lingers around each of these boutiques.

The outlet in Chennai houses some of the most sought after Indian teas — the Assam, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Nilgiri varieties. Besides, there are the light and fine teas such as Dooar, Kangra and Nepal and assorted packs of all flavours are available. Also showcased are semi-fermented Oolong Tea, IMO-certified Bio-organic Darjeeling Tea and Herbal Tea seasoned with Himalayan herbs. And even unique blends such as Uni-tea — a merger of Assam and Darjeeling teas, and Mast-tea, a potpourri of tea and spices.

The Sri Lankan Mlesna teas flavoured with extracts of vanilla, rose, blackcurrant, lemon, orange, mint or apricot come in tea bags and make excellent hot and iced teas.

These most coveted teas of India also come in innovative casings — like rosewood or pinewood boxes inlayed with copper, hand-carved metal boxes with enamel peacock motifs, earthen jars and azure porcelain pots. Innovation further stretches to silk and jute. The silk pouches with zari patterns, velvet cases with Zardozi embroidery and hand crafted cane and jute chestlets would be definitely cherished long after the tealeaves they hold pay out. The set of quaint hand-painted bone china elephants could be used as salt-pepper dispensers once the contents are spent.

Talking about prices, Golden Tips displays a few of the most expensive Indian brands like the Jubilee Tea (Rs 8,000 per kg) and the `Pride of Darjeeling' (Rs 6,000). The cost of gift products range from Rs 150 to Rs 2,250.

You can decide on your tea with some help from the staff.Here's some tip from Girish, the Boutique Manager, on the finer aspects of appreciating tea: "Good teas taste best without milk" and "Boiling for more than two minutes causes nicotine tanning".

While Nathmulls' products are sold at all main supermarkets, the gifts are available only through the boutiques, besides airports and hotels. And, GTTC takes bulk orders for corporate clients — complete with customised messages and names printed on each piece (goldentips@vsnl.net). Most tea connoisseurs can take a sip of tea and tell exactly from which part of India it comes. Many can even identify the estate it grew in! Maybe, that's how this drink becomes a legend that begins in two leaves and a bud.

Picture by Shaju John

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