Tea Tasting Session at India’s oldest tea boutique Sancha Tea/Aap Ki Pasand

Discover the Flavors of India at Sancha Tea/Aap Ki Pasand

Our review takes a close look at the Tea Tasting Session at India’s oldest tea boutique, Sancha Tea/Aap Ki Pasand, situated in bustling New Delhi. If you’re a tea lover or simply curious about Indian teas, this experience promises a flavorful journey through India’s diverse tea regions with a touch of authenticity.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its focus on small-batch, fresh teas that are rarely found outside India. The fact that it’s run by Master Tea Taster Sanjay Kapur and has been recommended by Lonely Planet and BBC Travel speaks volumes about its credibility and quality.

A potential drawback is that, with a duration of just about one hour, it’s a relatively brief experience—though that makes it perfect for a quick, enriching break. This tour tends to attract those who love exploring local flavors without the need for a long commitment, making it ideal for culinary travelers, tea enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add an educational twist to their Delhi visit.

Who is This Tour For?

It’s best suited for travelers interested in Indian culture and cuisine, especially those who want to understand the regional diversity of Indian teas. If you’re eager to learn about different terroirs and spice blends, this experience offers both education and tasting pleasure in a cozy, storied shop.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Tastes teas from 7 different regions of India, including Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Sikkim, and Kangra, offering a broad perspective on Indian tea varieties.
• Expert Guidance: Led by Master Tea Taster Sanjay Kapur, ensuring knowledgeable descriptions and personalized attention.
• Quality and Freshness: Focus on small batch, freshly sourced Indian teas that amplify the tasting experience.
• Affordable Price: At just $7 per person, it provides excellent value for a curated, educational tea tasting.
• Convenient Location and Duration: Located near public transportation in Delhi; the session lasts about an hour, perfect for a quick cultural indulgence.
• Highly Rated: Consistently praised in reviews for its friendly staff, informative guidance, and high-quality teas.

An In-Depth Look at the Tea Tasting Experience

Walking into India’s oldest artisanal tea shop, founded back in 1981 by Master Tea Taster Sanjay Kapur, sets a warm, welcoming tone. The store’s historic reputation is well-deserved—it’s been trusted and recommended for decades, and the 11 locations across India underscore its prominence.

Once inside, you’re greeted with a display of over 100 Indian teas—a visual feast of vibrant leaves and colorful blends. The shop’s ambiance combines tradition with expertise, creating an environment that’s both educational and inviting. You’ll appreciate the fact that the tour is conducted with small groups—no more than 20 travelers—which allows for personal interaction and tailored conversations.

The Tasting Journey: From Leaf to Cup

The core of the experience involves tasting teas from 7 regions, each with its own terroir and unique flavor profile. Expect to sample:

• Darjeeling: Often called the “Champagne of Teas,” with delicate floral and muscat notes.
• Assam: Full-bodied and brisk, perfect for a morning boost.
• Nilgiri: Bright, fragrant, and slightly citrusy, with a smooth finish.
• Sikkim: Rising in popularity, offering nuanced black teas with subtle complexity.
• Kangra: Less well-known globally, but with bold flavors and a smooth profile.

Beyond these regional teas, you’ll also have the chance to try white teas and green teas—a rare treat since India is traditionally known for black teas. The store specializes in rare small-batch teas, which means you’re tasting some of the freshest leaves available, often with distinct spice blends like masala chai infused with saffron, cardamom, ginger, and other spices from the Malabar Spice Coast.

Learning and Sampling

One of the highlights, as highlighted by several reviews, is the opportunity to ask the staff to brew any tea on the house. This personalized touch allows you to explore your favorites or try something new without feeling rushed. The knowledgeable staff—led by Mr. Sanjay Kapur himself—are praised for their friendly attitude and in-depth explanations.

A reviewer from February 2025 expressed that the experience was “an activity for tea lovers and those wanting to taste a wide variety of Indian teas”—which sums it up nicely. The opportunity to understand which teas come from which regions, how the climate and soil influence flavor, and the health benefits of different blends makes this more than just a tasting; it’s an educational experience.

Buying Teas as Souvenirs

If you’re tempted to take some of this magic home, the shop offers over 100 blends of Indian teas, many blended with real spices, herbs, or flowers. This makes for excellent gifts or personal souvenirs. The prices are reasonable considering the quality; you might find these teas priced fairly compared to specialty shops elsewhere.

Practical Details and Logistics

Location: The store is located at 15 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, Delhi, opposite Golcha Cinema. It’s near public transportation, making it easy to reach without hassle.

Timing: Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, giving plenty of flexibility. The booking window averages 17 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.

Cost and Value: At $7 per person, the tour offers great value—a comprehensive tasting with expert guidance in a storied shop. The short duration makes it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing or a quiet afternoon escape.

Booking and Cancellation: You can book via mobile ticket, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance—a flexible policy for travelers’ changing plans.

Authenticity and Reputation

This experience has been recommended in travel guides like Lonely Planet and has received high praise from visitors. The reviews are all perfect (5/5), emphasizing the friendly staff, the variety of teas, and the quality of the experience.

One reviewer mentioned that they tasted 13 different teas and learned about their regions, benefits, and unique characteristics, making it a genuinely educational outing.

Final Thoughts

This tea tasting session at Sancha Tea/Aap Ki Pasand is a delightful slice of Indian culture packed into just an hour. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in food, beverages, and regional flavors, offering a chance to taste some of India’s finest, small-batch teas in a historic setting.

The combination of expert guidance, a variety of regional teas, and the opportunity to buy authentic products makes this experience worthwhile. It’s a chance to turn a quick stop into a memorable, flavorsome journey through India’s tea traditions.

If you’re looking for a brief, engaging, and educational activity that offers taste, insight, and a bit of shopping, this session will satisfy your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for India’s tea culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tea tasting session last?
It lasts approximately one hour, making it a perfect quick cultural break in your busy Delhi itinerary.

What is included in the price of $7?
For this fee, you’ll enjoy tasting up to 13 different teas from various Indian regions, plus personalized guidance from expert staff.

Can I buy teas during the experience?
Yes, the shop offers over 100 blends of Indian teas, many infused with spices, herbs, or flowers, available for purchase after the tasting.

Is the tour suitable for non-tea drinkers?
While designed for tea lovers, even casual visitors can learn about Indian tea regions, and non-drinkers might enjoy the atmosphere and the opportunity to ask questions.

Is booking in advance necessary?
Yes, the tour is typically booked about 17 days in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

What are the opening hours?
The store operates Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Is the experience suitable for children or groups?
Given the group size is limited to 20, it’s quite suitable for families or small groups seeking a cultural activity.

This tea tasting at Sancha Tea/Aap Ki Pasand offers a genuine glimpse into India’s tea heritage, with expert guidance, fresh flavors, and a cozy shop environment. If you want to elevate your Delhi experience beyond temples and markets, this is an authentic, flavorful stop that’s hard to beat.