Being one of the world's largest exporters of tea since the 19th century, Sri Lanka is renowned for its high quality tea. The beverage is a staple in almost every Sri Lankan household, with most locals preferring to have strong black tea together with milk and sugar. It is also consumed without milk - a variation which is referred to as "plain tea" and can sometimes include a little ginger or cinnamon, for a distinctly unique flavour boost.
Sharing a pot of tea in the evening is a traditional practice in most homes and is considered to be a great way to unwind and relax after a busy day. It is not surprising for local families to consume tea as much as three times a day - twice in the morning and again later in the evening. Offering tea is also a customary practice in Sri Lanka that is tied to hospitality. Tea is offered by every household to guests who pay a visit and it is also served at festivals and gatherings across the country. Tea is often accompanied with treats such as biscuits, sandwiches, rolls or cake, based on preference.
A visit to Sri Lanka is never complete without sampling a cup of the world-renowned Ceylon tea. Finding tea in Sri Lanka is very easy, no matter where you are in the country. If you are planning to travel around the country, you may also pay a visit to some of the country's best tea plantations located in Kandy, Ella, Haputale and Nuwara Eliya. The climate in these regions is truly unique, providing a cool and misty atmosphere for excellent tea growing conditions.
However, if you are in Colombo and you are looking for a place to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea, listed below are a few places that you ought to check out:
Image Credit: t-lounge by Dilmah
Run by Dilmah, one of Sri Lanka's most reputed tea brands, T-Lounge by Dilmah is one of the best places to experience tea in Colombo. Widely available across a number of locations around the city, T-Lounge by Dilmah offers a wide variety of tea-inspired food and beverages ranging from tea-based drinks to a number of savoury dishes and sweets. Listed below are a few popular items that you may want to try out:
Signature Teas: These rare teas are the ideal choice for any tea-lover. Whether you like your tea mild, medium or strong, you are able to choose from a number of options that can either be sampled on their own or coupled with a dish as suggested.
T-Shakes: These unique frothy drinks feature blends of tea and vanilla-infused ice creams or creamy yoghurts. Choose from Earl Grey Banana smoothies to Cinnamon Ice Cream smoothies to Blueberry & Cheesecake smoothies - there's something on offer for everyone.
T-Kitsch: This delightful tea range features a fantastic blend of tea and spices - for a uniquely authentic local touch. The tea range includes tea brewed in a number of flavours - cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, lemongrass and more.
Sparkling Tea: Offering another novel tea experience ideal for a celebration, these teas are a combination of the finest Dilmah tea and sparkling water. Sparkling teas are served tall and chilled, with a number of flavours to choose from.
Additionally, the menu also features a range of interesting food items to choose from such as tea-inspired pizza subs, tea-inspired burgers, toasties, crepes, waffles, tea-inspired ice creams and more tea-inspired desserts. These light snacks offer an exciting introduction to the country's addiction to tea, amidst an elegant and upscale cafe environment.
Chatham Street Outlet
Address: Dutch Square Block B,62/2, Chatham Street, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka.
Tel: 011 2 447168
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Arcade Independence Square Outlet
Address: Shop No. 4, Arcade Independence Square, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.
Tel: 011 2 662522 | 011 2 662120
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
One Galle Face Outlet
Address: L1-20, One Galle Face Mall, No.1A, 02 Centre Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Tel: 011 2 432028
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 10.00am to 10.00pm
Image Credit: Visit Colombo
Tea Avenue is another great location to sample Sri Lankan tea as an immersive, indulgent experience in a Colombo-based boutique café environment. The establishment also features a number of outlets across the city and is a popular spot amongst those seeking a good cup of tea together with a scrumptious meal.
The tea menu includes both hot and cold options - including a range of special regional teas as well as the Standard 36 and 66 teas which are sourced from Tea Avenue's very own tea brand. Those who prefer milk tea may opt for the Standard 36 tea - which is a delicious combination of tea with milk and sugar. Those who prefer their tea without milk may opt for black tea, which is also referred to as plain tea, and can be brewed light, medium or strong, based on preference. A range of more tea flavours is also available - ranging from premium tea such as silver tip tea to a bunch of more exciting flavours such as soursop, mint and chocolate.
The cafe is famed for its wide variety of food items too, with menus featuring a variety of dishes ranging from soups to all-day breakfast items to desserts and more. Make sure to try out their pasta - a favourite amongst many - as well as their waffles, crepes and pancakes.
Jawatta Outlet
Address: 08 Jawatta Rd, Colombo 5
Tel: 0773367879
Open daily 7AM - 10PM
Kotte Outlet
Address: 382 Pitakotte - Talawatugoda Rd, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Tel: 0772317049
Open daily 7AM - 10PM
Pepiliyana Outlet
Address: 41, Dehiwala Road, Pepiliyana, Pepiliyana Rd, Boralesgamuwa
Tel: 0772317134
Open daily 7AM - 10PM
Wattala Outlet
Address: 295 Negombo Rd, Wattala
Tel: 0761269426
Open daily 7AM - 10PM
Image Credit: Chaiwala Colombo
If you're more of a chai person when it comes to tea, you probably shouldn't skip out on a visit to Chaiwala Colombo. Having started off as a food truck, Chaiwala Colombo has gained immense popularity amongst locals as of late and is a great spot to grab a cup of refreshing chai and a couple of snacks at a very affordable cost. Choose from a variety of chai options ranging from tandoori chai to cardamom chai to sukku coffee and the ever-popular ginger plain tea. Snacks include spicy cupcakes, mini fish buns, cake rusks, fish rotti and more - all making excellent accompaniments for your cup of chai.
Arcade Independence Square Outlet
Street style - Outlet with outdoor seating area
Daily 4:00pm - 12:00am
Fridays & Saturdays 4:00pm - 1:00am
Havelock Road - Food Truck Experience
Adjoining Perera & Sons Outlet
Daily 4:00pm - 12:00am
Fridays & Saturdays 4:00pm - 1:00am
Marine Drive Bambalapitiya - Food Truck Experience
Opposite Bambalapitya fuel station on Marine drive
Daily 5:30pm - 12:00am
Friday & Saturday closing at 1:00am
Marine Drive - Caligo Futsal
Street Style Experience with Container Box Outlet
Daily 4:00pm - 12:00am
Fridays & Saturdays 4:00pm - 1:00 am
One Galle Face Mall - Food Court
Food Court at L20
Daily 10:00am - 10:15pm
Head Kitchen / The Office
Address: 10 Frazer Avenue - Dehiwala
Tel: 07-24249252
Daily 2:00pm to 10:30pm
There are several other road-side stalls scattered around the city where tea is readily available. Despite black tea and milk tea being favourites amongst locals, you will also be able to find a wide range of other teas - including green tea, iced tea, chamomile tea, Thai tea, matcha tea, boba tea, bubble tea and more.
Below are a few Muslim-friendly guides that may also be of help during your visit to Colombo.
Colombo City Guide: https://www.halaltrip.com/city-guide-details/85/colombo/
Attractions in Colombo: https://www.halaltrip.com/other/blog/top-8-must-visit-attractions-in-colombo/
