English Breakfast Tea & a Plain Bagel
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Some mornings call for something bold, grounding, and familiar. Today’s steep is a classic: English Breakfast Tea — a dependable favourite that balances strength and brightness. I paired it with a plain bagel, letting the tea take centre stage.
The Blend: Assam & Ceylon
English Breakfast is typically a blend, and this one combines Assam and Ceylon.
- Assam brings depth and maltiness — that rich, full-bodied base you feel in your chest as much as your palate.
- Ceylon, grown in the highlands of Sri Lanka, adds a brisk, citrusy lift to balance it all out.
Together, they create a cup that’s bold but not bitter — exactly what mornings need.
Brewing Ritual
Here’s how I prepared it today:
- 1 teaspoon of loose leaf per cup into the teapot.
- Poured freshly boiled water (100°C) over the leaves.
- Steeped for 4 minutes — the sweet spot for flavour without bitterness.
- Decanted into a fairness cup to stop the brew right there, keeping it smooth and clean.
The liquor unfolded into a warm, coppery amber. Strong and elegant.
The Aroma
The moment I poured it into the cup, I caught its signature notes:
- Malty, toasty, with a slight sharpness from the Ceylon
- A scent that reminds me of slow mornings, wooden tables, and a sense of calm before the day begins
Pairing: Plain Bagel
Today’s pairing was a plain bagel — no spread, no fuss. Its neutrality gave space for the tea to lead. The contrast of textures — chewy bread and hot, liquid strength — worked beautifully.
If you’re looking to explore more pairings, English Breakfast also goes well with:
- Soft scrambled eggs or a cheese toastie
- Smoked salmon on rye
- Scones or oat biscuits
- Even a full English breakfast, if you’re feeling indulgent
Final Sips
By the time the cup was empty, I felt steadier — as if the tea had gently grounded the start of my day. No rush, just a small ritual to anchor the morning.
See you in the next steep. 🍃
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