One of the greatest pleasures I find in London are the petite, hidden shops that hold the most delectable array of culinary fantasy. I feel like a new age explorer, constantly hunting down these little gems, drawn to the swirling, cryptic writing that adorns these exquisitely designed signboards.
It doesn’t help that I am a homeless romantic about food history and I’m right in my element as I enter one of my favorite authentic tea boutiques, the East India Tea Company, the heavy door heaving open…followed on cue by a gentle fairy like twinkling of a hidden bell. I’m just as close to heaven as I take in the glory of this beautiful showroom, the heady scent of teas from distant lands enveloping and cloaking my senses in the dim, flicker of low lights from within.
There is history laid out for you on every shelf laden with teas sourced from all over the globe. I’m obsessed with the detail and there are displays of age old teas sourced by this historical company that has the mystery of sea voyage discovery, adventure and passion about it. From their signature blends, to their legendary oolong and flowering teas – I was amused and quite drawn to their new range of ‘Chakra’ Healing teas – an exciting and modern take attracting an entirely new genre of tea drinker. With descriptions such as Bliss, Intuition, Expression, Love, Balance and Life Force – why would you have any reason not to buy these, just when you need rescuing from those every day life saving scenarios.
The products have evolved though from the exclusive, wallet hitting expensive teas such as white needle and other rare hybrids, to a more fun element of incorporating tea into an even greater pleasure than your ‘4’oclock cuppa’ – this in CHOCOLATE.
I’m really quite intrigued with this pairing and the genius behind the taste profiling has really had some thought put into it. Some of my absolute favorites that were piling up in a rather alarming fashion in my caddy, were the Earl Grey Milk Chocolate Thins, the Milk Chocolate Bar with Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee and Cardamon. With one final and breathless indulgence, I had to have the Fine Dark Chocolate with Mukhwas. The pairing of authentic eastern accent spices that has been filtered discreetly into incredible quality chocolate is truly a celebration of culinary achievement…I’m obsessed and this will always be on my pitstop in London..
Since we are on the subject of breakfast – let’s talk about marmalades. Considering we are still shopping around in one of the most luxurious and historical boutiques, these are no ordinary marmalades. This is fantasy land and I really had pull out the handcuffs to avoid buying the entire range. These marmalades, exclusive sweet or savoury spreads, connoisseur jams, are sensational and I have a recipe in mind for each one of these…
Take the Rhubarb and Ginger Marmalade – this would go simply beautifully basted over a seven hour slow roasted shoulder of pork. The Peach and Armagnac – I would simply heat gently and drizzle over some creamy homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
Dreaming of the Olive and Orange Marmalade – this would make for a perfect picnic sandwich, spread thickly over the freshest Italian Ciabatta, lightly olive oil and lemon drizzled fresh poached chicken, along with some sturdy stilton and as for the Strawberry and Champagne Jam …well that belongs now where else than to be lavishly slathered with love over freshly baked scones.
This little visit, has somehow made me think about posh little breakfast ideas with the finest china and all the decadence of tea drinking etiquette… the East India Tea Company is a must visit, even if you are a Coffee addict – this is heaven for any foodie or historian, culture vulture or general all round individual appreciating good taste !
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