Tell Camellia: tea for two and two for cocktail

by Aude Camus
 
Did you know that all tea (whether it’s green tea, black tea, red tea, oolong …) stems from the same plant: Camellia? 
 
Tell Camellia, the latest speakeasy in town, invites you to travel the world and discover some of the world’s most exciting, and not always well-known, tea cultures. Each of the tea cocktail on the menu is named after the origin of the tea it showcases … and yes, no worries we are speaking of cocktails, so alcohol is also definitely on the list of ingredients. 

Where will your adventures take you first? We could stay in Asia and travel to Japan (HKD 95), represented through a quite minimalistic (yet highly photogenic as this drink is served in a floating wooden cup) umami-filled cocktail featuring distilled matcha tea, shochu (Japanese alcohol made from distilled rice), pumpkin seed, mint, fermented soybeans and a very unique garnish or rare plankton and seaweed dust. Or head off straight to Sri Lanka (HKD 95) where grows the world-famous Ceylon Tea here blended with coconut, basmati rice, green algae, rye whisky and homemade local Ape Amma milk wine. Looking to go on a longer haul? Why don’t you embark on an adventure to  ), the country of wildlife, chocolate biscuits (the famous Tim Tams) and horticulture? In the far north of the Queensland region grows the Yalangi Rain Tea here combined with Tim Tams, clarified strawberry, blue cheese and whiskey. And if you are interested in a Middle East adventure then why not ordering Turkey (HKD 95), a tasty blend of Rize Tea and Raki (Turskish national alcohol made of re-distilled grapes and aniseed).
 

Hong Kong Madame’s fav: Kenya (HKD 95), a cocktail combining Kenya’s rich agriculture and local flavors such as local Marinyn tea, homemade banana wine, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and crunchy cornflakes with a dash of aged rum. Not only does this drink looks beautiful, it’s also so yum! 
 
Any G&T lovers out here? 

The T&Tonic subsection of the menu is dedicated to herbal and tisane teas re-distilled with gin. 
 
I’ve tried all the cocktails one the menu (yes, I’m not kidding … I did try them ALL) and have to say I am pretty impressed. This tiny little speakeasy does take tea and cocktails seriously! But it doesn’t come as much of a surprise knowing that behind the bar you’ll find award-winning bar specialist and bartender Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung. 
 
Anyone interested in joining me for a cuppa next time?  
 
 
Tell Camellia
LG, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street- Central