Infinitea
An Exclusive Tea Bar
on Cunningham Road Gaurav
Saria saw his destiny in a tea cup. What he saw is the story of Infinitea - Indias
first Tea bar. Armed with a rich legacy of tea his ancestors (the Saria clan)
bestowed upon him, Gaurav set up Infinitea on Bangalores up market Cunnigham
Road. This tea bar was set up 4 years back at a time when India was witnessing
the coffee culture boom with Café coffee Day and Barista outlets mushrooming
on every street.
Gaurav
and his wife Richa Saria decided to make their debut in Bangalore. Bangalore has
always been a favourite destination for most restaurateurs due to its abundant
and affluent cosmopolitan crowd that the IT growth has brought in.
Sarias
have been in the tea industry for over a hundred years, they own tea estates in
Darjeeling and Bengal. The expertise that the family has gained over the years
is reflected on their menu.
(Photo Courtesy : EventsBangalore.net)
There
are over 50 different kinds of teas (both hot and cold; with and without
milk)
on the menu, and each comes with a little descriptor that tells you about the
brew. About 27 of these entries are dedicated only to the iced tea variety where
the flavours range from the usual Lemon and Peach to the more exotic Blue Curacao
and Butter Scotch.
Tea
bar in the heart of south India? Weird, I thought. A South Indian wants
his fix of coffee in the morning otherwise he is perfectly ok with Tea. Its
a myth that the Indian consumer does not have a discerning palette, only he hasnt
been given a chance, chuckled Saria.
Amongst
their exotic teas there was a tea called Stupa that requires a special
mention. The tea leaves come in the form a tightly woven bud that blooms in the
cup and the flavour tinctures the cup of hot water.
For
some teas one needs to acquire a taste, says Saria. I tried their chilled
chilli chai and the descriptor read - Only for the adventurous!!! Try at your
own peril!!! [it's all in the name!]. It was interesting but I am definitely not
chalked out for that profile of tea drinker and was definitely better off with
the good old ice tea (which is their largest selling beverage).
Gaurav
Saria has taken special interest to invest in crockery as well; each tea on the
menu is served in a cup that is suitable for it. The Stupa comes in a light transparent
cup, one that reflects the beauty of the flower. Masala chai comes in glazed pottery,
green tea is served in little Chinese cups and the iced tea comes in a long slender
glass or a mug.
I loved the quaint English interiors, the black and white photographs and quirky
posters that adorn the bright yellow and orange walls, old lamps and an assorted
variety of crockery It revived a certain magic of the high tea culture.
Infinitea
also has tea merchandise tea leaves, gift hampers, mugs etc. Their brand
is also seen in retail markets.
Photo
courtesy : Rajesh Dangi
This
place is a delight for breakfast. You could treat yourself to eggs, waffles oozing
with maple syrup, baked beans on toast and a delightful cup of tea. Their menu
also features Tibetan Dumplings called Momos, Thai food, Greek Salad and an interesting
variety of Continental cuisine. Infinitea also has scrumptious range of desserts
American Cheese Cake, Tiramisu, Ganache tart (I recommend it for all chocolate
lovers) and a whole lot more.
If
youre taking your business associates for high tea go ahead and order muffins
and scones with raspberry or blackcurrant jam to go with their tea, and if they
are still not floored impress them with some interesting tit bits about tea right
off the coasters from Infinitea (obviously without them knowing).
Infinitea
in a Cup
Cost:
Rs. 100 Rs 300 per person
Cleanliness:
excellent
Quality: excellent
Service: excellent
Ambience: excellent
Bottom line: With its colonial era charm Infinitea is perfect for high tea.
If
you have been to Infinitea recently and would like to comment on its quality of
food or anything about the restaurant, please rate this restaurant
here