What are the recommended tea brands in Sri Lanka? A round-up of the best products and shops for souvenirs!

Many people probably associate Sri Lanka with tea.

Ceylon tea and other Sri Lankan teas are popular worldwide and are increasingly becoming a staple souvenir for travellers to Sri Lanka.

This time, we introduce recommended tea brands, ideal souvenir products, and local shops—all essential for those seeking Sri Lankan souvenirs.

Characteristics and History of Sri Lankan Tea

Sri Lanka is currently the world's largest exporter of green tea, but it was not actually a country where tea leaves had been cultivated since ancient times.

The introduction of tea culture to Sri Lanka dates back to the British colonial era, beginning when the British planted tea saplings on the island of Ceylon.

Ceylon Island, renowned for its suitability for tea cultivation, is now known as a place where a great deal of tea is grown and a wide variety of black teas are produced.

Tea-producing regions of Sri Lanka

To say in a word that it is a country famous for its tea, yetThe types and characteristics of black tea cultivated vary by region.

An explanation of Sri Lanka's famous tea-producing regions and their varieties.

【High-grown Tea Regions】Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva

In Sri Lanka tooHigh-grown tea cultivated in high-altitude regionsIn particular, a large quantity of high-grade tea leaves is being produced.

Ceylon teas familiar to Japanese consumers, such as Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva, are often cultivated in this region.

【Medium Grown Tea Origin】Kandy, Udapselawa

Medium-grown tea refers to tea produced in tea-growing regions at moderate altitudes.And, tea leaves such as Candy and Udapselawa are famous.

Particularly as it contains many varieties of tea leaves that are easy to drink and appeal to a wide audience, preferences are less likely to differ, making it a tea leaf well-suited as a souvenir.

【Low-grown tea region】Sapalagamuwa, Ruhuna

Low-grown teaIt is easy to drink, and one of its characteristics is its deep colour.

Teas such as Sapalagamuwa and Ruhuna are standard varieties, known among black teas for their particularly astringent and delicately fragrant flavour reminiscent of green tea.

The main varieties of Sri Lankan tea

Even when we speak of black tea, there are many different varieties.

Opening: Orange Peko

Orange Pekoe is a type of black tea with an orange hue.

The length of the tea leaves is 7mm to 11mm. The larger the tea leaves, the weaker the brew; the smaller the leaves, the stronger the brew.

Orange Pekoe is a light black tea and is best enjoyed without milk.

FP: Flower Peko

The name Flower Peko was given because the shape of the unfurled tea leaves resembles a flower.

Like Orange Peko, it has a delicate flavour, so it is recommended to drink it neat.

BOP: Broken Orange Peko

Refers to Orange Pekoe, characterised by its small, dark tea leaves.

The length of the tea leaves is 2mm to 4mm.

As this is a strong black tea, it is recommended to drink it with sugar.

BOPF: Broken Orange Peko Funnings

This is a black tea with even shorter leaves and a stronger flavour than BOP.

The length of the tea leaves is 1mm to 2mm.

BOPF is recommended to be consumed as milk tea.

DUST

The finest tea leaves, less than 1mm in size, are ground into a powder.

It is favoured by those who enjoy strong black tea and is recommended for drinking as milk tea.

GOLDEN CHIPS

What I have introduced so far is ordinary black tea.

However, there are also the highest grades of Golden Chips and Silver Chips in black tea.

Golden Chips is a tea made solely from the buds of the tea plant and is considered the finest grade.

It is manufactured solely from the red-coloured parts listed below.

In the UK, it costs over ¥20,000 for 150g, but in Sri Lanka, you can purchase it for around ¥4,000.

Even so, it costs three times as much as other teas.

Silver CHIPS

Silver Tips are produced using the same method as Golden Tips, but result in a lighter tea.

It's a relationship like that between OP and BOP.

The price is the same as Golden Chips.

6 Recommended Sri Lankan Tea Brands!

When it comes to black tea, one naturally pays attention to the variety of tea leaves and their place of origin, but one also wishes to be particular about the brand.

There is indeed a reason why branded teas are so beloved.

Here, we introduce six recommended tea brands from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's No.1 Share "Zesta"

Zesta is the standard tea brand in Sri Lanka and also holds the top market share, being the tea of choice for many people within the country.

Hand-picked tea leaves meticulously crafted using orthodox processing methods,Its quality is unrivalled among Sri Lankan tea brandsIt could also be said.

For those wishing to savour the taste of tea beloved in its homeland, choosing 'Zesta' is undoubtedly the right choice.

Perfect as a souvenir with its richly designed packaging: BASILUR TEA

The stylish packaging of BASILUR TEA, often considered the epitome of black tea, is also highly recommended as a souvenir.

Using fresh tea leaves and handling everything from cultivation to packaging in our domestic factory makes it the perfect souvenir from Sri Lanka.

TEA TANG: Authentic black tea with packaging that's a huge hit with women

For gifts for women, "TEA TANG" is highly popular, owing to its colourful and charming packaging.

Colour-variation tea tins are visually appealing, and it is not uncommon for female travellers to collect them as souvenirs for themselves, treating it as a form of collecting.

Of course, the taste is also first-rate,Authentic Sri Lankan black teaAs such, you can also enjoy the flavour.

TEALIA, where you can enjoy flavoured teas

For those wishing to explore distinctive black teas, we recommend TEALIA, a relatively new brand launched in 2001.

The charming paper packaging holds a range of flavours, from classic Ceylon tea to fruit-infused varieties, including some chocolate-flavoured black teas.

Sri Lanka's first tea brand, Dilmah

Dilmah is a staple souvenir and among Sri Lanka's tea brands,Among the world's most renownedIt can be said to be the brand.

