How to Brew Nepali Loose Leaf Tea Perfectly Every Time
Why Brewing Loose Leaf Tea Matters
There’s something magical about the moment hot water meets tea leaves — aroma rises, flavors bloom, and your cup becomes a quiet form of connection.
But if you’re not brewing it right, you could be missing the full expression of your tea.
Brewing loose leaf tea, especially single-origin teas from Nepal, is both simple and deeply rewarding. Unlike generic tea bags, loose leaf teas require just a little more care to unlock their full depth — and trust us, it’s worth it.
What Makes Nepali Loose Leaf Tea Unique?
Nepal’s Ilam region is known for its high elevation, pristine soil, and small tea gardens where leaves are hand-plucked and hand-rolled.
Here’s why brewing matters even more for Nepali tea:
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🌄 Grown at altitude — slower leaf growth = more flavor
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🌿 Not machine-blended — each tea is delicate and deserves precise brewing
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🚫 No additives — what you taste is pure, so brewing is key to balance
For a full deep-dive into terroir and tea types, visit our Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Loose Leaf Tea.
What You’ll Need (And What You Don’t)
✅ Must-Haves:
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Loose leaf tea (choose your favorite — we’ll guide you below)
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Fresh, filtered water
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A kettle
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A strainer, infuser, or teapot with built-in filter
❌ Not Required:
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Fancy scale
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Thermometer (you can eyeball temperatures using our guide below)
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Timer app (your phone works great)
🌡 Water Temperature Guide (By Tea Type)
| Tea Type | Temp | Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|
| White (e.g., Rara Willow) | 180°F (82°C) | Steam rising, no bubbles |
| Green (e.g., Pokhara Classic) | 160°F (71°C) | Just before simmer |
| Oolong (e.g., Annapurna Amber) | 190°F (88°C) | Small bubbles |
| Black (e.g., Sherpa Breakfast) | 195°F (90°C) | Full boil |
💡 Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for 30–60 seconds before pouring for white/green teas.
🧉 How Much Tea to Use?
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1 heaping teaspoon per 8 oz cup
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Or 2–3 grams per 8 oz (if you want to be precise)
For bolder teas like Sherpa Breakfast, a slightly rounded spoon enhances richness. For delicate teas like Rara Willow, stick to 1 flat spoon.
⏱ Steeping Times by Tea Type
| Tea Type | Steep Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2–3 min | Light and subtle |
| Green | 1.5–2.5 min | Don’t oversteep |
| Oolong | 3–5 min | Can handle longer infusions |
| Black | 3–4 min | Bold, malty flavors emerge |
⏳ Want to re-steep? Go ahead — most of our teas can be steeped 2–3 times.
🍵 Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
1. Heat Water
Bring filtered water to the right temperature based on your tea type.
2. Measure Your Tea
Use 1 tsp of loose leaf tea per cup, or adjust to taste.
3. Add Tea to Infuser or Teapot
Place tea in a strainer, infuser basket, or directly in your pot if using a built-in filter.
4. Pour & Steep
Gently pour water over the leaves and let them steep for the correct time.
5. Strain & Sip
Remove the leaves (or pour through strainer) and enjoy your tea as-is — or with milk and honey for heartier teas like Sherpa Breakfast.
Recommended Teas for a Perfect Brew
Sherpa Breakfast – Bold & Energizing
A high-caffeine black tea with assertive notes of malt, bran, and red grape. Perfect for mornings.
Annapurna Amber – Roasted & Smooth
Medium-bodied oolong with stone fruit and roasted almond. Great for sipping slowly.
Rara Willow – Crisp & Delicate
One bud, one leaf — hand-rolled and high-heat dried. Expect apricot, clover honey, and citrusy brightness.
Explore More Nepali Tea Wisdom
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FAQ: Brewing Nepali Loose Leaf Tea
How do you brew loose leaf tea without an infuser?
Use a French press, kitchen strainer, or simply steep the tea directly in a cup and strain it through a sieve.
What happens if I over-steep tea?
Over-steeping leads to bitterness and can mask the natural complexity of your tea.
Can I re-steep Nepali teas?
Yes! Most of our teas can be re-steeped 2–3 times — flavor evolves with each infusion.
Should I rinse the leaves first?
Not necessary with Nepali teas. They’re clean, fresh, and don’t need a rinse like some aged teas.
Do you need boiling water for all teas?
No. White and green teas require lower temps. Boiling water can burn the leaves.
Can I add milk or sweetener?
Yes — especially with black teas like Sherpa Breakfast. White, green, and oolong teas are best enjoyed plain.
☕Brew With Intention
Great tea starts with great leaves — but it's your brew that brings it to life.
With these tips, you’ll unlock the true beauty of Nepali loose leaf tea: bold flavors, calming energy, and a ritual worth repeating.
Ready to steep something special?
Or return to the Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Loose Leaf Tea for even more tea wisdom.