Chaiminar: This café in Manikonda hopes to put 'chai' on the global map

Hyderabad: All good conversations start over chai, and for Hyderabadis, conversations never end with a single cup of chai. From the Old City to Hitech City, Hyderabadis go gaga over chai. Winning the hearts of many, the city's tea connoisseur, Vijaya Raghavendra, who wants to create a special place for chai, has launched the cafe "Chaiminar" in Manikonda, Hyderabad, inspired by Charminar.

At Chaiminar, the team creates custom-made chai blends for customers, each with its unique taste. From signature chai served without sugar they have a special blend of aromatic spices and sweetness from real ingredients to bring the best out of tea leaves and make it a super-smooth drinking experience.

Not just regular chai, they have a special brew that includes Premium chai, Chamomile chai, Hibiscus chai, Blue Pea, Kashmiri Kahwa, and Japanese Macha chai. The cafe also serves sandwiches, French fries, burgers, and cookies.

The person behind Chaiminar

Vijaya Raghavendra's vision for Chaiminar is backed by research and legwork across the Old City. He spent most of his time in the Central Library while graduating from Jagruti Degree and PG College, which gave him more access to the Old City. His unique perspective towards history made him bring the culture and present the lifestyle of the historical era to the people of the modern era through his cafe which looks like Charminar.

"Since my childhood, I have seen chai being sold under trees in small stalls or tea points, but coffee has always been served in modern-day cafes. Over the years, Irani cafes took a step back. I felt why not give chai a special place in the city, a place where chai lovers can sit and enjoy every sip with some good vibes," said Vijaya Raghavendra.

Against all odds

To set up Chaiminar, Vijay went through several hurdles, including the Covid-19 pandemic. But he did not step back. The wooden chairs, mini props, and furniture in the cafe are carved out beautifully by Vijay with the help of his team. He is not just the founder of Chaiminar, he steps into the kitchen to brew the first chai for the day.

Vijay's aim is to take Chaiminar across the globe.

What's special about Chaiminar?

According to Vijay, ever since he started Chaiminar he has got good responses from his customers. "We make chai with organic and healthy ingredients. Many of our customers realised that they haven't experienced any gastric issues which usually happens when we drink more coffee or tea," he explained.

Apart from a wide variety of chai, the café's "Ginger Shots" (served with pink salt) is a must-try.