The Dilmah head office was alive with a special kind of energy as students from our Empower Culinary & Hospitality Schools in Moratuwa in Sri Lanka’s west and Kalkudah in the east embarked on a day-long journey into the world of tea. Far from a typical lesson, this was a hands-on adventure designed to immerse them in the science, artistry and appreciation of tea, a journey that went from the history of a global brand to the spicy, aromatic notes of a perfect cup of chai.
From Roots to Brews
The morning kicked off with an insightful introduction into the Dilmah story, led by Jerome Auvity, Head of Brand Experience. It was a narrative of passion and purpose, showing the students how a single cup of tea can carry a legacy. Following this, Menura Rathnayake, Head of Dilmah’s Tea Department unraveled the fascinating manufacturing process of the simple leaf into the fragrant tea we know and love.
A Symphony of Flavours and Pairings
At our Tea Department, Angelo Jansen, one of Dilmah’s senior tea tasters, introduced the students to a vast array of teas available, explaining the art of grading and nuances of different types of teas. The highlight of this session was an inclusive talk by Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman & CEO of Dilmah Tea, and his son, 3rd generation tea grower Amrit Fernando. Dilhan shared his profound knowledge of tea, while Amrit introduced their latest addition – Dilmah Ceylon Cinnamon, sharing its unique qualities and health benefits.
The day continued with a delightful food pairing session led by Yoshana Premarathne – Regional Manager, Dilmah Tea. She demonstrated how the right tea can elevate a meal, guiding the students as they paired a mini chicken burger with English Breakfast tea and a chocolate cake with Moroccan Mint green tea. This was an eye-opening experience, revealing the potential of tea as a culinary partner.
The Ultimate Chai Challenge
The grand finale was the highly anticipated chai-making session. Ajith Samarasinghe, the mixologist at Dilmah t-Lounge, captivated everyone with a classic demonstration of preparing the perfect chai. The students, divided into five teams, then put their new-found knowledge to the test, crafting their own unique versions of the chai. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of cinnamon and cardamom as each team worked, vying for the top prize. This session was a showcase of teamwork, creativity and the simple joy of sharing a cup of tea.
The day concluded with an inspiring and informative session by Subramaniam Kamalanathan, General Manager of the MJF Charitable Foundation, who spoke about the Foundation’s mission and impact.
The mini School of Tea was an experience that wove together engagement, teamwork and the promise of success, all brewed in a cup of exceptional tea. It was a day where the students of the ECHS connected with the heart and soul of the company that is making a difference in theirs and countless other lives.
