For a hot cup of ‘chai’
Tasty Snacks
No matter what the weather, there are few things as comforting as a hot cup of chai— preferably with something spicy on the side.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to a chilly morning, a rainy day or even a warm, sleepy afternoon. Most Bangaloreans would agree that the best chai is generally not found in upmarket restaurants or hotels. Rather, it’s the roadside stalls and darshinis which come up with the tastiest cups.
‘Chai Point’, an eatery located on Sarjapur Road, isn’t exactly a darshini. Rather, it’s a slightly jazzed-up version of the same, offering its customers a combination of delicious tea and also hygienic conditions to have it in.
The eatery is nothing more than a small stall with a few tables and chairs placed outside. The ambience, however, is perfect for a quick bite. Prem Kumar, who works at the Sarjapur Road outlet, says that there are a steady stream of customers through out the day. “We have a lot of families who come in, as well as students,” he explains.
The menu has quite a wide range of different teas. This includes dum chai and the all-time favourite, masala chai. In addition to this, lemon chai and a chai latte are also available. People who prefer something chilled can opt for a large glass of iced lemon chai, or even an iced green chai— and anyone in the mood for something fruity even has the option of a mango shake. A sugar-free chai is also available for weight-watchers.
Prem explains that the powders for the different chais are shipped to the outlet pre-packaged. Once someone places an order, the chai is prepared on the spot. The inside of the eatery is steamy, with a pot of milk and another of water continuously on the boil. As soon as someone places an order, Prem gets to work — mixing up the chai in a large sauce-pan and serving it hot.
There are quite a few quick snacks which are also available at ‘Chai Point’. These include samosas, puffs, little biscuits, pastries and large slices of cake. Egg rolls and paneer rolls are also up for grabs.
Pawan, who visited the stall with his wife Meeti, says that it was quite an enjoyable experience. “It’s a convenient place to visit, and we plan to come again for this chai,” says Pawan, while enjoying a steaming cup of masala chai.
Meeti agrees, “The location is also quite good, since we live close by.”
