Monsoon has rolled into Delhi in full force, with spells of light drizzle alternating with heavy downpours that have cooled down the city's air and given the streets a fresh, earthy smell. When the rain sets in like this, most people's first craving is for a hot cup of tea paired with a plate of crisp, freshly fried pakodas. Across Delhi and the neighbouring NCR region, a handful of tea stalls turn into buzzing hotspots the moment it starts pouring, offering everything from masala chai to ginger tea, cardamom chai, green tea and herbal blends, so that there is something for every kind of tea drinker. The sight of steam rising off glasses and kulhads on a rain soaked evening is often enough to stop passers by in their tracks.
Andhra Canteen's Signature Masala Chai in Connaught Place
Located in Connaught Place, Andhra Canteen has built its reputation around its masala chai. The tea is served in steel tumblers, following the style traditionally associated with Andhra Pradesh, and is brewed with a mix of spices that gives it a distinct flavour. The outlet sits barely 500 metres from Rajiv Chowk metro station, and during the monsoon it draws such large crowds of tea lovers that handling the rush becomes a challenge for the staff.
Master Chai Draws Youngsters in Mandi House
In the Mandi House area, a stall called Master Chai has become a favourite among young crowds. It serves several chai variants brewed with cardamom, ginger, cloves and other spices. Along with the flavour, the affordable pricing is a big draw, which explains why large numbers of people show up there day after day.
Nandu Chai, a Student Favourite Near North Campus
Close to Delhi University's North Campus, Nandu Chai Wala enjoys massive popularity among students. Despite being a modest, small stall, it is rarely without a crowd, and students from the university regularly stop by for a cup between classes or after they end.
Nagori Chai and Chai Chulha Round Out the List
Nagori Chai, which started out in Old Rajendra Nagar, now runs branches in Connaught Place, West Patel Nagar and Chandni Chowk as well. Its strong, kadak style tea has won it a loyal following that keeps coming back for more. Chai Chulha is another spot that tea enthusiasts frequent, where the piping hot tea served alongside fresh, hot pakodas makes the monsoon experience even better.
For anyone looking to make the most of the rainy season, these five spots across Delhi are worth a visit. The combination of strong chai, hot pakodas and falling rain is what makes this monsoon memorable for tea lovers in the capital. Each of these stalls has its own distinct character, but they all share the same simple goal of making a rainy day feel a little more special.
