Cutting Chai

"Cutting" refers not to the ingredients, but the quantity. It is a half-glass of tea, brewed incredibly strong, sweet, and milky. It is the lifeline of Mumbai. Served in small transparent glasses at roadside 'tapris', it is designed to be drunk quickly—a shot of energy to keep you moving.

At a Glance

•Kadak (Strong) and sweet.
•Instant recharge.

When People Drink This

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Work breaks

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College hangouts

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Late night drives

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Rainy stops

Often part of rituals

The 'Cut': The vendor pouring one full glass into two halvesDrinking while standing on the streetHolding the hot glass by the rim

Who Keeps This Drink Alive

People behind this drink

Tapri-wallahs

The City's Baristas

Boiling tea for hours to get that thick, caramel consistency.

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How This Drink Feels

The sensory experience

strong and very sweet and tannic and cardamom, with notes of boiled milk and strong tea and city dust ending with a coating and astringent finish

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Kadak (Strong) and sweet.

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Instant recharge.

Why This Drink Matters⌄

It represents the hustle and democratic spirit of Mumbai. Bankers, laborers, students, and stars all stand at the same stall for a cutting. It is affordable, potent, and communal.

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Ready to try Cutting Chai?

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How does this drink feel?

Select the moment that resonates with you most.

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Origin Story

Rooted in Mumbai

📍 IndiaMumbaiMaharashtra

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Perfect for the Holiday Season

Holiday Pick

Even during the holiday season, this drink finds its place — between long conversations, travel days, heavy meals, or quiet pauses away from the noise.

🧑‍👩‍👧 Everyone-friendly
🔥 Best served warm

Explore the Holiday Season

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Places & Everyday Rituals

Where this drink feels most at home

📍Rarely made at home (it's a street thing)📍Mumbai Tapris (Stalls)📍Outside railway stations

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Moments Like This

The quintessential break during a chaotic workday or a pause during a monsoon downpour in Mumbai.

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Did You Know?

The special glasses used for cutting chai are often faceted and made of thick glass to withstand the heat and rough handling.

🎈Fun Facts

🤓A "full" glass is rarely ordered; the "cutting" (half) is the standard unit of consumption to allow for multiple cups a day.

Cultural Beliefs⌄

The longer it boils, the better it tastes.

How This Drink Is Made⌄

⏱Continuous brew

📊medium

Ingredients

The Base

Strong CTC Tea
Milk (often Buffalo)
Sugar
Cardamom/Ginger

Instructions

"Cutting chai is about reduction. The milk and tea are boiled together for a long time until the liquid thickens and turns a dark fawn color. "

1. Boil a large pot of water, milk, and sugar. 2. Add a generous amount of strong CTC tea dust. 3. Add crushed cardamom and ginger. 4. Let it boil and reduce (kadhna) for a long time. 5. Strain into small glasses.