International Tea Day: Irani Chai Not Far Behind Hyderabadi Biryani in Popularity

What's the first thing a Hyderabadi would say when you meet him? Chalo, chai peete hai or chai pilayegi? It would not be wrong to say that the humble chai started the cafe culture in the city of Nizams.

Tea or Chai, as we Hyderabadis would love to call it, is mana city's favourite beverage. It is also our go-to drink when we want to hang out with friends. I am sure all of us have our own chai adda, right? How else would you explain the evolution of chai culture in the city of pearls? From the humble Irani chai bandis, we have now graduated to the Irani chai cafes!

Chai and biscuit are a great combination for the hungry Hyderabadis to kill their appetite. It's healthier than the other drinks with its share of antioxidants.What can be more invigorating than a glass of piping hot cutting chai with some freshly baked biscuits?

Head to old city and you just cannot miss the aroma of the chai around the Charminar area. Even if you just had a plateful of Hyderabadi biryani to your heart's content, you face the dil maange more situation. That's when you reach out for a quick cuppa. There are several irani chai joints around, but every place is almost always full. That explains the love Hyderabadis have for the chai.

It was the Persian and Zoroastrian Muslims who came from Iran who started Irani chai shops in India. So Indians get a taste of Persia, thanks to these cafes. Despite the mushrooming of the fancy baristas and CCDs, the Irani Chai adda retains its place. The best part about this tea is that it is affordable. The tasty chai is served in a ceramic cup and saucer, which is perfect for your insta pic, don't you think?