Lunch and Iranian black tea

Most common Dutch tea&food pairing: English blend and a stroopwafel (biscuit with a thick syrup). Biscuit on top of your hot cup of tea so the syrup gets warm and runny. Mmmm

Vondel speculaas (spiced biscuit) I picked up at Simon Lèvelt and their Assam Goudblad zomerpluk (very tippy Assam second flush) is one of the first tea and food pairings I discovered. The spices and sweetness of the biscuit are balanced so beautiful by the Assam tea. It’s almost as if it becomes a masala chai! 7 grams of tea on 500 ml 95 degrees Celsius water and a infusion time of three minutes. It really needs hot water and a relatively long steep in order to do it’s job 😁.

Beautiful breakfast at the beach. Many different elements so a versatile tea comes in handy. I choose for a Malawi Satemwa Smallholders OP1. It did a great job! 7 grams of tea on 500 ml 95 centigrade water. 2 minutes steeping. Serve in a big mug or glass.

Iranian food is among the best food I have ever tasted. Iranian black tea is among the sweetest, most fruity and flowery teas I know. They seem to be a match made in heaven! 14 grams of tea on 1 liter of 95 degrees Celsius water and a steeping time of four minutes.

Sometimes you accidentally come across a very special product. We visited a farmers shop called the Kastanjeboom, located just outside the small town of Bunschoten-Spakenburg. They sell a lot of beautiful local products but they also make their own clotted cream. The best I ever tasted. Read their story. Scones, Blueberry Jam and their great cream. Paired with a China Fujian Golden Monkey. 7 grams of tea on 500 ml, 75 degrees Celsius water. A true delight!

@travel_sutra_ came up with a great idea. Earl Grey based on an Assam and Raffaello. I’m not a big fan of Earl Grey and I don’t have a sweet tooth. But I have to admit, this is a great combination. Sweetness disappeared partly, nutty flavour was more noticeable, Earl Grey gave it a fresh aroma.

Nothing wrong with a peanut butter and chocolate sprinkles sandwich with a beautiful India Assam Ananda Second Flush

First full breakfast during my two day visit to Scotland. Strong Assam to deal with it of course.

No Vino Santo to dip in the Cantuccini alle mandorle but a very sweet China Fujian Golden Monkey. 10 grams on 400 ml of 75 centigrade water for just one minute. Multiple infusions needed.