While strolling through Mumbai’s crowded lanes, the sweet aroma of freshly-brewed tea wafting through the air, isn’t uncommon. If you follow your nose, you’ll likely find yourself at a modest ‘Nagori Tea Point’ or ‘Nagauri Chai Stall’, where a chaiwala can be seen working his magic.
If you’re a newbie in the city, you must know that Nagori Chai isn’t just any cup of tea; it is an experience that has been warming the hearts of Mumbaikars for generations.
The legacy of Nagori Tea
Nagori Tea traces its origins to the Nagori community, who migrated to ‘Bombay’ from Rajasthan, in the early 20th century. Since this community was into dairy farming, the members would sell various dairy products to earn a living. Soon, selling milk gave way to a thriving tea business, that captured the essence of Rajasthani hospitality.
Over the years, Nagori Chai has evolved into an integral part of Mumbai’s chai culture, with a ‘Nagori Chai Stall’ commanding every nook of the city. In contrast to conventional tea made of pasteurised milk, Nagori chai offers a distinctive and indulgent experience. The secret lies in its use of fresh naturally-sweet cow milk, which imparts a luxurious, velvety richness to the brew.
Although mild spices like cardamom and ginger can be added to a traditional Nagori Chai, upon request, the milkiness of the tea still takes centre stage. However, no matter how the tea is prepared, it will still be both comforting and indulgent. Pair it with bun-maska and boom – it’s sweet-salty bliss for the palate!
Nagori Tea stands as an enduring tradition
In a city that’s constantly evolving, Nagori Tea stands as an enduring tradition – although under the banner of different spellings of the same name. It serves as a gentle reminder that even in the whirlwind of urban life’s rapid pace, there exists a taste of heritage. So whenever in Mumbai, find any Nagori Chai stall among the buzzing lot and savour a few sips of this iconic milky tea.
