I have tried Tandoori Chai many a times but none like the one in Rishikesh. On the back road that connects Laxman Jhula to Ram Jhula stands Mr.Rohit Kumar Rai in his tea stall or Chai Ki Tapri as we in India fondly call it and calls each and every Tourist to taste his awesome creamy tandoori chai. The name of his Tea Stall is Om Ji Matka Wala Chai.
Post other page link – The Tea/Chai is made in traditional way in Clay Pot without use of gas and sugar. You can ask him to put Sugar if you want.
The cost of Tea in paper cup is Rs.15 and in Clay Cup or Kullad is Rs. 25. And if you want to get the real taste of Tandoori Chai/Tea than you should have it in Kullad/Clay Cup.
How we ended up having Tandoori Chai!!
It was very cold in Rishikesh since the day we reached and the Hotel we were staying in had no option of Masala Tea/Chai. They also had specific kitchen timings and all exotic Teas – Lemon, Lavender, Green, White etc were available except our very own desi Cutting Chai/Tea.
if you want to win,
compete with yourself.
So, we decided to hunt for Tapriwali Chai/ Tea Stall in the morning next day. (We had to take the pain of getting up early in the bitter cold, but no other option.) And Wow, we found one Tea Stall within 2 minutes distance of walking from our Hotel. We had the tea there and it was good Masala Tea/Chai. But as we walked alongside the “Post other page link of – the holy waters of Maa Ganga” on the “Post link – road connecting Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula” we saw Mr.Rohit calling out every tourist joyfully to taste his Tea.
Since, we in India know the benefits of food cooked in Clay Pots, we were instantly drawn to this stall and asked the cost of the Tea and were curious to know as to how is it different from other Tandoori Chai served in various parts of the Country. I have tasted Tandoori Chai at many places and I thought this one would be no different, but to my surprise this one was Out of the World. The way Rohit Ji served us the tea was equally appreciable.
I have never tasted such a rich, creamy, really smokey flavoured Tandoori Chai. Not only the taste but a person’s way of serving a dish also matters alot. And this guy knows how to make and serve Tea with all his heart. You can check the video itself where you can see how dedicatedly is he making the Chai/Tea. Believe me, you have to taste it to believe it!!
WHAT IS TANDOORI CHAI?
Tandoori Chai is
- Tea made with Charcoal Flavour which gives it its signature smokey flavour.
- Tea made in Clay pot/ Mitti ka Bartan over charcoal or traditional stove.
- Tea made of black tea leaves and milk served in Kullad/Clay Cups.
You can make Tandoori Chai at home too, but you have to make sure you have all the ingredients and equipments.
प्रेम ही सबसे बड़ा धर्म है।
Since love is the essence of all life on earth, any food made with love also nourishes you body. India has always advocated Vegetarian food and it is Sattvic, Vegetarian Food that gives the body the right amount of energy and health that is necessary.
WHERE TO FIND TANDOORI CHAI IN RISHIKESH
OM JI MATKA WALA on the back road connecting Laxman Jhula to Ram Jhula.
This Road is not meant for bigger Vehicles and you can enjoy the scenery along the way by relaxing walk. You can also shop for many antique wares, jewellery and clothes from the shops on the way.
You will also find many vendors selling seasonal fruits along the sides of the road.
Travel is a way to experience life other than yours.
The overall experience of having this Tandoori Chai and meeting Rohit Kumar is unforgettable. All the more, when we learnt that Rohit Ji had left his high paying job in a city to live a quiet and simple life & that is how he started this Tea Stall, we were nothing but proud and happy for him. It takes a lot of dare to leave the lure of money and luxury to settle for a simple and minimal life.
Plus, he also advocates protection and care for Eco System and our Environment. The process of making the Chai itself is eco friendly and uses minimum resources. Hats off to his spirit!!!
