Through this insider's guide, you will discover the finest Irani chai experiences and learn the secrets behind its unique flavor. With the right ingredients and preparation, you too can savor the perfect cup of Irani chai. So come along and let's explore India's best Irani chai!
What is Irani Chai?
Although Irani chai is a type of spiced tea, it is important to note that this chai is different from regular chai. Irani chai blends black tea with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. This gives the tea a distinct flavor and aroma. Regular chai, on the other hand, is a spiced Indian tea that is often served sweet and has milk. Irani chai is also different from masala chai and kadak chai. While masala chai is simply chai spiced with Indian herbs, kadak chai is chai spiced with bold, heavy spices. Irani chai, on the other hand, is a spiced black tea that is brewed using a specific technique.
You can also pair it with a variety of staples, including Osmania biscuits, lukhmi(samosas with minced meat), tie biscuits, and even sweet cream.
History of the Irani Chai
Cafés in the Irani style can be found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Iranian Zoroastrians who had relocated to British India to avoid persecution founded them in the 19th century.
Irani chai can be found in various cities across India, but the best of the best can be found in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. Whether you are looking for a cozy café setting or a quick cup from a street vendor, you can find excellent Irani chai in all three of these cities.
Hyderabad
Irani chai is the most popular drink in Hyderabad, especially in the old city. There are still many teahouses and bakeries in the old city that serve the traditional Irani chai, which draws large crowds of loyal fans every morning.
We recommend the Garden Restaurant and Paradise, which are both near the Clock Tower on Sarojini Devi Road.
From Sarojini Devi Road in the center of Secunderabad to Shah Ali Banda in the city's historic district, you'll find a cluster of roughly thirty Irani cafes. There are several notable chai shops in and around Charminar, including the Paradise and Garden Café, Farasha Café, and Shah Ghouse Café, as well as the Red Rose and New Grand Hotel. Five to ten minutes is all it takes to get there from Charminar, thanks to its convenient location on Charminar Road.
The Chai Shop at Taj Banjara represents the pinnacle of tea drinking establishments in India. Irani chai and snacks are provided at a cost of Rs 300–500 per person—expensive but well worth a try.
Here are a few other locations throughout Hyderabad where you can find restaurants that specialize in serving Irani Chai:
1. Nayab Hotel and Tehran, close to Charminar
2. Hotel Sitara in Red Hills
3. Alpha hotel—Secunderabad station
4. Sarvi Café and Bakers, Banjara Hills
Mumbai
Yazdani Bakery
In a bustling alley close to Flora Fountain, you'll find Yazdani, a famous bakery that has been feeding Mumbai residents for close to a century. The bun maska, Irani chai, ginger cookies, and Christmas plum cakes are all items you simply must try while visiting this city.
Grand Road, B. Merwan and Co. (Bakers and Restaurant)
Established in 1914 and located directly across from Grant Road Railway Station East, B. Merwan & Co. (Bakers & Restaurant) serves the local community. They are known for their specialty Bun Maska and Irani chai, but they also serve double omelets, bhurji, cakes, and puddings.
Kyani & Co., Dhobi Talao
Kyani & CO., which first opened in 1904, is widely considered to be the city of Mumbai's oldest Irani café. In particular, the Kheema Pav, Bun Maska, Irani Chai, and Carmel Custard are must-tries. The baked goods are tasty and freshly made.
Pune
Vohuman Café, DP Road
Vohuman Café's chai, along with their cheese omelet, bun with Muska, and bhurji, will get your mornings started.
Café Goodluck, FC Road
Head over to one of Pune's best quaint Iranian restaurants for a perfect cup of Irani chai with the kheema pav and chicken tikka sandwich.
Tips for Making the Best Irani Chai
While the ingredients and brewing process play an important role in making the perfect cup of Irani chai, there are also a few other tips that you should keep in mind.
Ingredients
• Four cups of milk
• Khowa: 4 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Tea leaves: 2 tablespoons
• 3 cups of water
Method
1. Simmer the tea leaves in water for 30 minutes, or until the liquid has been reduced to half a cup, while keeping the heat high.
5. Run it through a strainer and save the liquid that collects in the bowl.
6. Bring the milk to a boil in a separate bowl. Simmer it down until it's reduced by half.
7. In a bowl, combine the khowa and sugar, then stir them into the milk until the khowa and sugar are dissolved.
8. Stir in the tea that has been steeped.
9. Savor every sip of that delicious, hot Irani chai.
Explore the best of this beloved brew by heading to a café, trying out various recipes, and experimenting with different ingredients. Use our tips to brew and savor the perfect cup of Irani chai!