Many of my media friends are traveling to India this summer to explore the diverse culture and people of the world’s largest democracy and they are really excited about it for many reasons.
India is incredible. Plain and simple. You either love it or you find it unbelievably overwhelming and an “assault on your senses “as the actress Dame Judy Dench once said after filming the wonderful film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, India.
I’ve been to India many, many times over the years for work and pleasure and every time I go, I learn and see something new. That’s just the kind of amazing place India is.
Exterior photo courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
There is so much to see and do in the unique country but what I want to focus on in this posting and what I have told my friends that they must do while in India, is to experience having tea (chai) at the incredible luxurious and world-famous, The Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai.
Tea in India is considered to be the most important part of everyday living. You don’t leave your home without having a fresh cup, you don’t start work until you have your first cup and you certainly don’t embark on your long commute back home unless you have the lingering taste of masala tea on your palates to get you through the hectic train ride home. Indians consider morning and afternoon tea time to be the most important during the day.
My daily ritual when I was in Mumbai began with an early gym work out, computer work, then off to get my tea. My morning masala tea, the Indian spiced version, was usually in the hotel restaurant where I was staying because it was quick and convenient but when a Mumbai based journalist friend recommended going to The Oberoi Hotel for afternoon green tea, I happily obliged as I knew that the reputation of the hotel was known for the gathering of Mumbai socialites, beautiful models and Bollywood stars.
Situated at Nariman Point at the end of Marine Drive, The Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai is 14.9 miles from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and the popular Mumbai Central Railway Station is 3.7 miles away for local train rides into the city.
The hotel is considered to be one of the most luxurious places to stay in the world.
The moment you enter the breathtaking lobby, you are greeted by beautiful Indian ladies draped in majestic silk designer sarees who direct you to The Champagne Lounge, a stylish and very trendy lounge which displays the majestic Arabian sea through large panel like windows.
On the wall to the right is the famous Hindu Sun God Surya painting that blends brilliantly in with the artistic atmosphere and captivating architectural structure.
The lounge menu is full of diverse dishes, both Indian and continental giving guests an array of options to choose from. But since I only wanted tea, I ordered the famous green tea that my friend recommended.
Made from rich green tea leaves, the drink is blended with other spices to give it more of a flavorful taste.
The Oberoi has an international reputation of detail oriented cuisine and drink presentation and they clearly demonstrated it when my tea was presented. The very prompt and courteous waiter brought the tea on a tray complete with sweet cookies and white teapot.
The teapot had enough tea for several refills and the waiter followed up a few times to see if I needed anything else. Service was impeccable.
While other guests sipped on champagne cocktails, classic cocktails, single malts and international wines, I continued to savory every moment of my tea until it was time for my meeting. Total cost was about 550 Indian rupees ($8) and it was worth every paisa (penny)!
The next time I visit he scenic hotel, I will have dinner as both their Indian and continental cuisines have gotten rave reviews from both Mumbai residents and international celebrities.
I highly recommend the tea experience at The Oberoi Hotel and trust me, you won’t regret it. For more information visit www.https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-mumbai/
The journey continues…
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