6 minute read
CUISINE
The Elixir of Hyderabad
There is poetry and fine sentiment, in a chest of Tea and that is the absolute truth for Hyderabadis. If you know the chai culture of Hyderabad, you know how important it is in our day-to-day lives. Before starting the day, after a day’s work or anywhere in between, there’s always time for some kadak chai to liven up the mood and conversation. Just as friendships are formed over a cup of tea, we’ve here for you a list of the best chai spots around and what snack goes along with it too!
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- By Asna Abdul Haq
Chai Dukan
Chai Dukan in Banjara hills could be your new place to meet and catch up over tea, under a canopy of trees. The interiors are so welldesigned and quirky that you won’t stop taking pictures for the Gram! If one section of the wall is embraced by animated portraits, then the other is elegantly decorated with a typewriter and wall clocks. The outdoor section is where you want you be. Wooden benches under the trees, board games to play with the squad, along with some of the best varieties of tea. Our favourite was the Strawberry Iced tea and along with it, a plate of hot and fresh Paneer Pakodas. This fusion of hot and cold turned out to be the best one we’ve ever tasted.
Address: Road No. 14, Banjara Hills. Ph : 95508 99613
Chai Point
If you want to try an assortment of different Indian chais, the head over to Chai point. Not only do they have the traditional Dum ki Chai, but also the classics like masala chai, ginger chai and lemon chai. Located in the Inorbit Mall, the place gives off cosy vibes and is a perfect corner to spend some me-time with your favourite book and some soul nourishing tea. The décor is made up of wooden accents along with comfortable seating. Along with some good chai, they have some yummy snacks like parathas, samosas and sandwiches. We went with the classic pairing of adrak wali chai and aloo parathas, and needless to say that this pairing was delicious and refreshing.
Address: Inorbit Mall, Madhapur. Ph : 88801 41000
Niloufer Cafe
Located in Banjara hills, this branch of Niloufer Café has instantly become the new town favourite. In addition to their famous irani chai, they also have delicious coffees and milkshakes. To accompany your tea, there are numerous options like vegetable and paneers puffs, salt biscuits, Osmania biscuits, taste cakes, fresh breads and pista biscuits. They have a vast parking space up front, that makes it a drive-in café. Enjoy some gapshap with some delicious tea and biscuits in the safety of your cars. If you want to try something different yet authentic, go for their Irani chai and Brun Maska. The brun maska is absolutely divine, fresh buttered up buns with a sprinkle of sugar along with some of the best chai, will definitely be a good start to your weekend!
Address: Road No. 12, Banjara Hills. Ph: 84668 68670
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Chai Kahani
Those blissful evenings with your squad, over a cuppa and some tempting snacks, are the perfect ingredients for memorable times. Relive your days of nostalgia and brew new stories with your buddies at Chai Kahani, with several varieties of tea at a budget. The outdoor seating area is spread across the lawn with benches, and the indoor seating is simple and comfortable. Engulfed in greenery and sounds of students chatting away, Chai Kahani is a tea joint straight out of your college nostalgia books. The company of cute doggos make it even better. We had the almond rich almond tea along with pancakes, perfect for a peaceful evening. The tea was rich in taste and the pancakes were fluffy and delish.
Address: MCR HRD, Jubilee Hills. Ph : 98666 06706
Dostea
Dost and Tea, the best jodi you can find at a tea joint. Similarly, Dostea brings the best jodi of Tea and delish snacks like bun maska, pizzas, French fries and sandwiches. They serve they chais in a Kulhad, which make the experience all the more fun and memorable. The joint has an array of chai like Ginger tea, Kadak chai, Spl. Masala chai, Elaichi tea etc. The décor is simple yet cute. The Kadak Asssam tea and sandwiches pair up really nicely for your fun evening food cravings.
Address: Madhapur and Punjagutta. Ph : 88850 40465
Taiba Bakery and Café Hyderabadi tea culture is never complete without Irani chai and Osmania Biscuits, and everyone knows this. These two were made for each other. The richly prepared irani chai with soft, buttery Osmania biscuit will leave you in a peaceful trance. Some of the best chai and biscuit in the city can be found at Taiba Bakery and Café. The place is made traditionally like an Irani café with the option of enjoying your tea break either sitting down or standing up, along with your squad, with banter and quips. Though, the place offers salt biscuits, fine biscuits, puffs and samosas, our personal favourite is the Irani chai paired up with their buttery Osmania biscuits. If you’ve never tried this combo (which is hard to believe), you need to do that ASAP!
Address: Masab Tank. Ph : 8142732786
Chai Pani Café
When was the last time you went out to enjoy delish chaat without having to be constantly worried about the hygiene? Well, here’s your chance to do exactly that. Chai Pani café at Jubilee hills serves lip smacking chat and amazing chai. The ambience is cosy, and the décor portrays historical monuments on the walls, corners decorated with antique radio, telephone and other collections. Totally Instagramable! The bustle is full of chai enthusiasts of the city and the air is filled with the tangy aroma of chaat. Though the place has some delectable namkeens and chaat, it also offers healthy organic teas like Jasmine, Rose Chamomile, Lemon Ginger etc. And with the weather changing, nothing better than a hot cup of Organic Lemon Honey tea and Ginger biscuits to boost your immune systems. Though the taste is something different, it is definitely something you should try!