Lemongrass and Misai Kucing: Traditional Malaysian Botanicals for the Modern Tea Shelf

Walk through a Malaysian kampung (village) garden and you will almost certainly find two plants growing within arm’s reach of the kitchen door. One is a tall clump of fragrant, blade-like grass. The other is a modest shrub topped with delicate white flowers whose long, curling stamens look remarkably like a cat’s whiskers.

The first is lemongrass, known locally as serai. The second is Misai Kucing — literally “cat’s whiskers” in Malay. For generations, both have been steeped, simmered and shared across Malaysian households. Today, they are stepping onto tea shelves from London to Tokyo, and they are at the heart of what Rhymba Hills brings to the world.

In this guide, we explore where these two botanicals come from, how they have traditionally been enjoyed, what makes Misai Kucing tea so distinctive, and why this pairing is perfectly suited to how people drink tea today.

What Is Misai Kucing?

Misai Kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus, also known by its older botanical name Orthosiphon stamineus) is a flowering herb in the mint family, native to tropical Southeast Asia. Its name comes from its most striking feature: slender white or pale lilac stamens that extend well beyond the petals, giving each flower the look of a cat’s face.

You may also encounter it under other names:

• Java tea — the name most commonly used in Europe
• Kumis kucing — its Indonesian name, also meaning “cat’s whiskers”
• Cat’s whiskers — its common English name

It is the leaves, rather than the flowers, that are dried and used for infusion.

A botanical with a long European connection

Although Misai Kucing is deeply rooted in Malay and Indonesian tradition, it is not a newcomer to Western tea culture. Through historic trade links between Southeast Asia and the Netherlands, “Java tea” became known in parts of Europe as a traditional herbal infusion well over a century ago. That makes it a rare example of a Southeast Asian botanical with a heritage that spans both East and West — something that makes it especially relevant for today’s European tea drinkers.

Traditional use in Malaysia

In Malaysian households, Misai Kucing has long been prepared as a simple daily infusion — a light, cleansing drink enjoyed throughout the day, often recommended by grandparents and passed down through families. It sits within a wider Malay herbal tradition known as ulam and jamu culture, where garden plants are valued as part of everyday wellbeing rather than as occasional remedies.

Researchers have taken an interest in the plant too, studying naturally occurring compounds such as rosmarinic acid and the flavonoid sinensetin. For tea lovers, however, its appeal is simpler: it is a gentle, caffeine-free infusion with a story that stretches back generations.

What Does Misai Kucing Tea Taste Like?

On its own, Misai Kucing tea is mild and approachable. Expect:

• Soft, green, slightly grassy notes, similar to a light herbal tisane
• A subtle earthiness with a hint of mint-family freshness
• A clean, smooth finish with little to no bitterness when brewed correctly

Because its flavour is understated, Misai Kucing is often blended with brighter botanicals. And there is no more natural partner than lemongrass.

Lemongrass: Malaysia’s Most Aromatic Kitchen Herb

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is one of the defining aromas of Malaysian cooking. Bruised stalks of serai perfume rendang, laksa and countless curries and soups across the country. Its bright citrus fragrance comes largely from citral, the same aromatic compound found in lemon peel — which is why lemongrass tastes vividly lemony without any actual lemon.

As a tea, lemongrass has been enjoyed across Southeast Asia for centuries, typically brewed after meals or in the evening as a calming, warming drink. Around the world it has become one of the most recognised herbal infusions, prized for its clean, uplifting character.

What lemongrass brings to a blend

• Bright citrus top notes that lift heavier or earthier herbs
• A naturally sweet, floral aroma that needs no added flavouring
• Instant familiarity for new tea drinkers, making it an ideal “gateway” botanical

Why Lemongrass and Misai Kucing Work So Well Together

The pairing of lemongrass and Misai Kucing is not a modern invention — it reflects how these plants have been used side by side in Malaysian homes for generations. Taste them together and the logic is clear:

Misai Kucing provides a soft, rounded body; lemongrass adds brightness and fragrance. The result is a balanced, refreshing infusion that is easy to drink at any time of day — morning, afternoon or late evening.

