Tea, known as "cha" in Cantonese and Mandarin, has a rich and diverse history that has spread across various countries in unique ways. From China to Japan, Persia to Turkey, and Russia to South Asia, tea has been enjoyed under different names such as chai, chay, cha and more. The evolution of the word "tea" itself is a fascinating journey, with the Tay pronunciation originating in Xiamen and eventually becoming the globally recognized term used today. The global popularity of tea serves as a reminder of its enduring cultural significance and versatility.

The history of tea is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange and adaptation, reflected in the different names it has acquired across different countries.

In Nepal, tea is known as chiya, an integral part of daily life and social gatherings. Nepali chiya is often spiced with ingredients like ginger, cloves, and cardamom, giving it a unique and aromatic flavor. Tea houses, known as "chiya pasals," are popular spots for locals to come together, sip chiya, and engage in lively conversations. This traditional beverage has deep roots in Nepali culture and continues to be cherished by generations as a symbol of warmth and hospitality.

Let’s travel back in time. The story begins in 1863 with the establishment of the Ilam Tea Estate, where tales whisper of precious tea seeds gifted by the Chinese Emperor to Nepal's Prime Minister, Jung Bahadur Rana. Despite its roots, Nepal's tea industry faced storms as the Darjeeling tea market flourished while Nepal's tea failed to even meet local demands due to political turbulence during the Rana Dynasty reign. With a shift towards democracy in 1950, doors swung open for rejuvenation, leading to investments in tea plantations like the Bhudhakaran Tea Estate in 1959 and the creation of the Nepal Tea Development Corporation in 1966.

As the industry bloomed, the first Organic Certified Tea Garden in Nepal was established in 1984 by Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Center (KTERC). KTERC is one of our suppliers and the lush landscape sprawls across 95 hectares, adorned with 600,000 tea bushes whispering tales of tradition and craftsmanship. In this enchanting haven, tea flourishes in harmony with nature, yielding approximately 100,000 kgs of soul-soothing goodness each year. Here, the heartbeat of the tea estate echoes with the laughter and toil of 600 dedicated souls, predominantly comprising women whose resilience and dedication breathe life into the tea-growing dream.

With a cup of tea in hand, we invite you to taste the essence of tradition, sustainability, and community that fills each fragrant sip. As you embark on your tea-drinking journey, may the stories of the dedicated souls behind each leaf resonate in your heart, reminding you of the power of unity, resilience, and shared vision.

Souter, K. (2019). The Tea Cyclopedia: A Celebration of the World's Favorite Drink. London, UK: Robinson.

"Tea and Coffee Development Board Nepal. (n.d.). History of Tea. Retrieved from https://www.teacoffee.gov.np/oldsite/teainfo/history."