Whenever the clouds pour out the rain, the nature becomes beautiful, a distinct earthy smell brews in the air. There is a breath of fresh air and all that our heart desires is a hot cup of tea with some snacks. Some seem to silently enjoy the cool misty air. Every state in India has its own way to celebrate monsoon. They have their own delicacies for monsoon which differs according to the culture but one thing which stays common is tea, better known as “chai” in North India, “chaya” in South India. There are many versions of chai in various states of India.

“Cheta, oru Chaya : Nalla kadupathil, maduram kotti..“


For a keralite, Chaya(tea) is their strong feeling. It satisfies their soul. A chetan(brother) behind the ever brewing samovar(steaming pot), pouring hot tea from a steel mug to a tumbler, as a little crowd gathers around him-the scene is still very much common to the people in Kerala  fondly call a chayakkada—the tea shop. We can see a man who leads the chayakada who seems to have multiple hands serving you Chaya and kadi(snacks like vada, bonda, bajji) at the same time instructing his assistant to clear the plates.

Chaya(tea) is an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot  water from samovar and then mixed with boiledmilk. Chaya(tea) and kadi(snacks) is the main appetizer available in most chyakadas. kadi(snacks) such as vada,neyappam,bonda,etc goes very well with tea.
There is a general word’ without ‘ resonating inside the tea shop, which mean tea with no sugar.

The common scene inside the chayakada is some people sipping  their favourite tea and holding the mandatory snack in hand together with hearty conversation about their favourite topics, same time others offer the role of a listener. The prominence of this small space and the deep connection it holds to the people is well defined. The Chaya kada can outline the locality, the people and their traits.

As a keralite, its my tribute to those who have the same feeling about chaya and chayakada.