Sipping tea and chatting for as long as time permits is a tradition as timeless as it is cherished. Tea is deeply entwined into our culture, an inescapable yet universally loved ritual.
So, when the chance arises to mingle while sampling a variety of teas, it’s an invitation few would refuse.
Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation, in collaboration with Halda Valley Tea Garden, offered the perfect late-afternoon tea break ‘Cha Er Adda’.
The event was set on a rooftop creatively transformed into a cosy tong (traditional tea stall) setting.
There was a cup of tea for everyone, with two or more varieties for those who preferred a little extra.
Tea and snacks are an inseparable pair, but with so many options, where does one begin? The answer: take it slow, one at a time.
I started with a blend of puffed rice and chanachur (Bombay mix), balanced to perfection. A pitha (rice cake) stall offered two types of pitha served with mint chutney, gur (liquid jaggery), and two flavourful bhortas (mashed dried fish and mustard).
The indulgence didn’t stop there; another stall featured a local favourite trio: cha, samosas, and shingaras.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the tea itself, served in a tong—a roadside-style tea stall—transported to a rooftop.
The charm was in the details: torn posters, a bunch of bananas hanging, local biscuits in glass containers, and packets of chips on display.
Even the seating was crafted from imperfect wooden planks arranged into long, rustic stools.
What truly set it apart, however, were the numerous tea options from Halda Valley: Milk Tea, Halda Valley Special, Mughal Masala, Enchanting Elaichi, and Dhakai Malai.
There was Dragon Well Green Tea, Silver Needle White Tea, Golden Eyebrow Black Tea, and Red Robe Oolong Tea for black tea lovers.
There was a cup of tea for everyone, with two or more varieties for those who preferred a little extra.
One wall of the rooftop featured vibrant rickshaw art, adding its unique appeal to the setting.
Durjoy Rahman, founder of Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation, appeared in a traditional lungi, a gamcha draped around his neck, and a t-shirt adorned with local art.
He stepped forward and said, “We don’t talk about tea enough, and why is that? Tea is such an integral part of our culture and daily routines. It deserves more celebration. So here we are.”
By evening, the rooftop was bustling with people, including guests from other countries, sipping on our local tea. It wasn’t just a gathering—it was a true deshi adda.
Raffat Binte Rashid, a lifestyle journalist, shared with us, “I wanted you all to experience local tea in the most traditional setting. Tongs hold a special place in our culture where locals gather for addas, unwind with friends, engage in political discussions, and even chat with strangers. This is the essence I wanted to bring [through this event].”
As the sunset cast its glow, people mingled and engaged in conversations with tea or snacks in hand, exactly as the hosts had envisioned.
The event came to a close with everyone feeling happy and content, having savoured both the experience and their indulgences.
It was a celebration of local tea, offering attendees the chance to bid on the finest leaves from Sylhet.
Moreover, it was a true tribute to a product that is woven into our daily lives, with every sip cherished and enjoyed.
