With our colonial background, it is no wonder that most South Africans have been brought up drinking tea of at least 2 kinds – Ceylon and Rooibos. Rooibos is a herbal tea only grown in the Western Cape and is known for its anti-oxidant qualities, it is also caffeine free and helps with help digestive disorders, nervous tension and allergies.

I’m saying all of this not to promote Rooibos (although I am one of those South Africans, that when we travel has to take a box with me), but to highlight that we are no strangers to tea, HOWEVER just when I was thinking that I was rather ‘open’ to other teas and that I often try other flavours – like Rooibos and honey, Rooibos and ginger - I was truly blown away when I walked into Nigiro Tea Shop and was presented with 130 different teas from all over the world…

Once I’d managed to catch my breath and choose a jasmine green tea (oh so experimental :) I was rather shocked when the waiter brought me a tray with a little pot of water – still boiling thanks to a flame over which said pot was resting, a very delicate tea cup and an egg timer. I was instructed to turn the egg timer once and when it had run to its end, pour the tea. These instructions were delivered in such a way as to make me follow them explicitly, fearing my tea would be whisked away should I disobey.

Once poured and cooled enough for me to drink, the tea turned out to be delicious although I must say that it’s the experience of waiting for your tea to steep while surrounded by beautiful décor and the very warm, authentic feeling that Nigiro seems to emanate that really makes it worthwhile. So, if you are a tea lover, I’d urge you to head over to Nigiro and experience this for yourself, their website is under construction but if you follow them on Twitter you can find out all you need to know.