Tea trip to Indonesia
Tea Trip to Indonesia

We tasted some fantastic tea from Indonesia and decided to bring that tea to our customers in Missoula, Montana. We contacted the Indonesian tea farm this fall. In addition to being very helpful with our tea order, they graciously invited us to visit them this winter. We jumped at the invitation.  We found ourselves in the most populous city in Southeast Asia and the capital of the world’s largest Muslim majority country – Jakarta.

The population of Indonesia is 250 million, and more than half live on the island of Java. Jakarta was inundated with flooding between the airport and our motel.  We saw kids swimming and men fishing in the floods.

We saw slums, chickens, modern high rises, fast cars, thousands of scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, and brightly colored mosques. We finally found access to our motel by circumnavigating flood zones, and the normal 20 minute drive was an hour and a half.

We met our professional driver, Acep, the next morning and headed out of Jakarta. We met our hosts in Bogar.  We had an Indonesian cuisine lunch with fish and prawns, fried rice and vegetables, chicken satay and an interesting beverage called Jamu. The Dutch colonized Indonesia in the 1600’s and gained independence from them after World War II. You can see the influence of the Dutch in the architecture, with columns and deep verandahs.

We quickly drove south skirting volcanoes and entering rural Java, where rainforest and agriculture meet. Driving along narrow, windy roads, we finally descended down to the Indian Ocean and the town of Pelabhutan Ratu. We stayed the night in a hardwood bungalow.

The following day, we started the winding, mountainous road to the organic tea farm….to be continued…

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136 E Broadway St, Missoula
4.9
5
Judy Hogg
Best store in Montana possibly in all of the United States. I don't know. This is the first Gong Fu tea shop I've ever been to. I came in for a matcha whisk because I donated mine to a museum. Before I left a random customer who was introduced to me as a regular bought me tea. I hugged him which isn't something I normally do. But I was incredibly thankful. Then the man behind the counter gave me a free sample. I went in looking for a simple tool and left with tea and a happy spirit. I am looking forward to making it back as soon as possible! I loved it. I think it will always hold a special place in my blood pumping organ.
5
Brooke Blackler
I've been going to Lake Missoula Tea Company for years, and recently have had the privilege of putting some of their tea in my store. The quality of the tea is fantastic, and the blends are delightful. I have also attended one of their tasting / learning events and it was great. I highly recommend their downtown store for meeting with friends, family or even just for a nice place to go and have a cup of perfectly brewed tea.
5
Sari Barnes
This atmosphere of this shop is so wonderfully cozy and pleasant. The menu has such a nice selection of to-go options and the loose teas to purchase for home brewing are phenomenal and in vast selection. The service was quick and friendly. I came here with my family and we bought many of the different teas to try, as well as some to-go teas. My sister and I really enjoyed their house Chai. It was the perfect amount of spice and tea, like a spicy hug for your soul. I will be recommending this shop to others in the future.
5
Tim Specht
Amazing variety great prices and they'll brew top shelf teas you may be reluctant to buy before trying for a dollar more. Great selection for Missoula. Friendly knowledgeable staff and beautiful tea sets and accessories