It all starts with the perfect cup
Chai has been repeatedly bastardized and appropriated in the Western world. Weβre putting it all on the line to make sure our culture and traditions are represented accurately and honestly.
Our parents left Kolkata in 1987...
And landed in Massachusetts to fulfill the American dream. Growing up as first-generation Indian Americans β our concept of home was ever-shifting. In 90βs America, we listened to hip hop, ate pizza and begged our parents for a pair of Vans sneakers. Every other summer or winter, weβd spend a couple of months in Kolkata. An earth-shattering contrast, there, we would jump in monsoon puddles, eat mangsho-jhol, play cricket in the streets and drink chai everyday.
Kolkata Chai started with a simple idea: How do we extend the authenticity, respect and tradition behind a cup of masala chai to NYC?
Food was always better on the streets than it was inside the house. The street wallahs possessed almost magical skills β we claimed they had special sauces and spices that they told no one about. There was a lore to street food. It was democratizing, generational and spoke to all socio-economic levels. We went to the same spots where our mother used to get bhel puri during her college times β where the chefβs father used to serve our grandfather.
Kolkata Chai started with a simple idea: How do we extend the authenticity, respect and tradition behind a cup of masala chai to NYC?
We hope to see you along this journey.
My Favorite album of all time
Paul Simon - Graceland
My Top 3 food spots in NYC
Superiority Burger
Minca
Ayada
My Superpower
Never taking life too seriously
My Favorite album of all time
Jay Z - Reasonable Doubt
My Top 3 food spots in NYC
Nougatine
Uncle Boon's Sister
Trinciti Roti Shop
My Superpower
Patience with a sense of urgency