Aromatic Chai by Zeni

Our opening theme for the “Cooking Up Feminism” program was “Hot Beverages.” While we could have picked a more specific theme, like “tea” or “coffee” it was important to be inclusive by keeping the topic broad, so that everyone would have a chance to think about their preferred hot beverage. It just so happens that all of the “Cooking Up Feminism” participants chose to make, and discuss, some form of tea with medicinal properties.

Zeni chose to bring an herbal, medicinal remedy from her childhood spent in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The carefully brewed, immunity boosting concoction is known as Tangawizi when it is made without milk. However, when milk is added, it is called Chai. Zeni reminisces over how her mother ensured that Tangawizi was prepared for the children, on a daily basis, so as to keep seasonal colds and the flu at bay. After all, regular visits to the doctor were neither accessible, nor affordable.

Zeni now lives in Canada, and often brews this tea from her childhood, for comfort and warmth while navigating seasonal changes.

On a cool, rainy, autumn day when I struggle with human traffic on the subway, I sip on this tea and it feels like I’m being hugged. I feel like the tea is giving me warmth, from head to toe, especially this tea, so lovingly made by myself for myself. When I make this tea, I am transported to a place that my heart longs for, yearning for coziness, and a gentle breeze coming from the Indian Ocean. Each sip takes my troubles away.