Irani Chai

Irani Chai is distinct from regular Indian chai. It is richer, creamier, and often sweeter. The secret lies in the addition of mawa (condensed milk solids) or fresh cream, and a unique brewing method. It is the centerpiece of Irani Cafés—historic establishments with marble tables, bentwood chairs, and a slow, nostalgic atmosphere.

At a Glance

•Liquid dessert.
•Thick, sweet, and nostalgic.

When People Drink This

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Lazy Sunday mornings

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Evening conversations

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Breakfast with Bun Maska

Often part of rituals

Dipping Osmania biscuits or Bun Maska into the teaSitting for hours in a caféPouring tea into the saucer to cool (old style)

Who Keeps This Drink Alive

People behind this drink

Irani Café Owners

Keepers of Legacy

Preserving the secret family recipes for the tea decoction.

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How This Drink Feels

The sensory experience

creamy and sweet and rich and milky, with notes of condensed milk and tea and baked goods ending with a velvety and coating finish

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Liquid dessert.

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Thick, sweet, and nostalgic.

Why This Drink Matters⌄

It is a fading legacy of the Persian migration to India. Irani cafés were once the democratic hubs of the cities, open to all castes and classes. The tea is a sip of history.

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Select the moment that resonates with you most.

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Origin Story

Rooted in Hyderabad

📍 IndiaHyderabadMumbai

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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📍Irani Cafés (Hyderabad/Mumbai)

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Moments Like This

A slow morning breakfast or a long evening catch-up with old friends.

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Did You Know?

Irani cafés famously had lists of "Don'ts" on the wall (Don't comb hair, Don't sit long, Don't talk loud).

🎈Fun Facts

🤓The classic "Brun Maska" served with Irani chai is a crusty bread roll slathered with butter.

Cultural Beliefs⌄

Best enjoyed with company and conversation.

How This Drink Is Made⌄

⏱30 minutes

📊hard

Ingredients

The Base

Black Tea Dust
Full Fat Milk
Mawa / Condensed Milk
Sugar

Instructions

"The 'Dum' method: The tea decoction is brewed separately and kept on 'dum' (slow steam heat). The milk is reduced separately until thick. They are mixed only at the time of serving. "

1. Brew a strong black tea decoction with water and sugar. Cover and keep on low heat (dum). 2. Separately, boil full-fat milk with mawa or condensed milk until reduced and thick. 3. To serve, pour milk first, then top with the tea decoction.