Sometimes I wonder who first told Nigerians that tea needed milk, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes even bread on the side.

Because when I hear people from other countries talk about tea, I’m beginning to suspect we’re not talking about the same thing.

They say tea.

I say tea.

But are we really talking about the same thing?

In Nigeria, if I say, “I want to make tea,” I’m already thinking about Peak, Cowbell, or Three Crowns.

Then I’m looking for Milo, Cowbell Chocolate, or maybe Bournvita.

Then sugar.

And depending on my mood, Lipton or Top Tea.

Somehow, all of these things end up in one cup, and we confidently call it tea.😂

Who started this? Who looked at a tea bag and said,

“Hmm... this is good, but let's add milk.”

Then someone else said, “Add chocolate.”

Another person said, “Don't forget sugar.”

And somehow, generations of Nigerians agreed that this was perfectly normal.

But honestly, I love it. Because our version isn't just about what's in the cup. It’s about the little ritual around it.

Hot water.

That familiar tea bag.

Milk slowly changes the color.

A few spoons of Milo.

Sugar, because apparently life isn't sweet enough on its own.

Then you stir everything together and take that first sip.

There’s something comforting about it.

Especially with bread and egg on the side.

At that point, nobody cares what people in Britain, China, or Japan call their tea.

This is ours.

Our own little interpretation.

And maybe that’s what we do so well as Nigerians.

We take something from somewhere else and somehow give it our own personality.

Tea came with its own history.

But somewhere along the way, we added milk, Milo, sugar, bread, and egg...

and turned it into a completely different experience. 😂

Now I’m genuinely curious:

Who taught you how to make tea?

And please be honest...

Are you drinking it with just tea and water, or are you also part of the milk + Milo + sugar gang?