A Taste of Tradition at Sila Tea House, Bogor

      On our 17th day as exchange students at IPB University, we had the chance to visit one of Bogor’s most charming destinations—Sila Tea House. But before the afternoon adventure, we had lunch at Botani Mall, where we also took the opportunity to buy some pasalubong (souvenirs) for our families back home. After lunch, we returned to campus where a car was waiting to take us to the tea house for a relaxing and cultural experience.

     ~ When we arrived, we were instantly captivated by the atmosphere. Sila Tea House was aesthetically pleasing and peaceful, installed in a scenic location surrounded by nature. A variety of teas and beautiful teapots welcomed us at the entrance, setting the mood for a traditional tea experience.

     Sila Tea House is known for its cozy ambiance, minimalist architecture, and authentic Indonesian tea culture. More than just a café, it serves as a cultural spot where locals and tourists alike can enjoy good food, serene views, and quality tea. The tea house supplies premium tea to hotels and restaurants and takes pride in offering only high-quality tea, with each blend carrying its own story and health benefits.

     We learned that tea holds a deep cultural significance in Indonesia. While many Filipinos are more drawn to coffee, Indonesians have a strong love for tea—rooted in their traditions and passed down from their ancestors. This made our visit even more meaningful, as we weren’t just drinking tea—we were experiencing a piece of Indonesian heritage.

     The staff allowed us to choose our preferred tea flavor and teapot, and then guided us through the traditional tea-serving process. First, we cleaned the teapot, then added the right amount of dried tea into a cup. Next, we poured hot water, stirred, waited for about two minutes, then strained the tea into the pot. Finally, we poured and enjoyed our tea. We also got to try cold tea, though I personally preferred the hot version for its rich aroma and warmth.

     Aside from traditional tea, we also sampled some of their modern creations like tea mocktails, Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Cream Mousse, and even a type of fermented tea wine—each offering a unique and enjoyable twist.

       Visiting Sila Tea House was a calming, educational, and delicious experience. We not only got to taste a variety of teas but also gained insight into the cultural roots and values behind Indonesia’s tea-drinking traditions. It was another unforgettable day in our exchange journey—one that reminded us how food and drink can be powerful storytellers of a nation’s history and soul.

     ~ The day wasn’t over yet. After visiting Sila Tea House, Mr. Aidil invited us to have dinner at his house as he was preparing to leave Indonesia for Japan. We enjoyed the food and shared some conversations. By the time we finished, it was already late at night, so we headed home to rest—ready for another day ahead.