Dilmah tea? - where to buy?

[snoobie]

Anyone know where to buy the wonderful Dilmah tea in Los Angeles?

[liu]

Hello, The Oracle! Thanks to you for your recommendation of the Sri Lankan Market on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana -- this is a wonderful discovery! As you directed me, I did purchase several varieties of chutneys and pickles, MD brand. In complete denial about refrigerator shelf space, we opened all of them -- all delicious!

The customer before me in line was purchasing some MD Kithul Treacle (Palm Molasses). I asked him what he would use it for; he said it is great mixed with yoghurt and/or rice. So, trusting this MD brand that you had suggested, I purchased both this molasses and some yoghurt. The market owner was extremely accommodating and went into the back of the store to get me some of his freshest yoghurt...a few days fresher than what was in his cold case.

And, on a whim, I purchased some lime (with soft chocolate centers) hard candies. These, too, are pretty good! I also purchased some Dilmah tea (which is the subject of this post); it's okay and I am glad to have tried it, but I wouldn't chase for it.

I am a label reader, and I found a lot of the products to be pure -- without a lot of preservatives and enhancers. I will definitely return for another shopping spree...and I thank you.

[snoobie]

I find Dilmah tea very smooth.... Have heard that Mighty Leaf is wonderful- but very pricey. Thanks for telling me where to find Dilmah. I will head over.

[liu]

snoobie -- I just went on their website, and now I am interested. What does it taste like? How does it differ from... green tea? Please do let us know if you are successful in finding it locally, as I would love to try it.

[The Oracle]

Dilmah actually makes all sorts of tea (not just green). It's one of the major tea companies in Sri Lanka and has big marketing dollars. It's good tea, but I don't think it has a particularly unique flavor that sets it heads above other high quality teas.

[liu]

Thanks, The Oracle. And with your info, tomorrow I will call Sri Lankan Delight in Tarzana to see if they carry it; surely, I will post if they do!

[The Oracle]

If you end up going to the store, and are into chuntey - the store has amazing mango chuntey - there's also a good date/lime pickle. Make sure you buy the MD brand (it's the best!)

[liu]

I love mango chutney, and date/lime pickle sounds like it would make the trip worthwhile! Thanks for these added tips.

In response to your comment about Mighty Leaf Teas, yes, I have tried many of them and they are quite delicious. I also love the silk sachets...a little elegance in my afternoon. I don't care for all the Mighty Leaf, but I do like their green teas. I have found them at Bristol Farms, and also at Cost Plus. Mighty Leaf offers a box of three mixed green teas, including their Green Tea Tropical, Mountain Spring Jasmine, and Organic Hojicha; I particularly like this mix, but it is a little difficult to find.

Very similar in quality and elegance to Mighty Leaf is another brand that you might enjoy: "two leaves and a bud." Similarly, their teas come in silken sachets and their tea is quite nice.

[The Oracle]

You might try calling Sri Lankan Delight (Tarzana) and see if they carry any. I don't recall seeing any, but they might have a lead. Post back if you find any info!

818.774.1237

[snoobie]

thanks I will try. It is such wonderful tea.....

[liu]

Thanks for this idea. I just called Sri Lankan Delight, and he DOES carry Dilmah tea.

Sri Lankan Delight at 19016 Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana. He says he is open every day from 11am-8pm.

I am assuming that this is a brand rather than a particular tea, so is there one that I should try first over any of the others, again assuming that I will have a choice?

[The Oracle]

Yes - Dilmah is the brand... I'd be surprised if Sri Lankan Delight has any varieties of it -- they'll likey just have the standard black tea (similar to generic "Lipton" black tea bags).

I wish I could remember the name of the Sri Lankan tea I just had... beats Dilmah (which was a nostalgic favorite) hands down. If I can figure out the name... I'll definitely post on this thread -although, I do know it came directly from Sri Lanka, so I doubt I could find it locally.

On a side note about tea - have you tried Mighty Leaf teas? - found in most retail stores - the Dilmah lovers in my family LOVE and rave about it (just had some at Julienne's in South Pas, and apparently Nordstrom Cafe's sell it too). I *think* I've seen it at Whole Foods as well.

[rchowtiger]

if there is better tea from sri lanka than the one provided by Dilmah, please post it . looking forwarding to your reply Oracle.

Roland

[AAQjr]

u know this thread is 4 years old right?

[The Oracle]

@rchowtiger - I sadly do not recall the tea I referred to! Given the date of the post, I'm assuming it was a tea served at a relative's home over the holiday's. But, I'm just guessing. Sorry I don't have a name or better info for you.