My working day in front of the computer is usually punctuated by cups of freshly ground coffee and the occasional brew of Earl Grey tea.

In Myanmar, it is tea that fuels the nation; that and betel nut of course. Tea stalls and tea shops abound, and no meal or snack is complete without a cup of tea.

It is particularly popular in the late afternoon and early evening when the tables are set out in the streets and people gather for tea and a chat after work.

 It is usually served black or milky with a liberal splash of tinned milk.

Snack foods such as samosas are often served and there’s always a plate of fresh or dried chillies to spice things up a bit.

More often that not, the large tea kettles are brought to the boil on charcoal stoves.