Delhi, the capital of India, has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years, and has been ruled by numerous empires and dynasties and has served as the capital of several kingdoms and empires in the past.
After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Delhi was briefly ruled by the Marathas and later became a part of the British Indian Empire. In 1911, the British moved the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi, and it became the center of British rule in India.
India gained independence from British rule in 1947. Delhi was made the capital of the new nation. In the decades since independence, Delhi has undergone rapid urbanization and has become an economic and cultural center, yet the British influences ingrained in its society remain.
One such tradition is India’s love of all things tea.
The British introduced tea to India in the early 19th century, becoming a popular beverage among the British and Indian elites.
In Delhi, the British introduced the tradition of afternoon tea, which involved drinking tea with sandwiches and pastries in the afternoon. Embraced by the Indian elite, tea lounges and tea houses popped up and became popular places to socialize and enjoy a cup of tea.
The British also introduced the custom of high tea—drinking tea with a more substantial meal in the evening. This custom was not as widely adopted in Delhi as afternoon tea, but it is still practiced by some today.
So, where can you “carry on and get their “tea-on”?
Here’s a list of famous places in Delhi where you can sip tea:
- India International Centre: Located in the heart of Delhi, the India International Centre is a popular spot for tea lovers. The tea lounge at the IIC serves a variety of teas, along with sandwiches, pastries, and other light snacks.
- The Imperial Hotel: The Imperial Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel in Delhi, has a beautiful tea lounge called “The Tea Room.” The Tea Room serves a wide range of teas, along with sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.
- The Lalit Hotel: The Lalit Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Delhi, has a tea lounge called “The Tea House on the Bund.” The Tea House serves a variety of teas, along with light snacks and sandwiches.
- Taj Palace Hotel: The Taj Palace Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel in Delhi, has a tea lounge called “The Tea House.” The Tea House serves a range of teas, along with sandwiches, pastries, and other light snacks.
- The Roseate: The Roseate, a luxurious 5-star hotel in Delhi, has a tea lounge called “The Roseate Tea Room.” The Roseate Tea Room serves a range of teas, along with sandwiches, pastries, and other light snacks.
