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Black tea · Himalayan

Nepal Ilam

7.8/10 editor's score

Orthodox black tea from the hills of eastern Nepal, just across the border from Darjeeling, with similar flushes and a light, floral style.

HimalayanFloralFlushes
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Nepal Ilam, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafNepal Ilam
250 ml water85 to 95°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorGolden to amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Orthodox black tea from the hills of eastern Nepal, just across the border from Darjeeling, with similar flushes and a light, floral style.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMarch to November, in flushesLight, floral.
Pairs withScones, Fruit, Light curriesLess good with smoked food
Grown atAbout 1,000 to 2,000 mIlam, Koshi Province
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Nepal Ilam

What sources say about the taste

Sources compare Ilam teas to Darjeeling: floral and fruity, but often softer and less astringent 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

IlamEastern NepalNEPAL
Region
Ilam district, eastern Nepal 1
Neighbour
Borders Darjeeling 1
Elevation
About 1,000 to 2,000 m 1
First estate
Ilam Tea Estate, around 1863 1

More from Ilam and Nepal.

History and culture

Nepal's first tea plantation, Ilam Tea Estate, was set up around 1863 in Ilam district, and a second, Soktim, followed two years later 1.

The first tea factory in Nepal opened in Ilam in 1978 1.

Editor's score

7.8/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 8.0Origin & heritage: 7.5Availability: 7.0Value: 8.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.5Versatility: 7.5Flavour 8.0Heritage 7.5Availability 7.0Value 8.5Beginners 8.5Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Nepal Ilam~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Flushes follow a pattern similar to Darjeeling. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

China-type and clonal Camellia sinensis bushes 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Indoors.

03Rolling

Gentle.

04Oxidation

Varies by flush.

05Drying

Fired.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafMixed green and brown leaf with silver tips.
LiquorGolden to amber.
After steeping
Wet leafGreen to brown.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Scones
  • Fruit
  • Light curries

Best avoided

  • Smoked food

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Orthodox grades similar to Darjeeling.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Some Nepali tea has been sold as Darjeeling. Buy it under its own name.
  2. Look for estate and flush.
FAQ
Is it the same as Darjeeling?

It grows nearby in similar conditions, but it is a separate origin.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from NepalIlamHimalayanFloralFlushes

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Tea production in Nepal". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_production_in_Nepal
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.