Mogok Tea, Growing Hope in the Mountains of Myanmar

When people think of Myanmar, they often picture golden pagodas, ancient temples and bustling markets. Yet high in the mountains, more than two hundred kilometres north of Mandalay, another treasure has quietly grown for centuries.

Long before the world discovered its teas, the region of Mogok became famous for something else entirely: some of the world's finest rubies and sapphires. For generations, mining shaped both the landscape and the lives of its people. It created opportunity, but also came at a cost. Forests disappeared, rivers became polluted and entire communities depended on dangerous work with little long-term security.

Today, another story is emerging.

At Tea Kulture, we are proud to work with Mogok Tea, a remarkable tea garden that proves tea can become a force for regeneration, community and hope.

A Different Future Begins at Five Trees Estate

Nestled among the mountains of Mogok lies Five Trees Estate, named after five magnificent ancient trees standing beside a small Buddhist temple at the entrance of the estate.

For generations these trees have been a place where neighbours gather, celebrate ceremonies and seek quiet reflection.

Today they have become the symbol of something much larger.

Here, tea is creating a new future.

The driving force behind that vision is Phyu Thwe.

After leaving Myanmar to study accounting in the United Kingdom, Phyu built a successful career in London. Yet while living abroad she watched her homeland struggle with poverty, environmental destruction and the lasting consequences of gemstone mining.

Rather than looking away, she decided to return with a different vision.

She founded Mogok Tea to demonstrate that sustainable agriculture could create lasting prosperity while protecting the landscapes that had shaped her childhood.

The company's logo reflects that philosophy beautifully.

Inspired by her mother's words,

"Be the tree that gives shelter to many."

the logo depicts a great tree filled with birds, symbolising protection, community and opportunity.

A Tea Tradition Rooted in Myanmar

Tea has been part of Myanmar's culture for more than a thousand years.

According to local legend, King Alaungsithu presented tea seeds to the Palaung people during the twelfth century. Since then, generations of mountain communities have cultivated tea on the cool slopes of Shan State and neighbouring regions.

Tea travelled along the ancient Tea Horse Road together with silk, spices and ideas, connecting Myanmar with China and Tibet.

It also became deeply woven into everyday life.

Myanmar remains one of the few countries where tea is not only drunk but also eaten.

The famous Laphet Thoke, a salad made with fermented tea leaves, garlic, sesame, beans and spices, remains one of the country's national dishes and perfectly illustrates how deeply tea belongs to Myanmar's identity.

From Local Tradition to World-Class Tea

Although Myanmar has always produced exceptional tea, very little reached the international specialty market.

Phyu wanted to change that.

Together with The Scottish Tea Factory and internationally respected tea consultant Beverly Wainwright, she developed a collection of artisanal teas that express the unique terroir of Mogok.

The tea gardens themselves cover around 180 hectares, including approximately 100 hectares of mature tea bushes alongside 80 hectares of younger plantings.

Everything is harvested entirely by hand.

Production remains intentionally small, averaging only around 25 kilograms of finished tea each month, allowing every batch to receive exceptional care from leaf to cup.

Small Scale by Choice

For Mogok Tea, success is not measured by volume.

It is measured by quality.

The estate embraces organic cultivation, biodiversity and careful craftsmanship instead of intensive production.

Every harvest reflects the rhythm of the seasons, the mountain climate and the hands of experienced tea makers who process each leaf with extraordinary precision.

This slow approach allows the teas to develop remarkable depth, elegance and individuality, qualities that simply cannot be rushed.

International Recognition

The tea world quickly recognised what was happening in Mogok.

At the prestigious Leafies Awards, organised by the UK Tea Academy, Mogok Tea received multiple international honours.

Among them were:

• Tea for Life Award for its social impact
• Gold Award for Black Ruby
• Commendation for Tiny Temple

These awards recognised far more than outstanding tea.

They celebrated a project that demonstrates how exceptional craftsmanship can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Tea as an Alternative to Mining

Everything Mogok Tea does is guided by four simple principles.

To produce exceptional organic tea in harmony with nature.

To protect the surrounding environment through sustainable farming.

To improve the lives of workers and their families.

To educate local communities about tea as a meaningful alternative to mining.

For Tea Kulture, these values resonate deeply.

They believe the finest teas should nourish not only those who drink them, but also the communities and ecosystems from which they originate.

Resilience in Difficult Times

The journey has not been easy.

Since the military coup of 2021, Myanmar has faced ongoing political instability and conflict. Transport routes have become unreliable and many producers struggle to reach international markets.

Then, in March 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction throughout the region, including Mogok.

Homes collapsed. Infrastructure was damaged. Entire communities were left rebuilding once again. Yet despite these immense challenges, Mogok Tea continues to produce.

Production has temporarily fallen from around twenty-five kilograms per month to roughly fifteen to twenty kilograms, but the tea garden remains active.

For the local community, the estate represents far more than employment.

It has become a symbol of resilience. A reminder that another future remains possible.