As it is also Sri Lanka's first tea brand, it is a classic choice for souvenirs.

George Steuart Tea, a long-established Sri Lankan tea brand

George Steuart Tea isA long-established tea brand with the Queen's official endorsementIt is recommended for those who wish to savour the flavour of prestigious, high-grade tea leaves.

The refined taste of the tea and its retro, charming packaging have made it highly popular in Japan. It is not only a sought-after souvenir from Sri Lanka but is also occasionally sold domestically as an imported product.

MLESNATEA, beloved worldwide

A natural-style black tea generously infused with natural flavouringsIt is known as 'MLESNATEA'.

Its flavour is cherished worldwide, and it can be enjoyed not only neat but also as a comforting and soothing cup of milk tea.

Where to buy Sri Lankan tea locally? Recommended shops in Sri Lanka

Especially on a first trip to Sri Lanka, many people find themselves unfamiliar with the area and unsure where to buy souvenirs they might want.

Here, we introduce some recommended shops where you can buy delicious Sri Lankan tea.

Colombo's Tea Speciality Shop "Sri Lanka Tea Board"

The Sri Lanka Tea Board is the first place to look for Sri Lankan tea specialists.

This shop is a souvenir shop in Colombo, Sri Lanka.Genuine tea with government certification onlyare available for purchase, so there is no need to worry about being sold counterfeit goods.

This shop stocks a wide range of popular Sri Lankan tea brands, so if you're looking for Sri Lankan branded tea, you simply can't go wrong here.

Colombo supermarket 'ARUPICO'

In Sri Lanka, many locals drink tea daily, so supermarkets catering to the local population also stock a wide range of delicious teas.

ARUPICO is a large supermarket in Colombo where local residents can purchase everyday foodstuffs and tea at reasonable prices.

How to enjoy the taste of tea locally? Recommended cafés in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan tea makes an excellent souvenir, of course, but enjoying it locally alongside authentic local dishes and sweets will also create fond memories of your travels.

Here, discover recommended cafés in Sri Lanka where you can enjoy authentic local tea.

t-Lounge by Dilmah, operated by the tea leaf manufacturer

t-Lounge by Dilmah is a café operated by the renowned tea brand Dilmah, where you can enjoy Dilmah teas and meals.

right before one's eyesThe tea-brewing performance is a must-seeAnd as orders are placed via tablet, there's no stress involved in ordering.

Tea Avenue: Where you can easily take away your tea

At Colombo's Tea Avenue, alongside the café menu and authentic tea, the option for takeaway is a welcome feature.

With a cup of tea in hand, you might enjoy sightseeing around Sri Lanka, or purchase some before returning to your hotel to savour it at your leisure.

Shangri-La Hotel: Luxury Afternoon Tea at an Affordable Price

At the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, a luxury hotel, you can enjoy afternoon tea from 3 o'clock.

The following is a five-tier afternoon tea for two, but with unlimited tea for just 4,000 Sri Lankan rupees (approximately ¥2,400) – an exceptionally good value.

That works out to ¥1,200 per person. Considering that afternoon tea in Japan can cost nearly ¥5,000, this is an exceptionally good price.

Enjoy Sri Lankan-style milk tea, 'Kirite'!

By the way, have you heard of Kirite tea?

Kirite is a Sri Lankan-style milk tea, made by alternately pouring tea, milk and sugar into a cup from a height and mixing them together.A drink that's a sight to behold even as it's being madeis.

Brewing from a height allows ample air to be incorporated, resulting in a soft mouthfeel. You'll find the gentle flavour soothing.

Not just for drinking! Sri Lankan tea to enjoy with your eyes

Beyond Kirite, Sri Lanka's tea offers many elements to 'enjoy with the eyes'.

If you're travelling to Sri Lanka, enjoying the history of Sri Lankan tea and seeing how it's made is one of the recommended pleasures.

The Tea Train offering panoramic views of Sri Lanka's tea plantations

The 'Tea Train', offering panoramic views of tea plantations from the carriage, is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, drawing visitors from around the world.

This refers to the train connecting the famous tea-growing regions of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya,The vast expanse of tea fields is truly a sight to behold.is.

Related: [Sri Lanka Travelogue ⑤] Touring a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya and savouring high tea! Enjoy elegant scenery aboard the mountain railway.

Nuwara Eliya Factory Tour: Discover the Journey of Tea

Factory tours where you can observe the process from harvesting tea leaves to producing prestigious brand teas are also recommended during your trip to Sri Lanka.

Particularly popular is the Nuwara Eliya factory tour, where visitors can observe the production process of the premium Nuwara Eliya tea leaves.

The tea manufacturing process is rarely seen in Japan, so do make a point of stopping by when visiting Sri Lanka.

In the Sri Lanka travelogue I mentioned earlier, I also provide a detailed account of the factory tour in Nuwara Eliya, so do take a look!

Summary

Sri Lankan tea is a must-try, both as a souvenir and for enjoying locally.

Sri Lankan tea, beloved both at home and abroad for its rich flavour, is a first-class product in every respect—taste, aroma, and appearance—making it an essential part of any trip to Sri Lanka.

Do consider Sri Lankan tea as a gift for your loved ones, and indeed as a treat for yourself.

Additionally, we have compiled other information related to Sri Lanka below for your reference!

Related:What kind of country is Sri Lanka!? Before travelling, let's get to grips with its history, climate, attractions, specialities, and cost of living!

Essential tips for independent travel in Sri Lanka from an experienced traveller's perspective!! Make the most of Sri Lanka's taxi services to efficiently tour the World Heritage Sites!