India, as we all know, is the second-largest producer of tea in the world. Locally it is popularly known as Chai. The milk-infused, sweet-spicy drink has gained immense global popularity over the years. 

An interesting fact to note here is that Chai was originally used as a healing spiced beverage in Ayurveda which eventually turned into a morning regime for millions across the globe. No matter where you are in India, you will always find a chai stall close to your home. This pocket-friendly beverage is the most delicious and ideal refreshment, in any kind of weather.

Some tea stalls even curate delicate variations chai. Besides the usual milk infused type, you also have Green Tea, Lemon Tea and Masala Tea as popular choices that the people of the city love to enjoy.

Apart from its rich culture and heritage, Kolkata is also known for the local stalls of food and beverages. Vendors can be found ushering out insurmountable creations in almost every locality. The City of Joy loves its peace and is a believer of “Adda”, a Bengali word used to describe the act of getting along with friends or family members. 

The ideal way to do ADDA is to hold a cup of tea and deliberate on intellectual discussions fanning across politics, society, friends and economics. The local tea stalls though occupy a small area, the crowd that it pulls is striking and sometimes lead to long queues at these stalls. This highlights the popularity of local tea stalls. 

Throwing light on the rush hours of these Chai stalls

While there is no specific time for having tea, there are some moments when having tea is a mandatory affair -

Early Morning hours

For some, mornings are incomplete without having the bed tea but for others, the tea has to wait a little further. After an intense workout session or walking around the lavish gardens or lakes of Kolkata, the residents head out to local chaiwallahs to have a quick sip and snack with their morning walkers!

Afternoon office break hours

A hectic day at work calls for a necessary chai break in the afternoon. Almost all the colleagues put their foot forward to their nearby chai stall and revitalize themselves. The tea break is incomplete without criticising the boss, talking about relationships and discussions about their favourite sport. Even if one fails to get company, skipping tea is impossible! Camac Street, Sector V, Dalhousie and Central Avenue are some popular office areas where chaiwallahs have busy afternoons.

Late Night hours

People who step out of their houses at night for a long drive or to enjoy the nightlife, end up laying their hands on a cup of tea at their favourite tea stall. Sometimes they even prefer to drive tens of kilometres away just to treat themselves with their scrumptious chai.

College Bunking hours 

When morning walkers, office goers and householders are in love with tea, then how can students stay immune to this affair? As soon as the boring lecture comes to an end, the young crowd rushes to the tea stalls near their campuses. The feeling of rejuvenation after sipping a cup of tea is incomprehensible. Not to mention the bond these young crowds form with the local Chaiwala.

The bigger organizations that affect the local ones

Kolkata is the hub of local vendors. Earlier these used to have a monopoly in their respective areas but the increasing rate of national brands like Cafe Coffee Day, The Chaiwala etc has impacted their businesses. Now people prefer a standardized pattern for drinking tea rather than standing in a crowd. These civilized tea junctions provide modern and improved decor in addition to your refreshing beverage. The tea market has become a largely profitable sector in the economy.

Some local Brands that have made it BIG!

Kulhhadd wali Chai from the local chaiwallahs is still irreplaceable in Kolkata. But there are many other organized commercial tea joints that have carved out a unique name for themselves. 

Balwant Singh Dhaba

Situated at Harish Mukherjee Road, Bhawanipore, in the heart of the city, Balwant Singh Dhaba is known for its Doodh-Cola, a fascinating drink invented by the famous spot. Also known for its splendid tea and stuffed parathas, this place can be named as a last resort for all the late-night clubbers

Arun Tea Stall

Located on the back gate of St.Xavier’s College, Park Street, Arun Tea Stall, famed as ATS is a core place for many students. The esteemed Kesar Chai is in the heart of every student. If you want to snack on something, you can try out the Samosas or Kachoris

Sharma Tea Stall

This particular joint can never be addressed just by its name. One has to attach the location of the particular Sharma Tea they desire to reach. Sharma is one of the many companies which has numerous branches in Kolkata, each one with some specialty of its own. Salt Lake, Bhawanipore, Tegharia, Lake Town have outlets which sell chai running into hundreds of cups each day!

Gautam’s

No matter which part of the city you stay, this is one place where you must have visited at night. Cars align in huge numbers in front of the road that connects Ultadanga flyover to E.M.Bypass. People irrespective of age visit this place to enjoy Masala Chai and lip-smacking snacks, in the company of their loved ones.