Established by the United Nations, International Tea Day is celebrated globally on 21st May to highlight the cultural, economic, and sustainable significance of tea. While most nations honor this day by brewing a hot cup, it stands out as one of the few cultures in which tea is both widely consumed and passionately eaten.
At the heart of Myanmar’s identity is laphet, an indigenous delicacy made from anaerobically fermented tea leaves, primarily harvested in the misty highlands of Shan State. Historically, laphet served as a potent peace offering exchanged to formalize the end of conflicts between warring kingdoms. In civil courts, partaking in the savory leaves signaled the official acceptance of a judge’s verdict.
Today, this rich heritage thrives in everyday social life. No religious festival, wedding, or traditional novitiation ceremony is complete without a laphet tray, which features the sour, caffeinated leaves nestled alongside crispy fried beans, toasted sesame seeds, garlic, and peanuts.
Beyond ceremonial life, the local teahouse remains a vibrant micro-institution where people gather daily over sweet milk tea to debate politics, talk business, and build community. Whether shared as a gesture of hospitality to houseguests or enjoyed at a roadside stall, tea and laphet are inseparable from the social fabric of Myanmar, embodying a legacy of connection and community.
Happy International Tea Day!!!