There's no doubt that the Calcutta-style chai is unparalleled in taste. One of its standout features is the strong, robust black tea brewed with milk and a blend of spices. Vendors often prepare this tea in traditional ways, using large kettles and serving it in earthen cups or 'bhnar'
The city’s vibrant street tea culture has made chai a popular beverage among locals and tourists alike. Kolkata’s tea stalls, or "chai walas," are social hubs where people gather to enjoy their tea while engaging in lively conversations.
However, it's not just the classic chai which you'll find in Kolkata's streets; a recent viral reel amused the netizens as it featured a foamy and hot cappuccino chai made by a chaiwalah.
The popular Arun Tea Stall, located on Shakespeare Sarani, serves a unique drink called Cappuccino Chai in small earthen pots. A popular vlogger recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing this street-side gem. The video opens with the vendor pouring a large saucepan of tea into another drum, then mixing it with coffee and serving it in earthen cups. He tops off the drink with a sprinkle of saffron, creating an appetizing foamy texture.
Unlike a regular cappuccino which attains its foamy top thanks to a coffee machine, this chai gets its foamy texture as the tea seller strains the tea repeatedly from a height; plus, the cappuccino chai is even topped with a hint of kesar! The vlogger rated this unconventional beverage 5 out of 5 stars. According to the caption, the Cappuccino Chai costs Rs 80 and the shop is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
"Better than Dolly chai wala," an user commented on the post. "Wow, looks delicious, ye chai pine aana hoga kolkata," wrote another.