Ever since entering the tea industry in 2013, Mona Jhunjhnuwala has dreamed of the day she would explore the world’s tea regions. If you wanted to live vicariously through someone’s tea adventures, Mona’s online world, Teawala, is one you would want to follow. During her travels, she shares visual stories on social media and her blog that will make you feel like you’re right on the farm with her. Her passion for tea extends to the tea farms and workers. She has generously shared some teas with me from her journey, and the highlight is always the story and pictures she includes about the tea farm and/or families’ lives. At the tea table Mona chatted about the internship that changed her tea life, the people behind the tea leaves and one of her favourite tea travel memories.
The kettle is on and I can hear it about to sing. What tea are you going to steep for us today?
Today I’m making Bairuixiang (aka Winter Daphne). It’s a rock oolong that a friend and I discovered on a recent trip to Wuyishan! While rock oolongs are usually heavily roasted, I love this one because of its light roast and uniquely fruity and aromatic qualities.
A beautiful pick for this tea chat! Let’s rewind a bit and share one of your earliest memories with tea.
Growing up in Hong Kong with Indian roots, tea has always had a presence. My earliest interaction would have to be a toss-up between Lipton milk tea with a bit of elaichi (cardamom) at home with mom, and sipping on Chinese tea during dimsum. But it was not until my internship at Art of Tea in Los Angeles in 2013 that I began to earnestly explore the world of tea. They had a wonderful “Tea of the Day” program for employees to taste and learn about a new tea each day.
As a tea traveler and blogger, define what tea means to you and why the “journey to the source” is so important.
Tea is a way of life for so many people around the world. It is the daily Chai that Indians drink to keep themselves going each day. The ceremonial Matcha that Japanese serve to honour their guests. The tea leaves in bottles that farmers in China carry to keep themselves hydrated under the sun. A drink with an unparalleled history that brings joy and comfort to so many around the world.
Initially, I wanted to travel to the source purely out of curiosity. I thought – How can I understand something without knowing its roots? I wanted to see how tea was made; to learn the steps of the production process, and more importantly see the tea regions and people behind each tea. Through interacting with tea producers and workers, I felt a communal passion and dedication to the craft of tea, which I felt would be a shame to be left unheard. That is when I began sharing their stories with friends, family and tea drinkers through social media, in the hopes of giving a more holistic understanding and appreciation of the beverage.
I do find myself appreciating teas more when they are sent with a story about those behind the leaves. It makes me feel more connected. Thank you for providing that with the teas and tools you shared with me.
What tea tools can’t you live without?
At home I have a simple setup that I use for all my tea: A porcelain Gaiwan, a serving pitcher, and a bamboo tea tray. I love to sit outdoors on my balcony and brew multiple rounds of tea either in solitary or with my sister. However, what I also appreciate about tea is its simplicity. As long as you have the leaves and access to hot water, anyone can brew tea.
Your tea adventures have led you to tea farms in Japan, China, India and more! If you had to pick just one memory as a favourite, what would it be?
There are too many moments to count, but one that I truly adored was in Makaibari estate, Darjeeling. I was picking tea leaves alongside the estate pickers with a basket strapped to my forehead – a common practice in Darjeeling. After meticulously picking all the tender shoots, I flung them behind me but completely overshot my basket. Seeing the leaves fall to the ground, the tea pickers and everyone in my group burst out laughing. A joyous moment shared together in the tea gardens that transcended our language barriers.
Tea has taught me to always keep an open mind and to embrace the unknown. On my tea travels, some of the best discoveries came from spontaneous decisions, and it is important to sometimes just go with it.
Speed Round:
Black, Green, Yellow, White, Oolong or Puerh?
Oolong! I love the wide range it has to offer.
Hot, Iced or Cold?
Hot…always!
Teapot, Infuser or Gaiwan?
Gaiwan all the way.
Straight, Sweetened or Latte?
Straight, with the exception of Chai!
Cheese or Chocolate pairing?
Chocolate! I like to nibble on dark chocolate when drinking Yunnan black tea.
If someone just beginning in tea walked up to ask for your best tea advice, what would you say?
I would say to be patient and also to enjoy the ride ahead! There are hundreds of teas to discover and a lifetime to learn.
Find Teawala:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
ABOUT THIS SERIES: Tea tells stories and when connected with humans, more are created. That’s where the idea for this blog series, At the Tea Table, originated. With this series, The Cup of Life asks tea lovers around the world to take us inside their tea lives to share their favourite steeps, spaces, routines and more. Meet some of your fellow tea drinkers here.