Legend of
Myanmar Tea

Myanmar people believed that tea growing was first initiated and introduced during the Bagan era. Legend has it that King Alaung Sithu (AD 1113-1167) on his majestic royal tour to Namhsan, a small town in Northern Shan State, presented some tea seeds to the local Palaung people in that area. From then onwards, tea growing increases rapidly and flourishes throughout Myanmar in areas with favorable climatic condition. Tea plays a strong role in the culture and daily life of Myanmar people. Here in Myanmar it is customarily to serve traditional green tea and pickled tea, a unique Myanmar tea available only in Myanmar, in Royal ceremonies during the periods of Myanmar Kings, and until now in major social ceremonies. Black tea consumption also has increased significantly nowadays. This coupled with the traditional custom ensure, beyond doubt, a regular favorable domestic tea market in Myanmar.