The Journey of a Tea Stall

Kowser Jahan Swarna 

University of Asia Pacific

Bangladesh

Project Description

The Journey of a Tea Stall: From a Sip to a Story
A tea stall is more than just a place to grab a drink—it is a cultural cornerstone in Bangladesh and across South Asia. It is where conversations spark, friendships bloom, and life slows down for a moment over a steaming cup of tea. From young dreamers to elderly storytellers, the tea stall welcomes all, offering warmth beyond the tea itself. But what if a tea stall could be truly sustainable? Imagine starting with just a single coconut tree—using its wood for furniture, its shells for cups and spoons, and its husk as fuel in rural areas. This eliminates the need for plastic cups, which harm both nature and health. Even used tea leaves can be repurposed as fertilizer, nurturing another coconut tree. In both urban and rural areas, cocopeat blocks can replace concrete for blocks can replace concrete for construction, making the shop eco-friendly and affordable.
With just a flask, a small stove, a solar panel, and a wooden storage box, one can begin with a bicycle tea stall. As the business grows, these storage boxes can be assembled into a larger tricycle setup, symbolizing progress and mobility. Eventually, these same boxes can form the furniture of a permanent shop—reminders of humble beginnings and the journey travelled.
Tea is more than a drink; it is a journey. Like the steam rising from a fresh cup, a tea is about starting small, growing with resilience, and carrying forward the legacy of struggle and success.