In the story, Mpenzi Wangu” Two Weeks in Kenya morning tea played an important role in showcasing the thoughts and desires of some of the main characters. Upon my research for the book, I learned that any time of the day is “teatime” in Kenya and there is a certain etiquette associated with the experience.
Starting the day with a cup of tea, or “chai” is very common in Kenya and was adopted from the British from colonial times. Chai is tea with milk and sugar in Kenya. Some people like their chai with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger in it. The tea is served in ceramic teacups or mugs, and often accompanied by food.
Other names for chai are spiced tea, spiced milk tea, milk tea, or even tea latte.
However, tea can also be served during all the meals and pretty much any time during the day. But whenever it’s served, it’s a welcoming drink that every family prepares in their homes. It would not be wrong to say that it is the beverage of choice in Kenya.
Kenyans are welcoming and friendly people. Teatime is not just a beverage, but it is a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and community. Any day is a good day for tea, but Sunday is a popular day for people to visit one another. Many visits are unannounced as people will often visit for a short time only to have a conversation and a cup of tea. It is common for hosts to offer tea. Accepting the offer means that one accepts the hospitality of the host. Refusing an offer is considered impolite, even if you are full. Guests invited to someone’s home may bring a small gift of appreciation.
The Kenyan attitude towards time is very different than that in the United States. It is common for people to arrive after an agreed upon time, often 30 to 45 minutes later.
Sharing tea or a meal with others is very important to many Kenyans as well as the proper etiquette. For example, it is common for families residing in rural areas to use their right hand to eat. The use of the left hand by itself to perform such tasks is considered improper.
In addition to the social aspects of tea consumption, tea cultivation plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy. The country has become one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters, known for its high-quality tea. Kenyan Black tea is stronger than other black teas due to the rich, reddish soil that the bushes in which it grows. The tropical climate and rich volcanic soil in Kenya’s tea growing areas give its tea a distinct bright color and aromatic flavor. Kenya produces tea year-round. The country’s equatorial climate provides favorable conditions for tea cultivation, allowing for continuous harvests throughout the year. Although Kenya mainly produces black tea, it also produces green, yellow and the prestigious white tea.
The tea industry supports millions of people worldwide and is a key driver of socio-economic development in Kenya. The tea industry plays a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security.
To enjoy a delicious cup of chai, here is a common recipe:
Starting the day with a cup of tea, or “chai” is very common in Kenya and was adopted from the British from colonial times. Chai is tea with milk and sugar in Kenya. Some people like their chai with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger in it. The tea is served in ceramic teacups or mugs, and often accompanied by food.
Other names for chai are spiced tea, spiced milk tea, milk tea, or even tea latte.
However, tea can also be served during all the meals and pretty much any time during the day. But whenever it’s served, it’s a welcoming drink that every family prepares in their homes. It would not be wrong to say that it is the beverage of choice in Kenya.
Kenyans are welcoming and friendly people. Teatime is not just a beverage, but it is a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and community. Any day is a good day for tea, but Sunday is a popular day for people to visit one another. Many visits are unannounced as people will often visit for a short time only to have a conversation and a cup of tea. It is common for hosts to offer tea. Accepting the offer means that one accepts the hospitality of the host. Refusing an offer is considered impolite, even if you are full. Guests invited to someone’s home may bring a small gift of appreciation.
The Kenyan attitude towards time is very different than that in the United States. It is common for people to arrive after an agreed upon time, often 30 to 45 minutes later.
Sharing tea or a meal with others is very important to many Kenyans as well as the proper etiquette. For example, it is common for families residing in rural areas to use their right hand to eat. The use of the left hand by itself to perform such tasks is considered improper.
In addition to the social aspects of tea consumption, tea cultivation plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy. The country has become one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters, known for its high-quality tea. Kenyan Black tea is stronger than other black teas due to the rich, reddish soil that the bushes in which it grows. The tropical climate and rich volcanic soil in Kenya’s tea growing areas give its tea a distinct bright color and aromatic flavor. Kenya produces tea year-round. The country’s equatorial climate provides favorable conditions for tea cultivation, allowing for continuous harvests throughout the year. Although Kenya mainly produces black tea, it also produces green, yellow and the prestigious white tea.
The tea industry supports millions of people worldwide and is a key driver of socio-economic development in Kenya. The tea industry plays a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security.
To enjoy a delicious cup of chai, here is a common recipe:
- Heat in a 4-quart saucepan
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tea bag
Boil for ten minutes.
- Add 1 cup of milk
- Add teaspoons of sugar
Enjoy!