MALIK J. FERNANDO

Managing director at Resplendent Ceylon and director at Dilmah Tea resplendentceylon.com dilmahtea.com

Recommended tea brand

Dilmah is unique. It was founded on passion, with a commitment to quality and authenticity in tea. It also bears a philosophy that goes beyond commerce in seeing business as a matter of human service. This ethos extends toward Dilmah’s leisure arm, Resplendent Ceylon, home to a collection of three boutique Relais & Châteaux resorts. The resorts — Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge — form an enchanting “Route de Bonheur (Happiness)” from tea fields to a beach and safari lodge.

Tea trends

The younger generation is seeking beverages that are low in caffeine and rich in antioxidants. There is no drink that compares to tea in terms of its myriad hues, aromas, flavors, textures and synergy with food.

The need to escape daily stresses has also led to a rise in chai — a delicious, comforting blend of strong tea with dairy, almond or oat milk, with infusions of mint, pepper, chilli, star anise and other spices, herbs and roots for added flavor.

Food and tea

There is endless potential when it comes to pairing tea with food. Tea can elevate taste, offers natural goodness and is also functional because it can emulsify fat.

There must always be respect for tea in food pairing; honoring the terroir from which the tea originates provides an opportunity to either complement the flavors or create a contrast, while offering guests the chance to explore the appearance, aroma and taste of the tea. Our three resorts have integrated this concept of tea and food pairing at the afternoon high teas we serve.

Tea on the menu

Tea can sharpen the appetite and enhance ordinary dining experiences by creating a sense of occasion. There are plenty of ways in which tea can be incorporated into menus, from appetizers to desserts. The teainfused dinner at Ceylon Tea Trails is a classic example of optimal ways tea can be part of the food menu.

Consumption in the Middle East

The latest research with Yougov showed that 66 percent of those who traveled to the UAE visited a restaurant/hotel for a luxury high tea in the past year, while 58 percent of high-income guests only look for luxury tea in their rooms. It further revealed that 34 percent of guests order a luxury tea whenever they go to a hotel.

Recommendations for food and tea pairing

White tea is a subtle, smooth and silky kind of tea. It pairs well with light-flavored food, such as salads, and just about any appetizer. It’s great for when you’re just about to have your first heavy meal of the day.

Black teas, like Earl Grey, lemon, peach and ginger, are frequently flavored with spices, flowers and fruits to give them that extra punch, making your regular black tea a little more interesting. When it comes to pairing with food, Earl Grey can be paired with Thai green curry, curry puffs and even Szechuan chicken dishes. Lemon tea, on the other hand, boasts a little tanginess. It is best paired with tandoori chicken, as the lemony flavor helps to bring out the tandoori taste.

Within the green tea family, the most common notes are vegetative, fruity and smoky flavours. As you might observe, they’re all entirely different. Jasmine green tea has a fruity, fragrant aroma. It’s best enjoyed with steamed fish. Sencha green tea is also known as Japanese green tea and has a distinctive vegetative flavour, making it a great accompaniment to sashimi and green, creamy salads.

Moroccan mint green tea is perfect for those who want a lighter green tea profile. It’s refreshing and pairs well with chocolateflavored desserts due to the fact that it doesn’t compete too much with the richness of chocolate.