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Black tea · Bangladeshi tea

Sylhet Black

Bangladesh tea, Sreemangal tea

7.0/10 editor's score

Black tea from Sylhet in north-east Bangladesh, where the Surma valley became the centre of tea growing. Bangladesh was the world's 9th largest producer in 2019.

StrongBangladeshMilk
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Sylhet Black, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafSylhet Black
250 ml water100°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorDark red-amber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Black tea from Sylhet in north-east Bangladesh, where the Surma valley became the centre of tea growing.

CaffeineMedium to high~40 to 60 mg, our estimate
MilkTakes milk well.
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMainly the rainy seasonMain growth.
Pairs withMilk tea, Biscuits, BreakfastLess good with delicate fish
Grown atLow hills of the Surma valleySylhet, Sylhet Division
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Sylhet Black

What sources say about the taste

Sources cover its history and scale; the taste depends on the estate and style.

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

SylhetSylhet DivisionBANGLADESH
Centre
Surma valley, Sylhet 1
Oldest garden
Malnicherra 2
Tea capital
Sreemangal 3
Estates
166 in Bangladesh 1

More from Sylhet and Bangladesh.

History and culture

Sources differ on dates: Malnicherra was established in 1849 by one account 2, and commercial tea growing began there in 1857 by another 1.

Sreemangal is called the "tea capital" of Bangladesh and is the home of Seven Color Tea 3.

Bangladesh produced 97.08 million kg of tea in 2019 1.

Editor's score

7.0/10

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: 6.0Origin & heritage: 7.5Availability: 6.0Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 8.0Flavour 6.0Heritage 7.5Availability 6.0Value 8.0Beginners 8.0Versatility 8.0
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
Sylhet Black~40 to 60 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Sylhet. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

CTC or orthodox.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Drying

Dried and graded.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafDark CTC grains or broken leaf.
LiquorDark red-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafDark brown leaf.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Milk tea
  • Biscuits
  • Breakfast

Best avoided

  • Delicate fish

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

CTC and orthodox grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Moulvibazar and Habiganj are also tea districts 1.
  2. Look for the estate name.
FAQ
Where is tea grown in Bangladesh?

Mainly in the Sylhet region and the Surma valley 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from BangladeshSylhetStrongBangladeshMilk

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Tea production in Bangladesh". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_production_in_Bangladesh
  2. Wikipedia, "Malnicherra Tea Estate". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malnicherra_Tea_Estate
  3. Wikipedia, "Sreemangal Upazila". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sreemangal_Upazila
  4. 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.