Dolly's The Tea Shop

Ordered one first flush and one second flush Darjeeling tea. Experience was good. Cash and UPI payment only. Outside seating available. Cozy atmosphere.

If you can't stand the heat and humidity, don't visit. But, despite lack of air-con and seating space people visit this place because of its reputation, being the first tea boutique of its kind. However, after being here a few times, I will only recommend their raw tea, especially Darjeeling rea. Milk tea is not good. But, if I am honest, there are plenty of better tea places in Kolkata now, including the roadside shacks, which are my favourite, ambience included. On a good day you might get a good brew here, but at other times, tea is not as good and service is sloppy. Tourists often buy loose tea here, which again, I feel there are way better places to buy loose tea. Overall, this place is currently running on tradition only.

One of the oldest and authentic tea shop, that serves varieties of tea and snacks. It is a very small shop, with limited sitting arrangements. We had the Darjeeling first flush tea, it was pretty good. The service was also very promt. This tea shop was owned by Dolly Roy, wife of veteran politician Sougato Roy. She left this world in April, 2023 and it was her birthday today when we visited. Spotted Sougato Roy there. The price was nominal, for a hot cup of first flush we only paid 100Rs.

Great selection of loose leaf Darjeeling teas, particularly in the premium price ranges. Have been buying from here for many years now as a part of any trip to India. Sealed plastic foil packaging keeps the tea fresh for years.

Extremely rude and unwelcoming behaviour by the lady who seemed to be the owner/manager. It looked like few para mashimas are out there to judge and provide free food and drinks. Highly not recommended because of the uncouth attitude and "aantlamo" surrounding Dolly's tea shop

A tiny tea shop that has been there for ages, long before the advent of fancy tea places and cafes. The non milk teas are still great and while the Covid situation does make visiting this place risky, they take some precautions as well. Its generally crowded, but my recent visit does confirm that this place is now pretty dated and needs to revamp instead of keeping 50 year old furniture ;)( a bit of exageration), to stay relevant. Update: 26-Dec-23: place is still inconsistent. Quality of tea is a let down. On a good day, you might get served the perfect cup of Darjeeling tea. On a bad day, the bitterest over brewed cup of tea. Not sure I would visit this place any more

Dolly’s tea shop sustains just because of its fame from 30 years ago. The cafe is the shabbiest and dirtiest place I have ever seen, its probably a health hazard even to eat at this place. There are spider webs everywhere, boxes stacked near the front door, the tea cups are unclean and has tea stains on the rims. We ordered a fish finger what we received was four pieces of overtly fried strips which had little to no fish inside, I would have preferred giving a zero star if I could. The tea which the cafe was once so famous for was disgusting. The first flush Darjeeling tea was bitter and the milk tea that my sister ordered had a consistency of water and tasted like it was prepared by somebody who has no idea how to boil water.

The shop owner switched off the AC and asked for an early payment from all the customers sipping their cups or glasses though the employees served beverages with unimaginable delay. The lady shop owner ran her right forefinger into her mouth in a brushing fashion and went up to the tea dispensing area and handled the utensils. After all these nuisance the tea and sandwich was served at a shocking price. Needless to mention the quality of the tea and food. A disgusting experience.One can peep in to "show off" but should never expect good food, beverage or ambience worthy of the price tag.