Food Recipe by Suchandra Ganguly

My Love Affair with Chai: A Journey Through India's Tea Stalls:

While sitting here, enjoying a steaming sulaimani chai, I'm taken back to India's colorful tea stalls.

I never drank tea growing up in Kalimpong, but after reaching Calcutta in 1986, I developed a fondness for it.

Interestingly, I began brewing tea in class 3, for my mother, on her birthday. Now, I'm an unofficial chai connoisseur, with a weakness for Punjabi kadak chai and suleimani chai on hot days.

The Cha Stall Culture:

Indian tea stalls are not merely locations to swiftly get a drink; they're social places where business transactions are discussed, big decisions are made, and a warm hello is greeted. I've sat for hours, drinking chai and socializing with friends, colleagues, and even strangers. The cha stall is a melting pot of cultures, as people from various backgrounds gather here to share stories and sip tea.

My Favorite Suleimani Chai Recipe:

Reminded of its resemblance to West Bengal's popular tea variant, Lebu Cha, which I enjoy in the south, I'm happy to share my suleimani chai recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea (Assam is my top pick) - 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional) - Honey or jaggery for sweetness (optional) - Tulsi/mint leaves to garnish.

Process:

1. Boil water in a saucepan and add the loose-leaf tea. Steep for 3-4 minutes. 2. Add grated ginger to the tea and let it simmer for a minute. 3. Strain the tea into a cup and add lemon juice. 4. Add sugar or honey to taste, if desired. 5. Top it up with a Swig of mint or tulsi leaves. 6. Serve hot and enjoy!

A Resemblance to Lebu Cha

As I sip on my suleimani chai, I'm reminded of Lebu Cha, which I've had the pleasure of enjoying near Nandan, New Jalpaiguri Station, and Burdwan station.

Both teas share a similarity – the use of lemon is common. While Lebu Cha may have a stronger lemon flavor, suleimani chai is subtler and refreshing. Both teas are ideal for hot days or whenever you need a boost.

If you're a chai lover like me or just discovering the joys of tea, I hope you'll try suleimani chai. It's a delightful drink that will quickly find its way into your heart. Cheers to Cha!!!

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