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Food

Leaf Tea

(20 Posts)
Tanya5 Fri 11-Sept-26 22:39:50

I'm looking for a good leaf tea - straightforward 'indian' tea.

Maybe a supermarket tea, or a not too expensive online order. It's for everyday drinking, and so from time to time I could blend with, say, earl grey.

I've tried one or two but found they were like dust, like tea bag tea without the tea bags.

I'd really welcome suggestions.

Thank you.

Scribbles Fri 11-Sept-26 23:03:31

You can't beat Twinings Assam in my opinion.

Bannon Sat 12-Sept-26 00:35:53

If you want a proper everyday Indian-style leaf tea rather than the fine dust you get in most teabags, I’d look for Assam loose leaf. It tends to have a good strong, malty flavour and works well with milk, but it isn’t too expensive. Tata Tea or Brooke Bond loose Assam are worth looking for in Indian supermarkets, although availability will depend on where you are. Online, there are plenty of reasonably priced Assam leaf teas from smaller Indian tea sellers too.

I’d probably start with a straightforward Assam rather than a blend. You can always mix a little Earl Grey into it later if you want something more aromatic. Also check the description for “whole leaf” or “broken leaf” rather than “fannings” or “dust” - that makes quite a noticeable difference.

Basgetti Sat 12-Sept-26 08:43:37

Do you have a Booths near you? Their tea is fabulous.

Harris27 Sat 12-Sept-26 08:44:41

Ringtons and you can get it online.

Fallingstar Sat 12-Sept-26 08:52:16

I do as Bannon said, I buy Assam loose leaf tea which is a fairly strong nicely coloured brew, and add a bit of Earl Grey. You can mix loose leaf teas to find your favourite combo.

Fallingstar Sat 12-Sept-26 08:53:39

We buy it from an Indian shop near us.

NotSpaghetti Sat 12-Sept-26 09:29:20

I buy Fortnum and Mason teas.
I've tried many others but always come back to theirs as there are several we like a lot.
We only drink loose leaf tea - but not only Indian grown.
I do like variety - and enjoy a good blended too.

There are some great teas that I love from other suppliers but they generally cost more than Fortnum so they go on my "birthday treats" list....
Akbar Royal Gold for example - the large leaf (red tin) type which is an Orange Pekoe from Sri Lanka.

It's about a fiver delivery from Fortnums by the way.

I hope you find a tea you like.
I have tried supermarket loose teas (lots of these) and haven't found one I like enoughtobuy again.

Fallingstar Sat 12-Sept-26 09:37:33

We had this gifted to us by an Iranian family who live near us, a beautiful blend with large leaves. We can buy that in London but have just seen you can order online.

NotSpaghetti Sat 12-Sept-26 09:58:56

Newby teas are very nice.
More expensive but I like several of these. I don't buy them regularly though.
I currently have their earl grey. "Earl Grey Heritage Loose Leaf" which is very bergamoty - you only need a little!

Falligstar*, I'll look that one up!

25Avalon Sat 12-Sept-26 10:11:40

Co-op’s Indian Prince. I think they do loose leaf as well as tea bags.

M0nica Sat 12-Sept-26 10:19:01

Both Waitroe and M&S sell loose tea, but avoid the 'English Breakfast' blends.

My personal preference is Assam tea. Like others we only drink use loose tea

Ilovedogs22 Sat 12-Sept-26 10:45:26

25Avalon

Co-op’s Indian Prince. I think they do loose leaf as well as tea bags.

Ohh, that's good to know 25Avalon.
I always forget about the Co-op because their often tucked away around here & the closest one's in a very dodgy area, more's the pity as the Co-op do have some lovely products.

NotSpaghetti Sat 12-Sept-26 11:23:26

I didn't get on with those from Waitrose or M&S. But my daughter likes an M&S one.
Can't remember which.

grumppa Sat 12-Sept-26 11:53:26

Twinings Assam for me.

NotSpaghetti Sat 12-Sept-26 15:00:47

Just shows how different we all are.
Lots to try out, Tanya5!

(That's another my daughter likes grumppa).

Aldom Sat 12-Sept-26 15:03:36

Scribbles

You can't beat Twinings Assam in my opinion.

Exactly what I was about to suggest!!
It blends extremely well with Earl Grey too. My favourite combination.
smile

Norah Sat 12-Sept-26 20:50:24

PG Tips.

25Avalon Sat 12-Sept-26 21:09:05

Norah

PG Tips.

Floor sweepings last time I bought.

MollyNew Fri 18-Sept-26 18:11:08

Dilmah Ceylon Tea is very good. I first tried it in Chile where they love their tea and I have continued to buy it online.