Taste the goodness of amazing Irani Chai in Bengaluru

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During my stay in Hyderabad ,besides Biryani, there was one more thing that foodie in me crave for. Yes its Irani Cafe and their Chai.

Irani Chai, unlike regular tea, is a milky melange of tea leaves with whole milk and sugar where khoya or mawa is added. Brought by migrants from Persia ( Now Iran) to the city of Nizams, it is now a signature drink of the Hyderabad.

Also called Hyderabadi Dum Chai, it is prepared by boiling the tea leaves and milk separately. And while serving, the tea is topped with the milk mixture. Traditionally, khoya or mawa is used instead of milk and cream. Irani Chai is best enjoyed with the special Hyderabadi Osmania biscuits.

irani chai

It was last evening when we were in HSR after our Pujo Pandal visit and we were looking for a good tea. We chanced upon this isolate located quaint cafe called CAFE IRANI, that look little isolated from the rest , but somehow we decided to visit it.

irani chai

As we enter, there was counter with the two vessels for Irani Chai, on a simple gas burner, and display counter for Osmania biscuits, with a uniformed tea-maker standing behind. The place look longish rectangular, rustic interiors with unpainted walls, and good wooden furniture, tiles tables and chairs.

IMG 8295 W

Our obvious order was the Malai laden Irani Chai paired with Osmania biscuit. Since we hungry, we also ordered Veg Puff along with peanut butter toast. The tea was a true delight, very flavourful ,and the taste was quite close to what I had earlier during my Hyderabad days.

I am glad to see the resurgence of erstwhile Irani cafe, the eatery for commoners and seeing this concept gaining momentum in other cities including Bengaluru. Though “Cafe Irani” is not a full-fledged Iranian eatery or restaurant, the small menu they have is bound to generate interest for many youngster and others alike, about the food and culture of these Irani café culture.

CAFE IRANI

HSR Layout, Bengaluru