Tea is in our DNA and if you are looking at the good old Chai Adda redefined in a chic space with lots of beverage and food options Tata Cha is the place to go.
Tata opened its flagship cafe, a first of the many they plan in Indiranagar 12th main (where else we should ask). Tata Cha intends to bring to you the complete tea adda experience – the bonding that happens over endless cups of tea, in a modern, beautiful setting. I attended the launch event and interacted with the team behind the Tata Cha and it was really impressive to see how much work and thought had gone behind the cafe. And it shows, I loved the place and the vibes it has. The swings outside to the tiny nooks and the gorgeous stools inside, I know this will now be my regular haunt in Indiranagar now.
And it is not just the decor which is lovely, the beverages are really on point. I think tea is in our DNA, it is our first drink of choice. And Sushant Dash, Regional President – India, Tata Global Beverages and the man behind Tata Cha confirmed the same. Even in South of India tea is sold is much higher numbers than coffee. Yes even in Tamil Nadu, surprised? I was! Clearly shows, how ingrained tea is in our culture. And Tata Cha is picking up from there and giving us the good old chai in an all-new package.
At the centre of Tata Cha’s cafe is the cha bar. Where the chai’s and the other beverages are made. And to tempt us all, there is a delicious range of dunkers and munchies to go along with them.
My heart was completely sold to the cream roll! it reminded me of many evenings after school, where I could buy a cream roll from the shop outside the school. Spending all the money I had saved after doing many small tasks given by mom. In case you are wondering, that was a grand sum of Rs 5/-. I was seeing it after so long and it took me right back to childhood.
So now about the chai! They have many varieties of tea and as the concept speaks of Tata Cha is all about the Indian way of kadak chai. The chai we have all grown up to, where milk is boiled with tea leaves to produce a cup of comfort.
Apart from the standard kadak chai, they have a very interesting range of hot teas too. The Gur Chai which is Chai sweetened with jaggery – making your cup special and healthy. The Gulkand Chai, Chai with a hint of aromatic rose. Chatpata Churan Black Tea, Pure flavours of tea and a little tangy masala for a desi twist. Nimbuda Black Tea, A dash of lemon to refresh your black tea. I tried the Gur Chai & theGulkand Chai and if you like the flavour of rose you will love the Gulkand. I can see myself having endless cups of Gur Chai and Chatpata Churan Black Tea. Dipping a khari or a rusk in them while I get some work done or chat with friends.
But hot teas are not the only beverages they have on offer. There is a fantastic and innovative range of ice teas as well. Cucumber Iced Tea, a refreshing cucumber flavour, in a chilled green tea base, perfect for a hot day. And the one that stole my Dilliwali Kanji, holi inspired green tea cooler, made vibrant with Red & Purple Carrots.
And if tea is not your thing, don’t despair because Tata Cha still has something for you too. Milkshakes like Rasmalai Milkshake: Rich milkshake inspired by the neighbourhood Bengali sweet shops, with flavours of Kesar, Dry Fruits & Cardamom. I didn’t really do much for me but there were others who loved it. And Meetha Paan Milkshake – A thick milkshake with a sweet paan flavour, uniquely Indian flavours which was my favourite.
And if you are like me, still greedy and looking for more options they also have some fizzy cold stuff. Masala Shikanji – Inspired by Goli soda flavours, a fizzy, green tea base with a sprinkle of shikanji masala. It reminded me again of the childhood in Delhi. Tangy Tamarind, Inspired by Goli soda flavours, a fizzy, masala tamarind drink can be your drink when you want that kala khatta chuski but can’t risk it.
And oh how can I forget the Chili Guava Ice Slush: Spicy chili and fresh guava flavours served in fine ice. I bet all of us have memories of eating guava sprinkled with a mix of salt and chilli. And this slush will take you right back to those memories.
And if you have in your group, someone who has moved ahead of the comfort of good old chai and wants tea the brewed way. Fear not, they do signature teas from Sikkim, Nilgirs and Assam. I tried the one from Sikkim and it was pretty good.
And all this with some delicious desi food on the side, come on how can one resist? I know I am going back again. Are you?
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