Arts & Culture

The Chai Story

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If Delhi was to be a country, chai would be its national drink.

We’re a nation of tea lovers, so much so that a former chai waala now presides over the country as the Prime Minister of India! The drink is an indispensable part of an average Indian’s life.

Here is a list of chai points which are a hit amongst our on-campus colleges.

1. Metro waale bhaiiya, near the parking lot, Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, New Delhi
 As Delhi acquires the trappings of a modern metropolis, the carts dedicated exclusively to serving tea are becoming fewer. But, it is still possible to stop in the middle of a busy road and quench one’s thirst for tea for just a couple of rupees.

Each morning, be it winter or summer, a bhaiyya would pull out his chai cart at the entrance of Chhatra Marg, opposite to the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station parking lot. As the tea boils on his kerosene stove, students who would get down from the metro to proceed to their north campus colleges would stop for a cup. Apart from the stove and kettle, the tea cart has plastic jars of fen and rusks, the classic chai accompaniments.

Yet the chai is perfect on its own. With a hint of crushed ginger, it is not too strong, too milky or too sugary. Sometimes a leaf from the tree above falls into the kettle, as well.
2. The Chai Story, Satya Niketan-
The Chai Story, a chai outlet located just opposite Venkateshwara College in Satya Niketan, provides a simple, cozy, and refreshing ambiance and different varieties of teas and lite bites. The cozy corners and mouth-watering fast food items make it a perfect place for meetings, conversation, or just spending some time with friends.
3. Sudama Tea Stall, North Campus, New Delhi
As and when you step into the university area, you will hear about Sudama Tea Stall. At any given time of the day, you will see this place flooded with college students. Even at 7 pm, you’d find the place filled with students discussing college projects, or just chilling with chai.
4. The Singing Tree, opposite Market No. 1 in CR Park
The place is best known for kulhad chai, lemon tea, lopchu, and Davidoff coffee. Once you’re here, you will become a fan of this place. This street-side hippie joint is a great place for the student crowd looking for options which are within their budget. It’s a popular spot for students of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and Deshbandhu College. While at Raju Bhaiyya’s shop, pair your cup with some crispy biscuits or Mathri.
5. JP Tea Stall, D-School, North Campus, New Delhi
Winter might be coming but we Indians are not concerned because we’re armed with the drink of the aam aadmi and the elixir of productivity itself- chai.
The tea stall at Delhi School of Economics is your spot if you’re looking for some “chai pe charcha”, because the humble stall is the scene for a plethora of discussions on issues ranging from national interest to international affairs, amongst students (with the occasional presence of the professors as well).
6. Suresh Tea Stall, Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110009
Famous for his Rajma Chawal and parathas, the appearance of the chaiwallah might be deceptive but you will be surprised to know that the cost of a bhand of his tea is Rs 10 and he sells not less than 150 cups of tea in a day.
150×10=1500.
When asked about his work hours, he says, he keeps making tea from 7 in the morning to 10 at night, with a one and a half hour break in the afternoon. The economics of tea is backbreaking, indeed.
7. Gweyer Tea Stall, North Campus
As you sample teas in Gweyer, remember what British politician William Ewart Gladstone said, “If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; if you are depressed, it will cheer you and if you are excited, it will calm you”. Gweyer makes unadulterated desi chai like adrak ki chai and lemon tea. Located at a walking distance from most North Campus colleges, the place is totally a hottie! (read: hot tea)
8. Ganesh Tea Stall, Patel Chest, North campus, New Delhi
A mix of new-age ‘quirky’ and old-style charming
From sizzling spiced tea to a cup of refreshing lemon tea, the love that the students of KMC and Campus Law College have for GTS is unparalleled. Their sun shines with its first sip and sets with the last one.
Feature Image Credits: Hemant Goyal
Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

Journalism has been called the “first rough draft of history”. D.U.B may be termed as the first rough draft of DU history. Freedom to Express.

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