Hyderabad has suddenly found a new love in tea. It’s no longer the coffee shops or the hustle and bustle of Irani cafes. It is the well-planned and appealing ambiance of a tea bar that is attracting the citizens.

One of the main reasons is the post-pandemic era. While nothing can beat the Irani chai, sitting in an Irani cafe is felt to be unhygienic these days. Then Hyderabad has an influx of techies who are from up north, and their taste buds are different from that of a Hyderabadi. So, the tea bars are ideal replacements for coffee shops that once enamored the people of the city.

There is also the health factor involved. With many being health conscious and wanting to skip coffee for tea, these tea bars are the new rage in town. The list is pretty long – we have Chai Point, Chai Dukaan, Chai Kahani, Tea Trails, Chit Chat Chai, Chai Pani, Chai Nation... it goes on.

While an Irani chai costs a mere Rs 10, many like the laid-back ambiance at tea bars. They can relax, make acquaintances, and even work as many WFH these days. The cleanliness of the place and the done-up ambiance is a huge draw for the techies, who like spending time at these places.

But the most interesting part is that this has given rise to another new culture. The tea lovers no longer go for traditional accompaniments. Instead, they eat something continental or Chinese or whatever the cafe offers in terms of food and then slowly move to order beverages. It’s a whole new scenario. There is no longer a set combination, says one of the tea bar owners. Some fancy places also have tea sommeliers and tea mixologists to suggest what food goes well with what flavor of the tea.

Despite all the Hungama, nothing beats a cup of good old-fashioned Irani tea, say Hyderabadis. Well, as they say, each one to his own.