The idea of a tea room is still so inherently British that we often wondered how such a thing would play out in Hyderabad. However, we must admit that when we visited Morsel & Tisane Co. The Tea Room recently for a preview — it opens on July 23 — the concept began to grow on us. With its high-ceilings and pearl-drop chandeliers that lent a warm yellow glow to its pristine white walls, this place spells luxury from the word go. Also, it needs a reservation if you want to drop by. Located in the heart of Banjara Hills, where once designer Tarun Tahiliani’s store used to be, the outlet is inspired by its vintage English counterparts and is blessed with tall trees and a cobbled pathway.
As you enter, you can spot the marvellous TWG speciality tea collection on your right. “We have around seven single-origin teas from places like India, China, Sri Lanka and Brazil, and around 20 mixed blends,” says Nimisha Dugar, who helms this tea room along with her husband Amrit Dugar. The walls are decorated with commissioned photographs featuring destinations across Europe and what is particularly fascinating is the cabin arrangement — where you can enjoy your tea served in dainty porcelain cup and saucers, shut the door and cut off from the world if you so wish.
Also, we hear there are butlers who can drive you from the airport or drop a pen drive to your workplace — all while you enjoy the tea. The walkaway leads to the tea rooms, an eight-seater conference room and a cigar room with the finest Cuban varieties. “We wanted to open a tea room inspired by the English concept, since last December. It’s then we began hunting for the perfect place. We zeroed in on this one and added a touch of royal décor,” says Amrit, who has visited tearooms and in Sri Lanka and Bangkok.
The setting where we sat down to sample our blend of the day, tea cakes and short eats are rather grand. We sampled the Chinese white tea called the Heart of Happiness, which was brewed for three minutes. When we were poured a cup, Nimisha told us that the fine blend also had a mix of amaranth, jasmine and dragon lilies. The subtle floral aroma of this brew had us feeling soothed from the first sip.
On the cake stand in the middle of the table, we first noticed the Bocconcini Fry — crisp outer layer with mozzarella cheese inside. This bite-sized snack was worth a try. However, it wasn’t exciting enough for us to reach out for a second helping. But the crunchy Lamb Patty we picked up next, with a filling of minced meat and carefully chosen Indian spices, goes well with the tea. The Lychee Tempura was one of the most surprising discoveries — fried on the outside and mildly sweet inside, thanks to the fruit bits — this one was fried to perfection. We also liked the French Earl Gray-infused
tea cake, which has the softness of a freshly-baked dessert. We reserved our last few minutes solely to enjoy the Heart of Happiness, as we stare at the photographs on the wall, and imagine we aren’t in Hyderabad at all. We don’t succeed, of course, but plan to come back to try their other fine blends, carefully stacked at the retail section of the store.
Morsel and Tisane Co. The Tea Room opens on July 23.
Price for two: Rs 3,000.