Bringing Traditional Botanicals to the Modern Tea Shelf

Global tea habits are changing. Across the UK, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong, more consumers are looking for drinks that are:

• Caffeine-free, for afternoons, evenings and mindful routines
• Naturally flavoured, without artificial additives
• Rooted in authentic origin stories, rather than generic “herbal blends”
• Distinctive, offering something beyond chamomile and peppermint

Lemongrass and Misai Kucing tick every box. They are familiar enough to feel approachable, yet distinctive enough to stand out on a crowded shelf. And they carry something increasingly rare: a genuine, living heritage.

A Malaysian botanical brand, global in outlook

This is where Rhymba Hills comes in. As a Malaysian botanical brand with a global outlook, Rhymba Hills works with these traditional ingredients in a way that respects their origins while meeting the expectations of international tea drinkers and retailers:

• Heritage-led sourcing — botanicals grown in Malaysia and rooted in local tradition
• JAKIM Halal certification — offering confidence to Halal-conscious consumers and retailers worldwide
• International recognition — award recognition in Paris and the UK
• Visit Malaysia 2026 partner — part of a national effort to share Malaysian culture with the world

Lemongrass and Misai Kucing sit alongside Rhymba Hills’ other hero botanicals — Bentong ginger, pandan, roselle, Ceylon cinnamon and turmeric — forming a range that tells the story of Malaysia, one cup at a time.

How to Brew Lemongrass and Misai Kucing Tea

For the best flavour, follow these simple steps:

1. Heat fresh water to just off the boil (around 95°C).
2. Use one tea bag or 1–2 teaspoons of loose botanicals per 250 ml cup.
3. Steep for 10 minutes. Herbal infusions benefit from a longer brew than black or green tea.
4. Enjoy as it is, or add a slice of fresh ginger or a drizzle of honey.

Serving ideas

• Iced: Brew double strength, cool, and pour over ice with a sprig of mint — a perfect tropical refresher.
• With pandan: Add a knotted pandan leaf while steeping for a soft, vanilla-like sweetness in true Malaysian style.
• As an evening ritual: Its caffeine-free nature makes it a natural choice for winding down after dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Misai Kucing tea?

Misai Kucing tea is a herbal infusion made from the dried leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. Its name means “cat’s whiskers” in Malay, after the long stamens of its flowers. It is also known as Java tea.

Is Misai Kucing tea caffeine-free?

Yes. Misai Kucing is a herb, not a true tea from the Camellia sinensis plant, so it is naturally caffeine-free. The same is true of lemongrass.

What does Misai Kucing taste like?

It has a mild, smooth, slightly grassy and earthy flavour. It pairs especially well with citrusy botanicals such as lemongrass.

Is Misai Kucing the same as Java tea?

Yes. “Java tea” is the name commonly used for Misai Kucing in Europe, reflecting its historic trade connection with the Indonesian island of Java.

Can I drink lemongrass and Misai Kucing tea every day?

Many people in Malaysia enjoy these infusions as part of their daily routine. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before adding any new herbal infusion to your diet.

Are Rhymba Hills infusions Halal certified?

Yes. Rhymba Hills products are JAKIM Halal certified.

A Taste of Malaysia, Wherever You Are

Lemongrass and Misai Kucing are more than ingredients. They are part of everyday Malaysian life — growing in home gardens, simmering in family kitchens and shared from one generation to the next. By bringing them to the modern tea shelf, Rhymba Hills offers tea lovers around the world an authentic, caffeine-free way to experience Malaysia’s botanical heritage.

Explore the Rhymba Hills collection and discover how traditional Malaysian botanicals can become part of your own daily ritual.

This article is for general information only and is not intended as medical advice. Herbal infusions are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have any health concerns, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.